Pumpkin Ale - Williamsburg AleWerks

Tiderion

Virginia

4.97/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Minimal lacing and carbonation. That isn't necessarily bad however. Very inviting orangish-copper color.

S: Smells like pumpkin pie with cinnamon.

T: The first few sips are a lightly spiced beer that develops into a complex pumpkin flavor as the pint empties. A true joy to taste this one.

M: Low carbonation but it really adds to the flavor.

D: I tried this straight out of the fermenter when I stopped by the brewery. I immediately bought a case off of them as soon as it was bottled.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2009 05:56:43 | More by Tiderion

LittleLeity

District of Columbia

4.85/5  rDev +15.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I was out with a couple of friends in the park and we purchased a six-pack of this (with solo cups) from an upscale corner store that recently opened by Lincoln Park. We all really liked this, and it went perfectly with an early fall day and bocce ball. As a beer, it was very nice, medium body, not too much head but very pleasant. We purchased it for the pumpkin flavor though, and on that count it was the best I've had. The smell and flavor of pumpkin and spices was just right, definitely there, but not completely overwhelming the beer. It also did not have the artificial taste. If you are a fan of this flavor, and not everyone is, then grab a six pack of this and you won't be dissapointed.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2009 02:12:17 | More by LittleLeity

FenwaySquid

Virginia

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Presentation: 12 oz. brown bottle, batch # 091009, poured into a pint glass.

Appearance: Pours a crystal clear deep amber, carbonation bubbles rising inside. The head formed small and faded into a thin layer. Love the color.

Aroma: Pumpkin dominates with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar in the background. Excellent.

Taste: Sweet caramel malts up front almost immediately give way to the pumpkin and spices. The finish is sweet pumpkin pie flavors, lingering nicely.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, smooth and creamy. The carbonation balances well.

Overall: One of the best pumpkin beers I've had to date. If you're a fan of this style, be sure to seek this one out.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2009 00:20:23 | More by FenwaySquid

Chaney

District of Columbia

4.7/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I've heard a lot of good buzz about this one from many of my beer friends. Some say it's even better than Schlafly's, so... I'm doing a comparison tasting and drinking a Schlafly at the same time. Here goes:

A: Pours pretty thick, with a slight bubbly head that quickly withers away to nothing, and a beautiful dark dark orange-red (almost bronze) color. The carbonation is moderate.

S: Deep smell of pumpkin. And I mean HUGE! All the standard spices are there (nutmeg, brown sugar, etc.), but the smell of the actually gourd is prominent.

T: Much sweeter than Schlafly and not as much pumpkin "roast" overall. I really love the crispness. The spices are a little more muted than the Schlafly, and the sweetness is a bit more "tart."

M: Really good. Nothing offensive about the sugar content. It feels exactly the way it should for this style.

D: Since I love pumpkin ales and the harvest time of year in general, I'll drink this again. Definitely in the top 5 pumpkin ales available!

UPDATED REVIEW! The 2011 version is much better than Schlafly's (the local phenomenon). It's richer, creamier, and more pumpkin-like.

Honestly, I couldn't imagine a better pumpkin ale.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2010 00:26:45 | More by Chaney

flyersfan900

Virginia

4.63/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Managed to get a case yesterday of one of my favorite beers. It's a little early weatherwise for pumpkin brews but I can't pass up the chance to drink a beer bottled just 3 days ago!

A: Little to no head and no lacing. Orange/amber color, fairly clear.

S: Smell is fantastic. I don't get a "beer" smell, but simply a plethora of spices- nutmeg and cinnamon most prominently. The spices hit much stronger than the pumpkin but the pumpkin is definitely there. I don't believe I've ever encountered a pumpkin pie that smelled as amzing as this.

T: Just as with the smell, the spices hit you more than the pumpkin notes. This beer is very, very sweet and malty. I can't detect any hops. I taste sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg with the perfect dash of pumpkin. Although it's over 8% I don't taste any alcohol.

M: Not much carbonation. This beer is a touch thinner than I would expect. The amazing spice taste lingers in your mouth.

