Pumpkin

Two glasses on a table, left filled with Montauk Pumpkin Ale showing a darker hue and creamier head, right filled with Brooklyn Brewery Post Road Pumpkin Ale, lighter in color.

New York Pumpkin Ales Face-Off: Brooklyn Brewery vs. Montauk Brewing

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In the realm of New York State pumpkin ales, both Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale and Montauk Brewing Company’s Pumpkin Ale offer lighter takes on this seasonal favorite, each with its own unique flair.

Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale is marked by its lighter color and a head that vanishes quickly, offering a refreshing clarity in its presentation. It boasts a straightforward pumpkin flavor that headlines its profile, complemented by a subtle blend of spices. This makes it an exceptionally refreshing choice, perfect for those who appreciate a pumpkin ale that’s flavorful yet not overpowering. Its clean finish and balanced taste make it highly approachable and enjoyable.

Montauk Pumpkin Ale, while also on the lighter side, introduces a spicier kick and a notable hoppy character. It pours a little darker and features a creamier, more persistent head. Spices like nutmeg and earthy cinnamon are slightly more pronounced than in the Post Road, appealing to those who enjoy a spicier touch. However, it shares a similar lightness in body and flavor, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit of spice without the heaviness often associated with pumpkin ales. The finish here is slightly bitter, adding a distinct touch to its overall profile.

While both ales are crafted for those who prefer a milder pumpkin experience, Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale edges out slightly for those seeking a cleaner, more refreshing taste, whereas Montauk’s offering will appeal to those who enjoy a gentle spice presence with a hoppy note in their brew. Both are excellent choices for a light, enjoyable pumpkin ale experience.

Curious to see where each of these beers ranks among other contenders? Check out our “A Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked” to see how Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road and Montauk Brewing’s offerings compare to other top pumpkin ales this season.

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Bottle of Prairie Artisan Ales' Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout standing on a white background, showcasing its intricate Halloween-themed label with pumpkin and spooky decorations.

Indulge Your Senses: A Review of Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout

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Prairie Artisan Ales’ Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout is a truly decadent experience, and it earns its spot high on my pumpkin beer rankings. This isn’t your average fall seasonal; it’s a luxurious sipper meant to be savored. The beer pours an opaque black, hinting at the richness within. The aroma is an intoxicating blend of bourbon, pumpkin, coffee, vanilla, maple, and pumpkin pie spice, all layered over a base of roasted malt. It’s like sticking your nose in a freshly baked pumpkin pie spiked with a shot of espresso.

A bottle of Prairie Artisan Ales’ Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout next to a glass filled with the beer, showcasing its nearly flat pour and minimal head on a white countertop.

On the palate, those aromas translate into a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The bourbon barrel aging adds warmth and depth, while the coffee and roasted malt provide a grounding bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The pumpkin and spice notes are definitely present, but they don’t overwhelm, playing harmoniously with the other elements. This is a full-bodied stout with a velvety texture and a long, lingering finish. While it might be a bit too intense for an everyday beer, it’s absolutely perfect for those occasions when you’re looking to indulge in something truly special.

  • Style: Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
  • ABV: 13.9 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Prairie Artisan Ales, based in Oklahoma, is a craft brewery.

Read our blog post “A Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” to find out where Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout by Prairie Artisan Ales ranks in our top pumpkin beers list.

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16 oz can of Dorchester Brewing Company’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale on a white background, featuring vibrant and playful artwork with cartoon pumpkin and pie illustrations.

Sweet Simplicity: Reviewing Dorchester Brewing’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale

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Dorchester Brewing Company’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale offers a notably light and sweet take on the pumpkin ale genre. This brew pours with an essence reminiscent of a subtle autumn dessert rather than a bold seasonal ale. The pumpkin and spice flavors you might expect are understated, contributing to an overall impression of mildness that some may find too close to being diluted. The sweetness is present, yet it doesn’t fully compensate for the subdued pumpkin character.

On a positive note, Pie Fight! does finish smoothly without any lingering bitterness, which is a pleasant departure from many other spiced craft ales. The aroma hints at pumpkin pie spices and a touch of pie crust, evoking a sense of fall’s comfort but not overpowering the senses. The mouthfeel is light, akin to a soft malt cider, making it quite drinkable despite its lack of complexity.

