Written by Not too long ago we asked what you thought the best Oktoberfest beer was, and being happy with the feedback we decided to ask you what you think the best Pumpkin Ale is? As you may know, I’ve tried tons of Pumpkin Ales over the years, and found most of them to be off-putting for one reason or another.
All my searching has yielded some results, at least for me anyway. I’ve really come to like both Punkin’ from Dogfish Head, and also I really like the Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale. Both do a great job of balancing real pumpkin flavors, a nice balance of heat from spices, and to me, both really wrap up the feel of Autumn in a glass.
Again, that’s just me. But the days of me just trying Pumpkin Ales left and right are over. I think. I’ve found two that I really enjoy and I’m not going to bother with other pumpkin ales. UNLESS, you tell me what your favorite pumpkin ale! I’m just curious to see why your favorite is, and if something of a consensus appears, yeah, I’ll go try it if I haven’t already.
So, what do you think? What’s your favorite Pumpkin Ale? Lemme know!!! Take the poll, leave a comment!
Loading ...And a service to the unfortunate souls who get this far into the post, here’s some quick links to all of the Pumpkin Ales we’ve reviewed to date along with the rating we assigned. And remember folks, these are only OUR OPINIONS! Just because a beer got a relatively low rating here, doesn’t mean you should not try it for yourself!
Pumpkin Ales Circa 2010
Shipyard Brewing Pumpkinhead Ale Rating: 
Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale Rating:
Pumpkin Ales Circa 2009
Southern Tier Pumking Rating:
Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale Rating:
Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale Rating:
Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale Rating:
Dogfish Head Punkin’ Rating:
Post Road Pumpkin Ale (Brooklyn Brewery) Rating:
Pumpkin Ales Circa 2008
Jack’s Pumpkin Spice (Michelob) Rating:
Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale Rating:
Jack’s Pumpkin Spice gets my vote, but since it’s not one of the choices, Buffalo Bill’s is the button I’ll hit. Interesting that both of these get low marks…
@Lee – Its all good. My tastes are often way off from normal people anyway!
Scott,
I’ve been able to get my hands on at least 12 different pumpkin ales to include in my second annual Great Pumpkin Tasting. I’ve got friends and family helping out as judges in a blind taste test to determine which they like the best. I’ll be posting the results on my blog, so come on over and check it out.
@Mike – Will do! Sounds like a fun time @ your place!
Voted for DFH, but Fegley’s Devious Imperial Pumpkin is probably my favorite.
@vhilt – thanks! I’ve never hear/seen Fegley’s! See, I learn something new every day here!
Fegley’s is the “brand name” from Allentown (PA) Breworks. Readily available in 22 oz here in PA, but I’m not sure where else it is distributed.
http://www.thebrewworks.com/
@vhilt – thanks for that. Its sometimes funny how often stuff from PA is difficult to find in NJ!
I’ve never, ever, seen a ‘Pumpkin Ale’ here in Blighty… although judging by the way we Brits have embraced American Halloween ‘traditions’ in recent years I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.
I was, however in a bar last night with some friends, and the beers on offer included ‘Witches Cauldron’ and Hobgoblin – which has branded itself ‘the unofficial beer of Halloween’. I’ll make sure I review Hobgoblin in good time for next October!
@Bob – probably for the better that the pumpkin ales haven’t caught on over there yet. That said, considering the popularity of them over here, it might be a good way for a British brewer to garner some attention!
Scott-
Didn’t realize that you are in NJ…River Horse makes a decent Imperial Pumpkin as well. This is the first year that I’ve seen it in our area.
Thanks – I know those guys are in Jersey, but where I am I haven’t seen that one yet either! Weird!
Scott, I rounded up eight judges and we did a blind taste test of 19 pumpkin ales. We had a blast and some interesting results which I posted at Tristate Beer Blog : http://tristatebeerblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/great-pumpkin-tasting-results-and.html Enjoy!!
@Mike – Thanks! Checking it out now! I just wonder f after 19, can you really taste a difference anymore?