By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food
Strength: 5% ABV
Brewed: Brooklyn, New York
King of quintessential autumnal dishes, taking centre stage for their Jack-o’-lantern properties at Halloween, through to the American Thanksgiving dinner dessert of choice – pumpkin is the key ingredient for our Beer of the Week. Taking note from the early American colonists that turned to pumpkins for brewing ales, in search of natural ingredients, dating back to the 17th century – Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale is, indeed, very enjoyable.
As is the case with many pumpkin-brewed beers, Brooklyn Brewery have decided to reign it in with the use of spices that are typically found within pumpkin pie (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) and have brewed this particular beer with just a touch of nutmeg. The taste of nutmeg does prevail but it’s the strong biscuit malt that makes up for the lack of spice. When poured into a glass, a golden copper complexion is topped with an off-white head that has little staying power. On the nose it’s quite restrained – mainly pumpkin, nutmeg and malt aromas, though the taste is very promising.
It doesn’t take an expert to gather that the most prominent taste is of pumpkin, but there’s something especially comforting about the warm autumnal taste that’s both clean and moreish, enhanced by the pleasant lingering finish that offers some bitterness to the drink. Overall, Brooklyn’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale is an excellent beer, perfect to enjoy this Halloween this weekend. As if an excuse were necessary.
Brooklyn Brewery Post Road Pumpkin Ale is available to buy from selected UK retailers, including most specialist beer shops.