O: This is a fantastic spiced beer with a dash of pumpkin. At the moment it is easily my favorite representation of the style.

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2012 17:50:43 | More by flyersfan900

frenchblood21

Ohio

4.6/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from bottle into my Chimay goblet

Appearance- Very cloudy orange/red. Very thin head that goes away right away.

Smell- Just like fall! I get apples and just a hint of pumpkin spices.

Taste- The most complex pumpkin beer I've ever had. Just like the nose, only way more pumpkin spices. Fantastic!

Mouthfeel- Perfect for the style. Not syruppy, and certainly not thin. Coats your mouth in all the right places.

Overall- One of the best in the class. I wish I lived by this brewery, cause I would live there in the Fall.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2012 00:09:32 | More by frenchblood21

philbe311

Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Thought there have been limited reviews, I've been very eager to try this brew... It's the last of my "new" pumpkin beers for the season and I come in with some lofty expectations... Here we go...

A - A very slight head quickly fizzes away leaving no discernable lacing... Loads of moderate to fast paced carbonation rises throughout and hit the top very hard... A very deep dark copper color with an orange hue... Remarkably translucent given its dark color...

S - An absolutely terrific aroma... Brown sugar and caramel dominate... Maple syrup... The traditional pumpkin and spice aroma are still present but they take a back sweet to the overall sinful sweetness... A very slight hint of booziness... Some faint woody characteristics could also be detected...

T - The best word to describe this brew is "yummy..." Again the general sweetness is the first thing detected... Caramel... Brown sugar... Cinnamon buns... Raisins... Deathly sweet pumpkin pie... The spiciness, namely cinnamon, is quite subdued but adds a terrific bit of character and balance... Wonderful layers of richness and complexity...

M - Medium bodied... Slightly sticky... A minimal but impactful carbonated bite... Rich... Complex... Hearty... Smooth...

D - There is no doubt about it... This is quite simply, hands down, the most perfect Pumpkin Ale that has ever crossed my lips... A truly epic introduction to a brewery that I had never heard of... I wish this weren't a seasonal... I would gladly drink this each and every chance I got... This is not just one of the best Pumpkin Ales that I've ever had, it's one of the best beers that I've ever had...

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2009 02:37:18 | More by philbe311

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Holy shit! What a surprise this brew was! I love when this happens. Stumbling upon this brew makes me realize that I don't have to resort to Pumking as much for a solid pumpkin brew. This beer poured out with a nice amberish orange color with a light fizzy white head on top. There's really no lacing or anything but still looks pretty nice. The smell of this beer had some really nice autumn aromas and spice going on in it. The taste is unreal! I couldn't believe how good this tastes, the flavors even get better as it warms up. Plenty of sweet spices on tongue with a nice caramel in the aftertaste. The mouthfeel is really nice also. Overall I can't believe how solid this beer is. It will be one I'll be on the look out for in the future for sure. I'll be lookin for more before this season is up! Really gotta try this one!

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2011 00:42:40 | More by Knapp85

KenC

New Jersey

4.55/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A- Poured clear gold/amber with two fingers of foamy, pure white head. Little retention and zero lacing.

S- Cinnamon, allspice and bready malt erupt from the bottle, I haven’t even poured yet! Very complex just like a pumpkin pie and my mouth is watering for same.

T- Bready malt came through first, which I wasn’t really expecting. Nutmeg or cinnamon was the expectation. Than it all comes together, caramel, malt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and clove. This is the stuff a GREAT pumpkin (pun intended) beer is made of.

M- Feel is thin (surprised again) with medium carbonation. But I like the fact it doesn’t sit in my gut like a rock. The finish is clean, a perfect balance of all the tastes you’d expect from grandma’s pie.

O- Wildly impressed. I might even go back to Philly where I know I can get more of this.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2011 17:54:08 | More by KenC

hoptualBrew

Florida

4.55/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Recieved in a trade from csbinva along with a fitting Alewerks pint glass, thanks again man!

Deep murky orange amber color with a small off white head up top that fades fast. Moderate legs and overall kinda mysterious and rich looking.

