Dogfish Head Punkin Ale – Beer Review
September 18, 2009
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale is a pumpkin flavored beer that I’ve been wanting to try for some time now, but its usually been kind of hard for me to find. This year, Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale seems to be everywhere!
This particular beer review is outside of our regular beer exchange for the simple reason that the DFH Punkin’ only is available in a 4-pack rather than as a traditional 6-pack. So sorry! I keep all four bottles! Too bad other Brew Club people!
Pumpkin flavored beers are kind of hit-or-miss I think. Some, like Jack’s Pumpkin Spice are rather crappy, and others like Brooklyn’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale are not bad. I still haven’t found one that really impresses though. Maybe this entry from Dogfish Head will change that?
If you read the label, you would think this is a 7% ABV pumpkin pie in a bottle. ‘A full-bodied brown ale brewed with real pumpkin, brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon & nutmeg.’ To me, this sounds great. I love pumpkin pie and I think conceptually it should make fine beer.
Pouring the Dogfishhead Punkin’ into my glass, it looks very much pumpkin-colored, but its considered a brown-ale I guess. A small but persistent off white foamy head forms that remains in some degree, all the way to the last sip.
Smelling this Pumpkin ale, malts come to the front and there is something of a spicy pumpkin scent that lurks in the background. Pumpkin is in the nose, but its subtle after the malt and spices.
Getting on to the taste, I would say that it closely follows the aroma. Malt seems to be the dominant flavor, and then a little later you get this hit of spices. I don’t know if its the cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg, but this pumpkin pie kind of spice flavoring happens late in the sip, and then stays with you for some time.
All throughout, you can definably pick up on pumpkin flavors, but like in the smell, its very subtle and not in your face at all, yet you know that its there and that you’re unmistakeably drinking a pumpkin ale.
In summary, I think that the Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale is so far, the best of the pumpkin flavored beers I’ve tried to date. Granted I haven’t tried them all, but so far this is the best of the bunch and its the one I would buy again for myself and recommend to someone else. Its good, plain and simple.
It has all of the elements that you would want if you’re into this style of beer, without being too overboard in the spice department like the Post Road Pumpkin Ale seemed to be, and not overly subtle or intense in the pumpkin realm either. I thought it was nicely balanced and quite enjoyable. If you can find it, grab a box! If I could give this beer 3.75 stars I would, but I can’t so I’m rounding it up to 4 stars (on a technicality!).
Rating: 
My 4-pack of Dogfish Head Punkin Ale set me back $9.99 + tax here in Jersey so its not the cheapest, but so far its been the best.
Have you tried the Dogfish Head Punkin Ale? What did you think? Do you have a favorite Pumpkin Ale that you think we should try?
Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Ales, American Beers, Seasonal Beers
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September 18th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I just had my first Dogfish Punkin Ale last weekend at a fall beer tasting. I liked it, I found it refreshing and on it’s own it was very good, but when compared to other pumpkin brews I found it a bit lacking.
The Dogfish seemed to be pumpkin pie spiced but I had a hard time picking up any real pumpkin flavor.
Perhaps I had a bum batch?
Wolfman-K´s last blog .."Dogfish Punkin BreadPreheat oven to 350 degrees.In a large bowl, combine: 12 oz bottle of…"
September 18th, 2009 at 11:30 am
@WolfmanK – I’d agree that the Pumpkin was rather subtle, perhaps too subtle for your liking? You probably didn’t get a bad bottle but one never knows I guess.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Post Road Pumpkin Ale
September 18th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
The Punkin is one of the better pumpkins out there, in my opinion. This is my favorite time of the year because of that style.
Have you tried Southern Tier’s PumKing? It’s an Imperial ale with an ABV of 9% so its more of a one and done kind of beer. But it is my current favorite.
Another one that I am dying to try, but haven’t had any luck finding yet, is Shipyard’s Smashed Pumpkin version of their Pumpkinhead. Another 9% Imperial pumpkin.
B.E. Earl´s last blog ..Movie Macabre
September 18th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
@ B.E Earl – I’ve been trying to find those two beers as well with no luck! PumKing and Smashed Pumpkin. Anyone in NJ know where I can get some?
Scott – The Brew Cluub´s last blog ..Local Craft Beer – New Jersey
September 18th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I agree that the pumpkin is subdued on it and that was a nice point to me. Also try Shipyards Pumpkinhead if you get a chance. That one has very minimal pumpkin taste to it and more of a ginger bread taste.
Mike´s last blog ..Stoudt’s Pils
September 18th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I’m going to pick this puppy up tonight (unless I get derailed in the beer aisle – it happens often). I’m a sucker for anything Dogfish does, even if they’re hit-or-miss sometimes. But you review makes this sound lovely – I’m in for a four pack.