While Dorchester Brewing aims for a pumpkin-spiced pie in a glass, balancing it with the maltiness of an amber ale and a custom spice blend, the execution leans more towards simplicity. This ale might appeal to those seeking a milder pumpkin ale experience without the robust earthy or vanilla nuances that add depth to other seasonal offerings. For anyone looking for an easy-drinking autumn beer that nods to the season without overwhelming the palate, Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale could be a refreshing choice. Check out where it ranks in our Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked list for more insights.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 5.3 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Dorchester Brewing Company, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a craft brewery.

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This image displays a 12 oz bottle of Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, highlighting the label’s distinct pumpkin-themed design. The beer, known for its strong caramel, pumpkin, and spice flavors, has a higher alcohol content (8.6% ABV) and appeals to those who enjoy sweet, dessert-like beers. The pumpkin-headed mascot on the label emphasizes the playful and seasonal aspect of this imperial ale.

Review of Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale

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Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale delivers a bold blend of caramel, pumpkin, and spices, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy sweeter, stronger beers. The beer starts with a punch of caramel that dominates the flavor, almost candy-like in its intensity, but this sweetness tends to overshadow the pumpkin and spice elements that should balance the profile. If you’re a fan of caramel-heavy flavors, this one might be for you, but for others, it might come off as a bit artificial.

A 12 oz bottle and a glass of Southern Tier Brewing Company's Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale on a cutting table at Williamsburg Garment Company.

The beer finishes with a noticeable alcohol warmth and a bitter edge that contrasts with the sweetness. While it’s certainly not a subtle beer, it offers an intense experience that could appeal to those who prefer dessert-like brews. However, the overpowering caramel and artificial sweetness make it a bit too much for my palate, so I only revisit it once a year to see how it holds up. If you’re curious where this beer lands among the best pumpkin ales, check out our Pumpkin Beers Ranked post for the full list.

  • Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 8.6 %
  • IBUs: 28
  • Brewer: Southern Tier Brewing Company, based in Lakewood, New York, is a craft brewery.

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12 oz bottle of Flying Dog Brewery’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale against a white background, showcasing its vibrant label with a snarling dog illustration.

Review: Rethinking Flying Dog’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale

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Year after year, I’ve revisited Flying Dog Brewery’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale, always leaving it unreviewed due to my previous disinterest. However, something changed with this year’s batch. Whether it’s a tweak in the brewing process or a shift in my own tastes after sampling so many pumpkin beers, I found myself appreciating it anew. The usual bitterness in the finish seemed toned down, yet it retained a rich, robust body with subtle undertones of pumpkin and spice. It deftly masks its 9% ABV well, making the drinking experience surprisingly smooth.

12-ounce bottle of Flying Dog Brewery's The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale next to a glass filled with the dark beer, showcased on a countertop with a blurry background emphasizing the beer's creamy head and rich color.

Dark, rich black ales aren’t usually something that I pick from the shelves, but The Fear has grown on me. It’s compelling enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to order another round. It’s proof of its solid construction as an imperial pumpkin ale, which I look forward to revisiting every year. The 2024 batch gets a definite thumbs up. With a blend of Carabrown, Midnight Wheat, Chocolate, and Vienna malts, complemented by Warrior and Willamette hops, this brew skillfully balances a spice-forward profile without tipping into overt sweetness. Here’s to more pleasant surprises in the seasons to come!

  • Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 9 %
  • IBUs: 45
  • Brewer: FX Matt Brewing Company, based in Utica, New York, is a family-owned brewery

Read our blog post “A Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” to find out where The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale, ranks in our top pumpkin beers list.

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The product is a 16-ounce can of Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., which features orange packaging with white pumpkin illustrations against a white background.

Review of Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

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Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. is a solid choice for pumpkin beer lovers, though it doesn’t quite reach the top tier. This ale offers a mild sweetness balanced with a pleasant spice kick, featuring notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of candied yams. The warm pie crust finish rounds out the flavor profile nicely, and the 6.1% ABV provides a gentle warmth without overpowering the other elements.

While it might not be the most standout pumpkin ale on the market, it holds its own and sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. If you appreciate pumpkin beers, Gourdgeous Pumpkin is worth picking up. You can’t go wrong with a four-pack for the season. Are you curious to see where Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale ranks among the best pumpkin beers? Check out our Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked list for more insights.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 6.1 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., Waltham, Massachusetts-brewed, craft brewery

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