Reviews

Beer

Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Review: Drinking beer with bourbon

Published on November 19, 2022

Shipyard Brewing Company’s Smashed Pumpkin immediately announces its presence with a robust pumpkin aroma. It’s not subtle, and that’s a good thing. This beer doesn’t tiptoe around its identity; it wears it with pride.

Shipyard’s Smashed Pumpkin sets itself apart with its aging process. Three months in oak staves from Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve Bourbon barrels impart a depth that’s hard to find in other pumpkin ales. The meticulous hand-labeling of each can by Shipyard Brewing Co. is a commendable touch, detailing the year, barrel number, and aging location. It speaks to the brewery’s commitment to quality and the consumer’s experience.

When tasting the beer, a thick mouthfeel and a rich blend of sweet pumpkin flavors are present. Its deep orange visual is a direct nod to its pumpkin origins. And the Bourbon barrel aging? It’s evident. A distinct alcoholic note comes through, which might be jarring for some. Initially, I found it a tad overpowering. However, as I progressed through the can, perhaps influenced by the beer’s strength, my perspective shifted. Woodford Reserve’s touch, a personal favorite bourbon of mine, might be playing its part here. To put it simply, “You’re drinking a bourbon-spiked pumpkin beer; let it ride.”

In conclusion, Shipyard’s Smashed Pumpkin is a beer that commands attention. It’s a bold blend of flavors, craftsmanship, and a dash of bourbon bravado. A standout in a sea of pumpkin ales, it’s a beer experience that lingers, and for all the right reasons.

Style: Strong Pumpkin Spice Ale
ABV: 10.5 %
IBUs: 35
Available: Seasonal
Hops: Saphir, Willamette
Malts: Pale Ale, Whole Wheat, Munich Light
Brewer: Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, Maine-based Family-owned craft beer brewery

Beer

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale review

Published on November 1, 2022

With most beers, I can write a review after a few sips. Things pop into my head. I know if it’s a good or bad beer right away. I usually have an idea of what I want to say by the time I finish a bottle or can.

I drank a 6-pack of Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale over a few days, each day wanting to get this review done, but nothing came to me. I gave it a few days off in case I was all pumpkined out, but still nothing inspired me. It’s like I had a beer block with the Smuttynose. For me, there is nothing to spin, good or bad.

I considered purchasing another six-pack to force-feed my thoughts, but instead chose to go on. The only thing I recall about this beer is that it was a little bitter with a pumpkin flavor. I guess I failed on this one. Nothing negative to say. Nothing enlightening. It’s simply a pumpkin beer.

Pumpkin Ale
ABV: 5.9%
54 IBUs
Seasonal
Available in 12-oz Cans
New Hampshire-based Craft Brewery

Beer

Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale Reviewed

Published on October 24, 2022

Before ever trying a pumpkin beer, this is what I imagined a good pumpkin beer would taste like. I could taste the pumpkin and cinnamon on the first sip, and I knew I was drinking a beer. Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale is brewed with pumpkin puree and juice and has a medium body with a mellow sweetness. The finish is crisp, with lingering cinnamon and ginger notes. This beer is more than simply a safe bet for Christmas get-togethers and parties. This is an excellent seasonal beer.

Pumpkin Ale
ABV: 6.7%
18 IBUs
Seasonal
Available in 22 & 12-oz Bottles, 1/2 & 1/6 BBL Kegs, and 12-oz Cans
Seattle, Washington-based brewery

Beer

Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin review

Published on October 16, 2022

New Belgium Brewing Company’s Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin Ale does not ease you in. It announces itself immediately—and aggressively. The first sip hits with familiar pumpkin spice notes like nutmeg and cinnamon, but that comfort lasts about half a second. Then the habanero kicks in. There’s a warming burn in the chest, a tingle down the throat, and a clear reminder that yes, this is very much a beer meant to push boundaries.

“Atomic Pumpkin” isn’t clever branding—it’s an accurate description. The heat is real, persistent, and unapologetic, setting this apart from nearly every other pumpkin ale out there. Is it good? That depends on your tolerance for spice. If you enjoy a little punishment with your buzz, or you’re looking for something genuinely different from the usual sweet-and-spiced pumpkin lineup, this one delivers. It’s not subtle, and it’s not trying to be.

Brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company—founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, with an additional brewery in Asheville, North Carolina—Atomic Pumpkin fits squarely into their reputation for bold, experimental beers. At 6.4% ABV with low bitterness, the spice does most of the talking, making this a seasonal pumpkin ale that’s as much about sensation as it is flavor. If you’re curious how this heat-forward pumpkin beer stacks up against more traditional takes, check out where Atomic Pumpkin lands in our Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked.

Style: Pumpkin Ale
ABV: 6.4%
IBUs: 10
Seasonal: Fall (Limited Release)
Brewer: New Belgium Brewing Company, founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, is known for its adventurous approach to brewing and sustainability-driven practices. With breweries in Colorado and North Carolina, New Belgium consistently pushes flavor boundaries through experimental and widely distributed craft beers under brands like Voodoo Ranger.

Beer

UFO Pumpkin beer review

Published on October 11, 2022

Updated: November 5, 2024

UFO’s Journey To Planet Pumpkin! showcases the brewery’s creativity by blending the smooth, approachable characteristics of a Hefeweizen with the festive flavors of autumn. Utilizing real pumpkin puree, this beer offers a velvety texture that’s enriched by the mild sweetness of pumpkin, balanced elegantly with understated notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a harmonious mix that respects the light and airy nature of a Hefeweizen while introducing the warm, inviting essence of fall spices.

This approach allows the natural flavors to shine, providing a subtle yet satisfying spice profile that complements rather than competes with the wheat beer foundation. Journey To Planet Pumpkin! stands out as a unique seasonal brew that demonstrates how traditional pumpkin spices can be thoughtfully integrated into a less common beer style for the category.

Ideal for both festive occasions and relaxed evenings, Journey To Planet Pumpkin! is a refreshing choice for those seeking a different kind of pumpkin beer experience—one that merges traditional autumnal tastes with the crisp characteristics of a Hefeweizen. This beer is a delightful nod to the season, perfect for savoring the cooler days and celebrating the fall in an unexpectedly light and flavorful way.

Style: Hefeweizen
ABV: 5.9 %
IBUs: N/A
Brewer: UFO is brewed by the Mass Bay Brewing Company, based in Boston, Massachusetts. UFO is a craft brewery.

Beer

The Pumking of pumpkin beers reviewed

Published on October 1, 2022

Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale by Southern Tier Brewing Company delivers a bold and flavorful pumpkin beer experience. This imperial pumpkin ale pours a deep golden-orange with a foamy off-white head that fades into a thin cap. The aroma is inviting, offering a medley of warm pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, complemented by subtle vanilla undertones.

The flavor is rich and well-balanced, with pumpkin and spices taking center stage. While the beer leans sweet, it avoids crossing into overly sugary territory, maintaining a smooth and enjoyable profile. The 8.6% ABV adds a gentle warmth to the finish without overwhelming the palate. With its medium body, creamy texture, and moderate carbonation, Pumking is a festive and satisfying choice that highlights the best elements of pumpkin ales.

Want to see where Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale ranks on our list of Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked? Be sure to check out the full rankings!