I’ll also look for PumpKing and Smashed for you Scott. The place I go to in Boonton has a massive selection. (that’s Jersey talk for those of you who don’t know!).
Jim´s last blog ..Facing Down the Big Aisle
September 18th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Thanks Jim! I think you’ll like it. I think our friend from @SimplyBeer goes to the Boonton place as well. That’s a little out of my travel range for a beer though!
@Mike, Pumpkinhead is another one I’d like to try…
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Abita Satsuma Harvest Wit Beer
September 18th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
According to the Southern Tier website, Regal Wine Imports out of Marlton is the only distributor in NJ distributing their products. I don’t know what that tells you but I guess you could get in touch with them to find out which stores/bars in your area they are selling it to.
Cheers!
B.E. Earl´s last blog ..Movie Macabre
September 18th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I will have to try this one. I just reviewed a Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale and was not impressed.
Bob´s last blog ..Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale
September 18th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
@B.E. Earl, thanks! I’ve seen Southern Tier stuff at my local Whole Foods actually, but just the Ja-Vah and Chocolate I think. Maybe they can get this one for me too.
@Bob, we reviewed the Jacks Pumpkin Spice last year, and it is almost certainly the least best of the Pumpkin Ales. (Though I haven’t tried them all!)
Scott – TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Bard’s Tale Gluten Free Beer
September 19th, 2009 at 10:19 am
I tried the Dogfish Head Punkin last weekend for the first time. (Local store had just received it. woo!) Your review was spot on. I’ve tried many other Pumpkin’s, and this has been the best so far. Excellent job! But really, would we expect anything less from Dogfish Head? Always a great choice!
September 19th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Simply the best one the Mike and I have had.
Andrea Reinhardt´s last blog ..Sip With Us Saturday | Bitburger
September 20th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I love, love, love DFH’s Punkin Ale. They even have it here in Texas where I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get a drop. It is so nicely balanced and drinkable. Unlike a lot of the pumpkin beers this one delivers with everything it says to offer.
Nate´s last blog ..Sam Calagione and Dogfish Head
September 20th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Having do this beer review stuff, I’ve found its very unusual to get a consensus (good or bad) on any particular beer. It seems the Dogfish Head is widely admired as a great beer of this style. I liked it, and I’d say if you are reading this wondering about what Pumpkin Ale to try – this is the one! Thanks everyone for all the great comments!
Scott- TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Schneider & Brooklyner Hopfen Weisse Beer
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Since pumpkin is not my favorite flavor, I am glad you said it was subtle. I think I will try this beer. I am always searching for new beers to try and this seems like the place to go to a real thorough review.
Good review, great site.
Evlondo´s last blog ..Public Universities Doing A Poor Job
September 25th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
The only way I could handle these beers was reviewing them all in one sitting, i don’t think I could have done them day after day. Just not my thing.
Simply Beer´s last blog ..Wedding Beer
September 28th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
SEPT 28-2009: Can anyone confirm having bought DFH Pumpkin Ale on Long Island, NY? If so, which distributor or store? Looking to pick it up for a die hard devotee as a surprise. She likes it better than all others. Thanks.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Good luck Michael. All I know is it’s very prevalent in NJ, so hopefully you’ll find some near you. FYI, I got mine in a Whole Foods supermarket, although I see it in other places too.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..The Brew Club on Facebook
September 29th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I had this on Friday, simply because everyone ranted and raved about. I am sorry to say it did not convert me to the world of pumpkin beer.
Chacun son goût!
nate´s last blog ..The Overexcited, Complete and Utter Joy of Homebrewing
September 29th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
But at least it didn’t taste like ketchup, right?
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Beer Review-Tusker Kenyan Lager
September 29th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Haha, hands down it was better than that beast!
nate´s last blog ..Ayinger Brau-Weisse Review
October 1st, 2009 at 11:16 am
Not a big fan of funky flavor beers, but like to try different things. But, I love Sam Oktober (alltime favorite) Saw they had DFH/Punkin on tap and just knowing DFH rep. decided to try. It was good. Not overpowering on the flavor/punkin/spice. great head from top to bottom still on the glass. smooth. had 2 then a Sam. review was right on. would recommend to others and will pick up a couple for the fall. already stocked on the Oktober cause it’s a short supply on the shelfs here in PA.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Dogfish head is the best american brewery ever established , Punk is perfect and if no one has tried the Fort (raspberry Bomber) well its worth the 20 bucks . If i had a choice I would only drink dogfish head and traditional belgian brews . Punk is the best pumpkin ale on the shelves !
mmmmmmm
SMI
March 5th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
@Scotty Issac – I’ve tried a lot of Pumpkin ales, and I’d agree, Punk was the best! I’m going to have to consider the Fort you mentioned. (I really need to drink more of their beers actually.) TNX for stopping in!
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..George Washington – Beer Lover