Pumking - Southern Tier Brewing Company

zoolzoo

Connecticut

3.35/5  rDev -18.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at DeCicco's, Brewster, New York

A: Pours straight up orange, half finger white head.

S: Bready, biscuit, strong vanilla presence. Fall spices round out the aroma.

T: More like a pie crust beer this year. Huge buttery note, lots of vanilla and cinnamon sugar. Is this intended? Sort of a artificial sweet pumpkin thing in the background here. Finish is slightly astringent, alcohol is present. At least its not over hopped like 2010.

M: M/F is fine..light, medium carbed.

O: A bizarre beer but not bad. That big buttery note is fatiguing on the palate.

Serving type: on-tap

09-24-2011 21:30:11 | More by zoolzoo

fmccormi

New York

3.68/5  rDev -10%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap into a Unibroue Maudite tapered snifter / Luettich balloon, at Al’s Wine and Whiskey in Syracuse

Appearance (4.0): Orange-gold, clear body. Sudsy on top, no head to speak of but a ring of foam around the edge of the glass.

Smell (3.5): Piecrust. Seriously. Smells like a damn pie pastry.

Taste (3.5): Mace, believe it or not. Allspice. Some grassy / herbal hop character, maybe some nutmeg in there, cinnamon way in the back. The pumpkin character itself is actually not very dominant, it’s really pretty mild—guess I was expecting this to be super-pumpkiny. And, like ST yeasts are wont to be, the yeast character is basically non-existent. Very neutral. The finish is grassy and bitter, surprisingly long—turns slightly sour as it rolls over the tongue. Is that weird? NOT saying this beer has been soured, just that the spice and hop combination feels sour over the subdued caramel malt body.

Mouthfeel (4.0): Smooth body, not too heavy, soft carbonation—very nice, actually. Bit of a sipper in terms of body.

Overall (4.0): Full disclosure: I am not into pumpkin beers. They’re not my style. But, I appreciate diversity and wanted to take notes on a well-regarded one, and I can see what people like about it—I just don’t care for too many spices in my beer. I actually would’ve liked to see more pumpkin in this beer! Frankly, this is less of a “pumpkin ale” and more of a “pie ale.”

Serving type: on-tap

09-24-2011 15:41:00 | More by fmccormi

kawilliams81

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at Bavarian Lodge.

A- Bright burnt orange, with thin white head and little lacing.

S- Pumpkin pie is all you have to say. The cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and of course pumpkin/squash.

T- Again very much like you would think a pumpkin beer should taste like. Pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, not much in the hops department but the spices more than make up for the bitterness.

M- Medium bodied. Medium carbonation and the high amount of spice in this beer make it a bit difficult to drink.

O- Liked the 2 bottles I had this year more than Pumking on tap. For some reason on tap the spices were even more pronounced and almost too much! Still the best pumpkin beer out there though.

Serving type: on-tap

09-24-2011 14:11:35 | More by kawilliams81

Burt

Rhode Island

4.88/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Served in a pint glass.

Orange amber that is slightly hazy, off white thin head that dispersed quickly and left little lacing.

Caramel, pumpkin pie spice, toasted bread.

Taste is like the smell, it starts of sweet, then the pumpkin pie spice, ends slightly bitter with with a warming vanilla, pie crust smooth finish.

This is the best pumpkin beer that I have had so far. Most remind me of a light beer with some pumpkin pie spice sprinkled on. Great brew with lots of flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

09-22-2011 10:17:06 | More by Burt

chadlebald

California

4.03/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Heard about this brew on the home brew forums while compiling an imperial pumpkin recipe. They spoke highly, so when I saw on tap during a business trip, I had to give it a go.

Anyway...

Poured a light copper color--imagine if fullers esb and pilsner urquell had sex. That's the color.

May have been the glasswear, but mine kept zero lacing. Not a big deal.

Smell: I'm having trouble placing it (not picking up the spices) other than to say it's sweet and husky--maybe Nilla wafers? Or, autumn in a glass.

The taste is clearly pumpkin pie--with the accent on the whipped cream that is obligatory at thanksgiving.. Though nutmeg is also there.

I'm halfway through the pint and I'm still not aware this is an 8% abv.

I don't have lots of points of reference on pumpkin ales, but this one tastes pretty good. Wouldn't order more than one at a sitting, but can't say there's anything wrong with it at all.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2011 23:51:19 | More by chadlebald

snegopady

New Jersey

2.7/5  rDev -34%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Too often, pumpkin ale is the flavored coffee of the beer world, and this one was certainly not an exception to that rule. Far too much pie spice--cinnamon, cloves, etc.--drowning out everything else. Hard to tell if I was tasting any pumpkin at all or just the spices. Also a sweetness that I found cloying, though it really wasn't very sweet--again, exacerbated by the excessive spicing. A pretty beer, beautiful pumpkin color, but ... pretty only gets you so far.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2011 01:20:24 | More by snegopady

blackcompg

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Enjoyed a pint of this on tap at Slyce Coal Fired Pizza Company in Wauconda, IL - really nice beer menu, pizza is bar none the best I've EVER had (also had a pint of Old Rasputin Imperial Stout)...

