Picked up a single bottle over at Jerry’s on Wilshire. I had never seen this beer before. Probably wouldn’t have given it a try if I had to buy a whole six pack, but thankfully, you can purchase singles.
It really surprises me that so many people on Beer Advocate have nothing nice to say about this beer. Granted, I haven’t tried any other pumpkin beers like Dogfish Head Punkin’ or Smuttynose, so I don’t have any frame of reference, but I thought the Shipyard was interesting and enjoyable.
Great color and aroma. Smells like pumpkin pie, a bit cinnamony. It’s very light, almost lagerish, with prickly carbonation on your tongue. Tastes like spiced pumpkin puree, the delicious stuff you buy in a can to make pie.
Come to think of it, I don’t know if I’ve ever tasted actual pumpkin. Love roasted pumpkin seeds, I wouldn’t imagine they use real pumpkin, but I don’t think I’d want any actual pumpkin gunk mixed in there anyways.
- Appearance: 2/3
- Aroma: 11/12
- Palate: 4/5
- Flavor: 16/20
- Overall: 7/10
Rating: 4.0
Many beer geeks seem to have an inborn bias against pumpkin-flavored beers; the Beer Advocate rating for Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin ale – which I love – is waaay low. Must seem too girly for some, but me, I’m proud to get in touch with my feminine side, just like you. Plus some of these pumpkin ales are fantastic.
Hey Dave,
So I know this post has been up forever, but I just got around to reading it. I can’t BELIEVE you’ve never had pumpkin beers before. They are truly one of the great gifts of brew science to humanity. If you find yourself in Boston any time this season, go to Cambridge Common, in Cambridge, MA, and get the Cambridge Brewing Co. Pumpkin Ale — it is awesome.
Otherwise, I recommend Elysian’s, if you can get your hands on it. They are west coast, Seattle, but I’m not sure how widely they distribute.
Keep up the good work! I want to hear about your new job when you get a chance,
-JJ
I agree!!! I cannot believe the bad rap this beer gets! It’s not only a fav of mine flavor wise but it signifies fall to me…cool crisp nites and a camp fire to boot…….I LOVE THIS STUFF and buy it by the case…until it’s gone for the following year….;-)
Thumbs up in Maine!