Shipyard Brewing – Pumpkinhead Ale
October 25, 2010
I know, I know. Another Pumpkin Ale? Well, I thought I had given them up, but since I’ve had the Punkin’ from Dogfish Head and the very tasty Harvest Pumpkin from Sam Adams, I know there are Pumpkin beers that I really like! In a sense, I think it was worth trying all the yucky ones for the few jewels.
Which brings me to Pumpkinhead Ale from Shipyard Brewing Company. Will it be a dud or a gem?
Pumpkinhead Ale is a 5.1% ABV Pumpkin-flavored wheat beer. According to the Shipyard site (link above) this beer is only available during the months of September and October, which is probably a good thing in general. This harvest-beer thing is wearing out its welcome!
Pumpkinhead Ale starts out good enough. Its clear, and compared to the mass of other pumpkin ales I’ve sampled, its a relatively light golden color. Also, perfectly clear.
The aroma is more spicy oriented than anything I think. To me, it smells more of cinnamon and nutmeg than either pumpkin, or even beer for that matter! To me, its a little over-the-top in how the spices completely dominate the aroma.
The taste is more of the same. Mostly spices (cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg type stuff) but there is a weird sweetness that isn’t sitting well for me. There is some hop bite, but its not enough bitterness to nearly balance out the sweetness.
As I let the beer warm a little, I find myself liking it less and less. Its thin, almost watery and the strong spices are just too much for my taste.
Overall, I’d say that this beer is very close to a liquefied, but poorly-made pumpkin pie. Its different than any other Pumpkin Ale I’ve tried (lighter looks, lighter body et-cetera) but the spices are just so out of whack I can barely finish my bottle. 
So, in the quest to find truly great pumpkin ales, Shipyard Pumpkinhead falls well short. Sorry Shipyard.
Rating: 
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Posted in 1 Star Reviews, Ales, American Beers, Seasonal Beers
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October 25th, 2010 at 10:37 am
I think its interesting how different the color is compared to the picture of the Sam Adams pumpkin ale. Looks almost like a Marzen lager in comparison!
October 25th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
@Meile – thanks and good observation. The two beers couldn’t be more different in the look and feel! Its also interesting to me how much better one is than another – your opinion may differ of course!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale =-.
October 25th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
1.5? That was all you could muster for this holiday treat? a measley 1.5 stars? Wow, Man you are a tough task master. I think I liked it a little better. http://beerandwhiskeybros.com/2010/09/22/shipyard-pumpkinhead-its-autumn-let-the-pumpkin-brews-flow/
.-= Don´s last blog ..Iron Chef America- Battle Bourbon! =-.
October 25th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
OK so now I actually read your review. Think pumpkin cider. I kinda liked it.
.-= Don´s last blog ..Iron Chef America- Battle Bourbon! =-.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
@Don – Pumpkin cider? Hmmm. Haven’t tried that but I’ll look for it! Gotta go see what you thought of Pumpkinhead now.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Brooklyn Brewery Oktoberfest =-.
November 29th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Ironically- everything you find dissatisfactory in Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead is what I love. The spices make it a delicious fall treat, and I’ve yet to find another fall beer I enjoy as much!
November 30th, 2010 at 9:05 am
@Jenn – that is funny, and it goes to show that everyone has their own tastes (even it if they are off like yours!
) The point is, I think, just try the beer because you never know what you may like in spite of what other people say! Thanks for stopping in!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Dogfish Head Punkin Ale – Take II =-.