Ep 130 - Pumpkin Season Showdown

Fall brings not just changing leaves but an exciting shift in the beer landscape. While Oktoberfest brews dominate shelves, we decided to explore the oft-maligned but increasingly sophisticated world of pumpkin beers.Our journey began with Shipyard's approachable Pumpkin Head (4.5% ABV), which surprised us with its balanced pumpkin pie spices and crisp finish. This proved an excellent gateway pumpkin beer that even skeptics might enjoy. The contrast with Four Hands Brewing's Pumpkin Ale highlighted how differently breweries approach this seasonal style, with varying degrees of success.The real revelation came from Southern Tier's impressive pumpkin portfolio. Their classic Pumpking (8.6% ABV) delivered a smooth imperial ale experience, while their Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout showcased how beautifully roasted malt character can complement pumpkin flavors. Few breweries attempt pumpkin stouts, making this a standout offering.Southern Tier's flavor variations truly elevated our tasting. Their Caramel Pumpkin Imperial Ale featured pronounced but never cloying caramel notes that balanced perfectly with the pumpkin base. The undisputed champion, however, was their Maple Warlock Imperial Stout - a masterful 8.6% creation that layered maple sweetness over pumpkin, resulting in a dangerously smooth drinking experience despite its strength.What began as a seasonal exploration revealed impressive craftsmanship and innovation within the pumpkin beer category. Southern Tier particularly demonstrated how this often-dismissed style can showcase complexity, balance, and creative flavor combinations. Whether you're a pumpkin beer skeptic or enthusiast, this fall's offerings deserve your attention. Try starting with Shipyard for an accessible introduction, then venture toward Southern Tier's more adventurous offerings for a new perspective on what pumpkin beers can achieve.Send us Fan MailThank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.