Review: Pumpkinhead

November is the month that pumpkin ales were made for. I try not to get caught up in the whole pumpkin spice clusterfuck that grips the nation at this time of year—but between the lattes, the bagels, air fresheners and the inevitable feminine-hygiene product out there with pumpkin spice plastered across the box, I must give in. There is an ocean of pumpkin beers out there for you to try, and I guess I’d be doing you all a great disservice by not mentioning some of them in this, the most autumn of all months. All of these beers are available along the Wasatch Front.

Pumpkinhead

Brewery/Brand: Shipyard Brewing Co.
ABV: 4.7%
Serving Style: 12-oz. can

Description: Pumpkinhead pours a semi-cloudy, pale-orange color. The nose has strong notes of spices of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and brown sugar. The taste is a lot like the nose, with notes of pumpkin and spices of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, allspice and brown sugar. There is not much in the way of malt, nor is there any hops bitterness to speak of.

Overview: This is not a remarkable pumpkin ale by any means, but if you’re a fan of the style, it will get the job done.