Appearance - liquid pumkin pie color, a warm lite brown copper orange color, transparent, came with about a finger of eggshell head that disipated quickly.

Smell - pumpkin pie spices, some sweetness (whipped cream?) and slight baked crust (pie crust??)

Taste - Starts out with a dry pie crust flavor that goes quickly into the pumkin spices (alspice, nutmeg, touch of cinamon) with just enough sweetness to truly give you an almoset pumkin pie filling flavor. And if you ponder this while sipping, you can actually get the pumkin oie, pie crust, and a little dallop of whipped cream. Semi-sweet pumkin pie beer - they really did it! Very well balanced, and alcohol is very well hidden.

Mouthfeel - Very smooth, and very crisp carb - carb almost seemed a bit high, but not so much to keep it from feeling just a little creamy, and Very drinkable.

Overall - This was my first pumkin ale, and I was blown away by the flavor, I totally get pumkin"g" pie from this. I would not want this year around, but it is a great change of pace, and I look forward to enjoying this annually from now on. Try Pumking if you haven't yet.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2011 02:07:45 | More by blackcompg

jabergess

Georgia

4.15/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

For me, Southern Tier is hit or miss. This one is actually very good. First off the smell on this one is amazing. I smell vanilla, nutmeg, clove and of course pumpkin. Oh yeah and cinnamon. The head was small and dissipated quickly. The taste is cinnamon upfront followed by pumpkin. The alcohol is there, but it is fairly well hidden. One of the better pumpkin ales I've had but not the best. That distinction falls to schlafly's pumpkin ale. Still, if you don't fall within the states that Schlaflys distributes to, this is a good second.

Serving type: on-tap

09-18-2011 21:29:51 | More by jabergess

chadmoe1

Pennsylvania

4.68/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on 9/17/2011 at D's SixPax and Dogz in Regent Square, served on tap in a goblet.

A -- clear, light copper without any head.

S -- spicy (nutmeg and cinnamon) with biscuit hints; no hops

T -- vanilla up front, biscuit / pie crust flavors following, with a bit of alcohol finish. Great taste and flavors.

M -- smooth (almost creamy) with little carbonation.

O -- this is one seasonal pumpkin beer I look forward to each year, and I was not disappointed. This beer is definitely a sipper for me as I enjoy the meld of flavors that develop after each sip. Definitely one of the more complex tasting pumpkin beers (not all spice up front). Compared to previous years, this one seems a bit more heavy on vanilla and a little more creamy in mouthfeel, but overall an awesome beer (if you can find it).

Serving type: on-tap

09-18-2011 18:22:52 | More by chadmoe1

Vierenner

Ohio

4/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First tried at the brewery prior to 2011 release. Good then and good now. I'm not a fan of flavored beer but it seems appropriate to enjoy this one in anticipation of the fall. I've tried several pumpkin brews but like this one the best. It has the sweet qualities present in many of ST Imperials ... and pushes the pumpkin flavor and color forward better than any other product I've sampled.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2011 20:38:26 | More by Vierenner

finkployd

New Jersey

4.47/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Rich amber orange color with thin white head.

S - Wow. Powerful sweet scents of pumpkin, cinnamon and gingerbread.

T - Big flavor. Just like the smell, very sweet and spicy, reminds me of pumpkin pie.

M - Medium bodied, leaves the lingering taste of allspice, cinnamon and pumpkin in your mouth. Almost a bit syrupy.

This is a powerful pumpkin ale, just as you'd expect from Southern Tier. My friends and I describe it to newcomers as tossing a pumpkin pie in a blender and hitting puree. It's very spicy and very sweet, not to mention somewhat strong too as far as pumpkin ales go. IMHO, one of those beers you pour in a glass and enjoy slowly like a port wine. Definitely something to try if you are in to pumpkin brews.

Serving type: on-tap

09-13-2011 01:35:57 | More by finkployd

Hoptometrist

Oregon

4.43/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap into a nonic glass at the Winking Lizard

A- Poured a clear orange color with one finger of frothy head but left no lace

S- Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pumpkin, and vanilla frosting all in the aroma. Smells really good, but not all that strong, which probably had more to do with the pour than the beer

T- Pie crust, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pumpkin, big vanilla frosting, and some orange citrus. Once I got down to the last quarter of the beer the taste changed some that it almost tasted like caramel popcorn and cream soda. Either way this beer tasted great!

M- Very smooth, with a nice undercurrent of carbonation from the start to the finish, finishes very dry. The dryness really broke up the sweetness of the beer

O- I now see why this is the quintessential pumpkin beer and very glad I tried it. This beer is great, not too much spice and not too much sweetness but still big on flavor. Every pumpkin beer I have had is too rich or not flavorful enough, too thin or heavy in body, but this beer strikes the perfect balance.

Serving type: on-tap

09-11-2011 22:52:03 | More by Hoptometrist

ThePorterSorter

New York

3.88/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

$6 for a pint at the library in buffalo, ny

Appearance:
Light orange-amber with no head. Appears a bit watery and there is no lacing.