Wow, thats a shit load of cinnamon and nutmeg in the nose along with pumpkin spice, brown sugar, and booze. I currently have a homebrew pumpkin that smells nearly exact to this! Very spicy brew here, with minimal hops in the mix.

All those spices rush in on the palate like a tribe in assault mode. Starts off big cinnamon and pumpkin spice, warps into a caramel malt sweet, and finishes mildly drying with a hint of nutmeg. This, along with Good Gourd from CCB are probably the best pumpkin beers I have had to date.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2011 05:08:35 | More by hoptualBrew

siege06nd

Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a British Pint...

A: Pours a semi-hazy, sunset orange color. About a half finger of bubbly eggshell head forms and lingers for the duration. Sticky lacing provides a moderate coating on the sides of the glass. This is better color depth and head retention than I am used to from the pumpkin ales. Excellent.

S: Mmmmm...the pumpkin really shines here. I get plenty of the raw stuff, along with an assertive dose of allspice, cinnamon, and some clove. Fan-freakin-tastic. I enjoy the fact that this beer has enough raw pumpkin nose to balance with the pie spices. Can't wait to get into this one.

T: Man, the good times keep on rolling. This is a hearty beer, relatively thick and with a very strong malt presence. The pie spices work well to give a mild, sweet finish and balance off the bitter malt and roasted pumpkin. Top-notch balance is the best I've seen in the style as the pumpkin, pie spice, and malt build are all showcased masterfully. Well done.

M: The aforementioned balance is perfect. Carbonation is just right for the style. Excellent.

O: I've heard Williamsburg Alewerks has been producing great beers for some time, and this is definitely one of them. Easily the best Pumpkin Ale I have had, as this delectable brew allows the three great components to all shine in stride: pumpkin, pumpkin pie, and BEER. Too many beers of this ilk tend to shade towards sweet, sticky dessert types, losing many of the raw pumpkin and beer qualities. Not this one. It's thick, viscous, and perfectly balanced. Outstanding achievement.

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2011 23:42:54 | More by siege06nd

littlelorib

Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance is a golden brown brew with almost no head, neither clear nor cloudy. That first whiff spoke of spices normally associated with pumpkins, mainly cinnamon and nutmeg with a touch of ginger, mixed with a definite pumpkin note. Taste was true to smell, pumpkin and spices. I did not detect on avert alcohol taste like i expect an 8% abv beer to have. Mouthfeel is light, not heavy and syrupy like i was expecting.

Overall, i have to say that this is what i expect a pumpkin ale to be like, light with tastes of the fall season. This beer is not only good, but it fits the type perfectly.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2011 00:52:07 | More by littlelorib

blackie

Virginia

4.47/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

a: piraat snifter, pours a deep amber-orange color, capped with a nice little off-white head that settles to a healthy ring around the glass

s: great caramel and brown sugar malt base holds up a carefully spiced pumpkin pie concoction, rich and highly aromatic, big on the nutmeg with plenty of meaty, buttery squashlike aromas, clove spiced cookies, promising start

m: carbonation on the light end and smooth, body on the full side of medium, satisfying

t: the malty "beer side" is in great harmony with the "pie side", brown sugar malts carry thoughtfully used pie spice, with meaty, roasted pumpkin pushing through after the swallow - that flavor is more striking here than in any other, sugary squash flavors linger, complex, fantastic and pretty much flawless

d: puts my old NC brewed favorites to shame, chances of another sixer purchase are high as this is one I'd like a couple of at a time, recommended

sixer from Norm's, Vienna, VA

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2009 03:18:09 | More by blackie

Eriktheipaman

Virginia

4.47/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Pours a very clear gold with little white head. The appearance is probably to least amazing part of this beer.

The smell is of cinnamon and nutmeg. Pure pumpkin pie.

The taste tastes straight like a pumpkin cookie. A slight bitterness on the front from hops or spice I cant really tell. The back is equally amazing with tons of spice and a nice pumpkin pie crust.

I will go and say this is probably the best pumpkin beer I have had to date and this year I've been trying as many as I can get my hands on.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2011 02:30:26 | More by Eriktheipaman

JamesMN

Minnesota

4.45/5  rDev +6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to HeadyHops81 for the bottle!

