Nunkin Ale - East End Brewing Company

CrazyMacHarris99

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

First off, this is a Pumpkin beer brewed without any pumpkins. It only has the spices normally associated with the style added to get the effect of the pumpkin style. It would be hard to tell the difference between this beer and one with actual pumpkins in it.

It pours a clear amber orange with a small wispy head. This seems to be low in carbonation. The smell is straight up pumpkin pie spices. There is cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and a hint of vanilla.

I am not a fan of the style but that is usually because the spices are up front and kick you in the face. The taste on this is subdued and very mellow. The addition of vanilla really made this beer great. I am not a fan of vanilla in stouts but it really works here with the other spices. There is a creaminess that helps the mouthfeel but the carbonation is low which makes this beer seem watered down.

Overall, it is a great take on the style and even though its a little high to be called a session ale, this one would be okay with 3 or 4 rounds. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or sitting around a campfire in the fall.

Serving type: growler

10-01-2011 07:06:00 | More by CrazyMacHarris99

HopFace

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +25.3%

12-14-2012 06:51:19 | More by HopFace

tmars13

3/5  rDev -24.8%

11-26-2012 00:51:25 | More by tmars13

dtx00

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +0.3%

10-07-2012 21:00:08 | More by dtx00

AWS2111

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +0.3%

01-03-2012 02:14:25 | More by AWS2111

trafordboy

Maryland

5/5  rDev +25.3%

11-30-2011 18:59:20 | More by trafordboy

nhindian

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -11%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

64oz growler poured into a Deschutes tulip.

A - Pours a muddy orange color, cloudy. It builds about a 2.5-finger head with nice retention, and the lacing isn't bad either.

S - The nose is interesting to say the least. Definitely not a typical pumpkin ale, and the spices are strong. Cinnamon and nutmug are at the forefront and because of the lack of pumpkin, it does sort of seem like a Winter Warmer. Pretty malty, too.

T - Intriguing taste... again, it's very spicy and malty, which gives it a sweet cut as well. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and all-spice are prominently featured. A touch of caramel malts too.

M - Mouthfeel is medium-bodied with good carbonation. A little dry, but semi-sweet as well.

D/O - Drinkability is moderate. It's an interesting spin on a pumpkin ale, but I can't really say I like it as well as beers with real (or even artificial) pumpkin. I like how the spice is playing on the palate, but it just seems a little off-balanced without the pumpkin.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2011 02:02:13 | More by nhindian

russwbeck

Virginia

3.25/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Graciously supplied by the sister of nhindian for our epic tasting.

A: Deep and hazy orange brown pour with only a small amount of white head. Spotty lacing and below average retention.

S: The small is malt forward and spicy. I'm worried this smells more like a christmas ale than a pumpkin ale.

T: Yep Christmas Ale all the way. Damnit. I really dislike this style. The taste is full of disjointed spices, light malts, a breadiness, and not much else. Really missing the pumpkin tastes to pull this all together. Just seems to lack balance.

MF: Light body and carbonated well.

O: Drinkability for me is very low. I just can't drink beers that contain this level of spices. I really wish they actually added pumpkin to this. It would have added a much needed characteristic.

Serving type: growler

11-22-2011 01:22:51 | More by russwbeck

mgbickel

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +0.3%

11-18-2011 17:04:14 | More by mgbickel