The Great Pumpkin Challenge Begins!

As we have collected a variety of pumpkin beer over the past six weeks (totaling in at 47 so far), it is now officially time to embark upon one of our favorite seasons! Pumpkin Beer Season!

As we are still obtaining beers as they’re being released, we decided to kick off Week1 with some of the most widely distributed pumpkin beers out there.

On tap, or should we say bottle, for Monday was:

Samuel Adams: Harvest Pumpkin Ale                                                                                                    Shock Top: Pumpkin Wheat                                                                                                                            Magic Hat: Wilhelm Scream
Samuel Adams: Pumpkin Batch                                                                                                                   Blue Moon: Harvest Pumpkin Ale                                                                                                          Shipyard: Pumpkinhead (This was a finalist in last year’s challenge!)

Samuel Adams: Harvest Pumpkin Ale 5.7% ABV                                                                                       This beer is leaning more towards Oktoberfest than pumpkin. It’s definitely missing pumpkin flavor, but you get a sense that this is definitely a fall beer. With some maple syrup undertones, it reminds us of raking leaves. This is a good beer, but it’s not one to reach for is you’re looking for pumpkin.                                                                                                     Score: 11.5/30

Shock Top: Pumpkin Wheat 5.1% ABV                                                                                                  Artificial Pumpkin Water. I don’t think we will buy this one to rate next year. It’s not worth it. It’s a light beer with a hint of citrus and a harsh aftertaste. It actually got 1’s from each of us in every single rating category.  Don’t waste your time.                             Score: 6/30      (This is the lowest possible score a beer can get)

Magic Hat: Wilhelm Scream 5.4% ABV

The other disappointment of the night. There’s a bit of clove taste here, but absolutely no pumpkin. Another beer that we will probably skip. The highest score we gave this one is that it had a decent aftertaste.                                                                                                               Score: 8.5/30

Samuel Adams: Pumpkin Batch 5.6% ABV

Another offering from Samuel Adams, this saison is definitely better than their Harvest Pumpkin Ale, but is also missing pumpkin. This is an earthy beer with some floral hints that is lacking in pumpkin. It’s fall-ish and soothing.

Score: 15/30

 

Blue Moon: Harvest Pumpkin Ale 5.7% ABV

Decent pumpkin and spice flavors, dry and wheat-like. Not the best, but this will do for a pumpkin beer in a pinch! They must’ve added more pumpkin this year, because last year we described this as “pumpkin water!”

Score: 15.5/30

Shipyard: Pumpkinhead 4.5% ABV

Pumpkinhead rated #3&4 for us last year in our finale. This is by FAR the best pumpkin beer of the night. Drinkable and refreshing. This sweet wheat ale is full of pumpkin flavor that will keep you coming back for more. We have nicknamed him Old Faithful, and he never disappoints:)

Score: 23.5/30

Join us next week as we continue our quest for the Ultimate Pumpkin Beer!

Love and Pumpkins,

A&M