Appearance: Completely opaque deep amber/caramel with no head despite a vigorous pour.

Aroma: Rich pumpkin pie aroma. All the usual spices and a nice graham cracker character as well.

Taste: This might be the epitome of real pumpkin pie taste from a beer. A really robust flavor that hits all the right notes. The whole time there is a rich, but subtle, pie crust flavor that balances out all the spices nicely and doesn't mask the actual pumpkin flavor. Instead of being a mashup of flavors, you can actually taste all the different elements and the finish leaves you feeling as though you have just had a bite of pumpkin pie. It's also not overly sweet so it would probably pair great with a holiday meal. It'd also easily serve as or with a dessert. Don't taste any of the 8% ABV.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and between medium and full in body. Above average drinkability.

Final Thoughts: I've had/reviewed many pumpkin beers this fall and this is probably my favorite. Unlike others it balances the flavors superbly and delivers a true pumpkin pie experience. If that's what you're looking for then this is the beer for you. Would I drink it again? Yes.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2012 03:57:20 | More by JamesMN

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A good two inch or more of white foamy lace formed as a head on top and actually had some really good retention as it was still around a good couple minutes later. This gradually settled down and formed a thin film of lace across the top. Lots of carbonation could be seen streaming up from the bottom of the glass, and this lasted until the end. A decent amount of side glass lace could be seen down the glass and lasted again until the end.

Aroma was highly spiced but yet not overpowering as you see a lot with these pumpkins. They usually put too much of everything and try to force home the point of what it is, but this seemed to be very nice and subtle. It had a lighter overall smell then some, lots of nutmeg, and cinnamon and a good amount of fresh grass or even a tree like smell to it.This was followed by loads of fall spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, lots of spiced apple, just a good all around mix. There was a noticeable hoppy presence and this definitely could not be hidden. Great finish left you wanting another sip almost right away and there was just really an overall light and vibrant feel and flavor to this. Again very well put together. Super light but yet smooth at the same time. Very nice carbonation led itself to this and really helped to push the flavors out at you. This was full of the little carbonation bubbles if that makes any sense at all. It really made it feel silky like and had a great smoothness to it.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2011 01:51:04 | More by mikesgroove

CuriousMonk

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Pizza Paradiso in Old Town. Poured into a snifter glass. Pours hazy deep copper toward ruby with off-white head. Nose is rich caramel malt, pumpkin puree and spice, cinnamon, nutmeg. Tastes delicious; rich, sweet, complex, with a huge authentic pumpkin puree/spice flavor, even notes of pie crust, and a super smooth finish. Wow, this is one of my favorite pumpkin ales out there!

Serving type: on-tap

10-19-2011 17:50:44 | More by CuriousMonk

57md

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a burnt orange with no appreciable head. Smells spicy and has a bold flavor of pumpkins and pie spice. There is a slight sweetness to this offering, but it is nothing unpleasant by any means. There are also some apple notes as well (perhaps, this accounts for the sweetness). The sweetness combines nicely with a very light alcohol and spice finish. As a fan of pumpkin beers (one of my favorite seasonal styles), I'd say that this ranks near the top of all the beers I sampled this year. Happy Halloween!

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2011 19:54:11 | More by 57md

jnn4v

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Consumed in a pint glass poured from bottle I picked up at the brewery yesterday after our tour.

A: Honey colored with a hint of reddish hue. Almost like an amber / red ale cross, but slightly hazy. Almost no head, but what little head there was seemed to be a dark cream / light tan color. No sediment.

S: Pumpkin, cinnamon, pumpkin pie, cloves, nutmeg, allspice. Delicious. It'd be hard to imagine it smelling better. Maybe if it was bourbon barreled?

T: Just as good as it smelled. Roasted pumpkin, cinnamon, pumpkin pie, etc. It's pretty much word-for-word the same as the scent notes, in the same order. Very impressive.

M: Good overall texture. It's got more carbonation than most 8% ABV beers do, but it seems appropriate for the style. Nice density and body.

