Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

Notes from 9/13/12

"7% Alcohol by Volume" on the label; described as "A full-bodied brown ale brewed with real pumpkin, brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon & nutmeg." In the glass the brew is amber, with a pumpkin-orange glow under the light. Soapy, off-white head; thin, but retention is steady.

Pumpkin pie spices with an overall smooth aroma. Nothing overbearing. Spice and an underlying herbal hops note.

Spices don't linger in the taste. A bit of sweetness, a light hops bite. Cinnamon & allspice (as noted on the label).

There's a body to this brew that some pumpkin ales lack; a completeness. I don't get the sensation that I'm drinking watery beer with pumpkin spices added to the base. Beats most pumpkin ales in my book.

Appearance: 4    Aroma: 4    Taste: 4    Feel: 4.5    Overall: 4 out of 5

Sierra Nevada Tumbler (Autumn Brown Ale)

Notes from 9/2/12

The last two fall seasons, I delayed trying this until it was too late and off the shelves. I vowed to pick up a bottle the first time it appeared before my eyes this year. Purchased late August, consumed roughly one week later in early September.

Moderately aggressive pour. Not too much head, not too little; enough to let the aroma out. Pretty dark, as I suspected it to be. Dark brown under the light. Soapy, soft beige head. Good lacing on the glass. Carbonation bubbles can be seen through the dark malt body; looks confidently carbonated.

Wonderful aroma. Roasty, but not burnt. Taking my time, allowing it to warm up. So far, a touch of dark fruit, chocolate, floral hops and brown bread.

Well integrated hops character, malty malt bill, roasted malts, dry chocolate. A brown ale that's up my alley (a number of American brown ales are over-roasted for my tastes, not to mention over-hopped). This is well balanced, while still tipped to the American side. Herbal hops aroma comes through as it warms up a bit. Remarkably smooth. Good beer. Oh, and last whiff aroma note from the wife: lemon, citrusy...amazing.

Appearance: 4.5    Aroma: 4    Taste: 4    Mouthfeel: 4.5    Overall: 4 out of 5