Autumn is upon us and as the leaves change we pick out Halloween costumes, make travel plans for Thanksgiving, and of course enjoy fall seasonal beer. With local stores stocking up on candy and pumpkins we were inspired to taste a beer made from the orange gourd-like squash that has come to symbolize the season.
Pumpkin ale varies from brewery to brewery but typically a beer maker will add pumpkin and spices to a base beer style like a brown or amber ale. Uinta Brewing Company adds their own trick or treat by jacking up the ABV to 10.3% and aging the beer in oak barrels.
Appearance
Amber and copper in color. The beer is bright and exceptionally clean looking. Head rises to a finger and a half and is light tan. Leaves a nice lacing on the glass.
Aroma
Pumpkin is subtle, meandering in the background. Spices typical of fall – cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove – are clearly present and induce thoughts of pumpkin pie. Toasted malt and sweetness reminiscent of brown sugar make this a very appealing beer in the nose.
Taste
The spices in the nose are reflected in the taste. While these spices are certainly the backbone of this beer, they are not overpowering and add complexity to a beer that also has ample amounts of bourbon, vanilla, and and oakiness from barrel aging.
Mouthfeel
Medium-full body with strong carbonation. Smooth drinking with a slight alcohol warmth.
Drinkability
This year try drinking your pumpkin pie and pick up a bottle of this one while it lasts. While a little more pumpkin essence would have been ideal. this beer manages to balance spices, barrel aging, and an ABV that would make Jack the Pumpkin King proud. Overall grade for Uinta Brewing Company’s Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale: B
Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Up next on Tuesday Tasting: Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head collaboration Life & Limb