O: One of the best pumpkin ales I've ever had. Wish I could find it more readily and that it was produced for a longer season - I could see drinking this all winter if it was an option.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2011 20:43:36 | More by jnn4v

raverjames

Virginia

4.4/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Finally found this great seasonal in Richmond, thanks to Once Upon A Vine.

A: Dark amber with a white head. Not the best head retention.

S: Rich graham cracker and pumpkin spice. Lots of nutmeg and allspice. I also get some cinnimon in the aftertaste.

T: pumpkin pie mixed with brown sugar.

M: Med-light body. Good carbonation. Very little heat.

D: Easy to drink and great for dessert.

This is an excellent pumpkin beer and may be my favorite. This brewery is really brewing some impressive beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2010 03:24:50 | More by raverjames

rfgetz

New Jersey

4.38/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a clear golden orange with amber highlights. Thin yet creamy head, minimal lacing. Smell is of pumpkin pie... pumpkin puree, brown sugar, with moderate spicing (cinamon, nutmeg, ginger). Taste is of pumpkin pie... pumpkin puree up front with a nice sweet brown sugar (crust!) and sweet milky (whipped cream!) flavor, spicing is under control. Exceptional balance, yet the flavors do not seem to last long in the mouth. Mouthfeel is silky and creamy. One of the best pumpkin beers I have ever had, no question.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2009 13:09:51 | More by rfgetz

Arbitrator

California

4.38/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Chilled bottle into a glass. I don't remember who shared this: either Arne or Ted. From notes.

A: Pours a clear, dark amber body with a nice, off-white foam. It retains poorly and leaves no lace down the glass, but that's not something I care too much about, here.

S: Nicely spiced with an earthiness to it. Nutmeg, cinnamon, graham cracker.

T: As in the nose, it tastes like a pumpkin pie. The bready, graham-cracker taste accentuates the spices in a pleasant, satisfying, dessert-like manner. A touch of caramel adds to the body and flavor here. It finishes clean, with some nutmeg pulling into the aftertaste.

M: A nice, full flavor on a medium-bodied beer. Good carbonation for the style.

D: Really, really tasty. One of the better pumpkin beers I've tried. Worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2010 20:22:32 | More by Arbitrator

nandemo1

Virginia

4.38/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a clear amber with very little head, despite a fairly aggressive pour. didn't get much in the way of lacing as I downed the glass.

Aroma is not overpowering and consists of your typical pumpkin pie spices. Taste is well balanced with a base of roasted pumpkin and dashes of nutmeg and cinnamon. Not overly sweet and the 8% is gently warming.

Mouthfeel is smooth but full bodied. Not sticky at all though.

This is a great pumpkin beer that I'll enjoy in the fall/winter while watching football and around the holidays.

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2011 01:18:52 | More by nandemo1

smokeypeat

Maryland

4.38/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a deep burnt orange into the glass. Minimal head that disappeared quickly. Smell is nice for a pumpkin beer. Hints of multiple standard spice for the type like nutmeg and cinnamon, but its nice to actually smell pumpkin itself as well. Taste is spot on. Really does taste like pumpkin pie with a great blend of spice and pumpkin, and it doesn't feel "artificial" like in some pumpkin beers. Mouthfeel is also really above average in this one. Its got a nice smooth feel in the carbonation that is not sticky or cloying like you can find in some spice bombs. Williamsburg has a top notch seasonal in this one that again seems to be flying under the radar for some reason.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2011 22:52:18 | More by smokeypeat

BeerImmediately

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

12oz into Ommegang BPA glass.

Pours with a short, 1F off-white head over a very cloudy orange to brown body.

Aromas are phenomenal. Could be the best of the highly spiced varieties. Very sweet. Lots of natural pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and even some carrot cake with frosting.

Flavors are very nice as well - not over the top. Pumpkin pie filling, plenty of nutmeg, and maybe some zucchini bread for good measure. Alcohol is completely hidden.

Mouthfeel is soft and creamy smooth. Just a hint of carbonation to cut through the ABV.

Overall, this is among the best. What a nice surprise.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2011 01:49:10 | More by BeerImmediately