This past weekend fall finally arrived in these parts in a real way. That makes today's beer all the more appropriate. A big 9% ABV imperial pumpkin ale from a brewery that's new to these pages. Newport, Maine's Shipyard Brewing and their Smashed Pumpkin. I had intended to get a bottle of this last year around this time, but by the time I got the chance the pumpkin beers were gone and the Christmas ales had taken their place. But this fall I was able to snag one. To the beer!
Smashed Pumpkin pours a hazy deep burnt orange. The pretty beer is topped by a layer of frothy white heard that's pretty resilient and leaves some spotty lacing.
On the aromas spicy hints of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, are laid over top of an earthy, rich, full center. Adding to a rather inviting complexity are hearty additions of toffee, molasses, and graham cracker. Very very nice.
A full bodied, chewy, hearty sweetness leads on the palate. Rich pumpkin flavors and a subtle sugary caramel follow alongside with notes of toffee and graham cracker. The spice on this one is pretty subtle. Hints of ginger, all spice, nutmeg, and just a touch of cinnamon add some welcome complexity, but never overpower. Smashed Pumpkin finishes with a faint fruitiness, a mild herbal bitterness, and a bit of boozy alcohol warming.
I like this one quite a bit. Big and hearty, but with a nice, even-handed complexity. It's a tough line to walk, to make a beer big and assertive without it being harsh and overpowering. Shipyard walks that line very well. Give this one a try.
HD
This must be much better than their standard pumpkin offering.
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