Brett Class (Lighter and Crisp)
Leaf Pile Ale - Leaf Pile was a brand new Pumpkin beer we tried for 2015. Initially I loved it and it reminded me of a pumpkin cheesecake or even a pumpkin soft-drink. Erica described it as "sweeet and a little sticky, but also spicy," while Brett stated it tasted "canned, yet pumpkiny still with a very nice spice blend." At 5.2% ABV this was one of our favorite of the lighter ones. Greenport Brewing.
Jack-O Traveler Shandy - Recently I've grown to love the Traveler Brewing Co. and the lighter, sweeter beer options they have to offer. I never hesitate to grab a six pack of one of their shandies every summer for a nice refreshing beer. Jack-O Traveler is no exception to this and provides a nice light and sweet pumpkin beer that I could see just about anyone trying and liking. Brett's description of Jack-O Traveler is as follows; "It had a beautiful spicy flavor and the aroma was off the hook!" Erica said, "So sweeeet and sticky!!!" Jack-O has an ABV of 4.4% and was brewed by Traveler Brewing Co. in Vermont.
CBC: The Great Pumpkin - Another new one we tried this year. Cambridge Brewing Company's Great Pumpkin Ale was about middle road for us when it came to the lighter options. I thought it was slightly above average while Erica thought, "It was okay, not bad, but not sweet enough, especially for Brett." Brett stated: "Not bad, but a little less Pump than I like." CBC has an ABV of 4.4%.
Wolaver's Organic Pumpkin - I've always made it a habit to have some Wolaver's on standby during our pumpkin beer tastings and while it never truly floors us, we still keep it around. Very beer-like in flavor, Wolaver's Organic Pumpkin is average at best. Brett describes it as "A little bitter for my liking, boring-ish in terms of body." Erica said, "The aftertaste is SO BAD." At 5.35% ABV Wolaver's is at best forgettable.
Too bad Organic doesn't also mean delicious
Post Road Pumpkin - Brooklyn Brewing's pumpkin offering consistently seems to be the worst every year. You would think with Brooklyn's name on it, it would be good. Post Road barely has any flavor and will leave you disappointed. Erica says, "Sad and boring, thumbs DOWN," while Brett thought it tasted like Budweiser with very little pumpkin added. While I stated "For people who don't know any better." Do yourself a favor and avoid Post Road Pumpkin if you see it at the stores and want to try a good Pumpkin beer. It falls at 5.0% ABV.
