Written by 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?
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…" =-.
@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 =-.
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 =-.
@ 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 =-.
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 =-.
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 =-.
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 =-.
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 =-.
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 =-.
@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 =-.
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!
Simply the best one the Mike and I have had.
.-= Andrea Reinhardt´s last blog ..Sip With Us Saturday | Bitburger =-.
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 =-.
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 =-.
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 =-.
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 =-.
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.
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 =-.
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 =-.
But at least it didn’t taste like ketchup, right?
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Beer Review-Tusker Kenyan Lager =-.
Haha, hands down it was better than that beast!
.-= nate´s last blog ..Ayinger Brau-Weisse Review =-.
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.
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
@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 =-.
I’m a huge fan of autumn ales, especially the pumpkin batches – and this one is definitely the best I’ve had in that category. Because of its initial bite on the palate, it actually reminds me of Rogue Dead Guy with splashes of cinnamon and spice. The balance is spot on, and nothing is too overbearing. It’s the perfect alcohol compliment to the fall season. HIGHLY recommend.
@Up an PA – Thanks so much for the great comment! I’ll agree with you that the DFH Punkin’ is a great beer. I’ve tried a lot of Pumpkin Ales, and this is the only one that I think I’d say I really liked and would buy again year after year. (I did this year too!)
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Otter Creek Oktoberfest =-.
I tried a DFH Punkin’ on tap last week. This is a highly rated beer and I must say I was not impressed. I got very little pumpkin and spice taste other than some faint clove and I did not like the alcohol burn.
.-= Bob´s last blog ..Green Flash West Coast IPA =-.
@Bob – I’ve never had it on tap, but I thought it was pretty good for a pumpkin ale. What’s your favorite pumpkin ale? I thought the one from Smuttynose was OK.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..The Hairy Eyeball – Lagunitas Brewing Company =-.
At this point, I would have to say that I don’t have a favorite pumpkin ale. The ones that I have tried have been very disappointing, but there are still many pumpkin ales out here that I have not tried yet.
.-= Bob´s last blog ..Green Flash West Coast IPA =-.
@Bob – Thanks! I’m on a similar mission. Over the past few years I’ve tried a lot of pumpkin ales and the only ones I liked were the ones from DFH (above) and Smuttynose, which was OK. This year, the only new pumpkin ale I’m having is the new one from Sam Adams. We’ll see how that goes!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Sierra Nevada Tumbler 2010 =-.
I’m also on the pumpkin mission this fall season. So Far I have had the Saranac, Post Road, and DFH. For me it went, Post Road, Saranac, and than the DFH. I had the Post and DFH side by side, so tried them at same time. DFH I got no spice flavor at all and the alcohol was not concealed to well. My beer store just got the Sam Adams harvest packs in this week so I’ll pick one up for the wknd and try their pumpkin along with getting the smuttynose and giving that a whirl. Gonna talk to the manager and see if he can order some Shipyard pumpkin as we only have the IPA.
@Brandon in VA. Interesting! My take on those three was just about the opposite! DFH, Post Road, Saranac. Just goes to show its different strokes for different folks!
If I saw the Shipyard, I’d give it a try, but I’m not going out of my way this year to try too many new ones. Let us know how the Shipyard is if you get some!
Here’s the rest of our Pumpkin Ale samplings over the years. Quite a few!
http://thebrewclub.com/tag/pumpkin-beers/
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Saranac Summer Brew =-.
Well I tried to the Sam Adams pumpkin this morning after work. Worst I have had yet. I think I’m kinda following your pumpkin path. Love the idea and it sounds wonderful, however while some are not bad none have smacked me in the face. Oh well, I’ll keep on trucking
Pumpkin ale enthusiasts — while I’m still standing behind my opinion that Dogfish Punkin is amongst the upper tier of seasonal pumpkin ales, I recently came across Terrapin’s Pumpkinfest and thoroughly enjoyed it. So, give it a try. Conversely, I also recently purchased a 6 pack of Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead and was barely moved by its flavor/aroma/bite. It’s essentially bud lite with hints of cinnamon. Total snoozer for the palate! Punkin reigns dominance.
@Up in PA – Because I like pain, I’ll try any Pumpkin Ale even though most of them seem to suck! I’ll look for the Terrapin, and I’m also looking for Elysian Night Owl which is supposed to be good too.
So far though, the DFH Punkin’ has been the best of them (for me) and I’ve got the Shipyard Pumpkinhead in the fridge except you’ve significantly lowered my expectations of the beer!
I’ve still to try the Sam Adams pumpkin. @Brandon in VA seems to have given that one a thumbs-down too!
Cheers!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Samuel Adams Octoberfest =-.
I, too, am a lover of pumpkin ales and had the good fortune of having a new cashier at my local Shop Rite last fall. She rang up a whole case of DFH Punkin for the price of one 4-pack ($8.99). I immmediately called my neice who is another pumpkin fanatic and she raced to Shop Rite only to be sold a 4-pack at the regular price. However, this gave us enough pumpkin to try a taste test. I invited 6 freinds and family over the house and tried 6 or 7 different Pumpkins. In a blind taste test the top three were: Imperial Pumpking (Southern Teir), Punkin (DFH) and Post Road (Brooklyn).
@Mike – sometimes, the universe works in your favor! Punkin’ is still one of my favorites, along with the new one from Sam Adams that came out last year in the Fall variety pack. Soon enough, we’ll be seeing this stuff on the shelves and its still August!
True about the early releases. My local Bev Center already has cases of Shipyard Pumpkin for sale.
Nooooooo!
Yep. Must be made from last year’s pumpkins
Update on Pumpkin ale availability. I stopped in at The Wine and Beverage Depot in Totowa, NJ and was able to buy 4 types of Pumpkin Ale: River Horse, Wolvare’s, Saranac and Smuttynose. I’m planing on doing another blind taste test on this year’s batch. I’ll let you know the results.
@Mike – That’s awesome! I’ve tried so many, I’ve found most to suck. I haven’t had the River Horse one or the Wolaver’s, so keep us posted. Right now, I’m only planning on buying Punkin and the new one from Sam Adams, but that could change depending on your feedback!
Will do!
Can you please tell me where I can get dogfishhead punkin ale beer around here. Here being Schuylkill County Pa.
@Terr – That’s hard to say, but I know its pretty easy to find in Jersey! Hopefully someone from PA will chime in for you!
I’d say, if you have a a place close that normally carries DFH, then ask the beer manager if they can get this for you too. That’s where I’d start.
Good luck!