Smell:
Pumpkin pie with strong vanilla and spice. This is definitely an october holiday beer, no reservations. The beer is very sweet smelling, almost candi sugar in essence. I am strongly reminded of making gingerbread houses and getting in trouble for eating the completely stale candy that was supposed to be a door knob or sidewalk outline... Tangent aside, this is a strong October beer that may invigorate strong recollection of suppressed holiday memories.

Taste:
Strong hints of the same spices, pumpkin pie with a giant scoop of vanilla ice-cream on top. A little bitter aftertaste, but strong spices sit on my palate. The alcohol is little stinging, but doesn't contribute much flavor. The beer flavor was slightly lost in all the spice, but it sets up the season nicely.

Mouthfeel:
A little carbonation with strong spice that saturates your palate. Strong aftertaste of vanilla and a little alcohol. Decent body, probably light to medium with a well disguised abv.

Overall:
I like this beer for what it reminds me of, cool weather fall surrounded by changing colored leaves. You can't expect to drink a fall beer without strong spices of the season. I'd recommend this beer to friends for sure.

Serving type: on-tap

09-02-2011 01:12:32 | More by ThePorterSorter

tykees88

Indiana

4.35/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- pretty dark orange pumpkin color. hazy color not to clear. The head on this is only about a half finger. And the lacing is lacking.

S- exceptional for the style, exceptional for my nose. Pumpkin pie smells permeate the nostrils. Clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin. A bit of hop to remind you it's beer.

T- Taste is good. A solid beer for pumpkin, but it's nothing special. The malt flavor somewhat is a bit of a drownout for the rest of the brew.

M- slightly chewy, good carbonation bubbles

O- Pretty awesome beer. Super pumped I had it on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

07-06-2011 00:24:52 | More by tykees88

thedoubler55

New Jersey

4.55/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On Tap at The Porter Bar in Atlanta, GA

A - Dark Orange that leaves a 2 finger lacing with some beautiful lacing that surrounds the glass.

S - Smells like thanksgiving pumpkin pie! Nice cinnamon background as well as some sweet sugar!

T - This is the best pumpkin brew I have ever had, taste just like the nose its absolutely fantastic.

M - Creamy, and just perfect in every sense.

D - The alcohol is not even noticeable, great brew from Southern Tier, never let down!

Serving type: on-tap

02-28-2011 00:24:21 | More by thedoubler55

Craftbrewlvr

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

The draft variety of this beer is just unbelievably rewarding. The color is deep amber and smell fragrant smelling of pumpkin pie spices, most notable being allspice but it is not overwhelming. Mouthfeel is smooth and slightly grainy and goes down smooth and gets tastier as it warms. As you drink down one the warmth arrives slowly as the high alcohol begins to kick in. The finish is like a full taste of pumpkin pie,including crust. It is tough to put down more than two 10 ounce goblets at one sitting as this is like drinking dessert. I can't wait till next Fall to test the 2011 batch. This is another outstanding Southern Tier product as all their beers get better with time.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2011 00:46:24 | More by Craftbrewlvr

devinoconnor

New Jersey

3.4/5  rDev -16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 1

I've been on a role lately with Southern Tier so I jumped at the chance to try to Pumpkin Ale on tap.

Pours a bright orange color.

The smell is so intense and complex you must find this beer. It's very cinnamony, and of course pumkiny.

Tastes like nutmeg and pumpkins on steroids. Rather sweet as you'd imagine.

I perfer the Smuttynose pumpkin over this one as it's much easier to drink (much less sweet). However, Southern Tier's Pumpkin is a nice dessert beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2011 20:17:19 | More by devinoconnor

letsgopens

Pennsylvania

4.88/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Here's one of a few reviews I had on paper, misplaced before posting but have now relocated. Sampled on-tap at the Wexford Ale House in Wexford, PA. Amongst their staggering number of pumpkin related brews and fall seasonals, I believe this one stands out above the rest. It appears, visually, very similar to past installments. Golden, orange/amber body with some yellow highlights. Creamy, frothy, off-white head holds its shape well and leaves some clinging lace.

The aroma is always staggering. Sweet, creamy pumpkin pie filling; almost like pumpkin pie mouse. Tons of milling spices and luscious, sweetened pumpkin mash. A distinct bready note, much like pumpkin added to bread pudding. Hints of sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, coriander, all mixed with pumpkin mash.

The first thing that strikes me as immediately different than past renditions of this very brew, is that there is a distinct hop character. Floral, somewhat earthy hops are definitely evident; something that would seem foreign and even contradictory in a pumpkin ale, but the hop character is brightening and appetizing. As a result, its overall impression may be a bit less dense and indulgent than before but it's certainly a welcomed evolution in my opinion. Somewhat less sweet and potentially less burdening on the palate. Otherwise we have the same pie spices and sweetened pumpkin custard flavor. Vanilla and buttery, toasted bread; what Pumking loyalists refer to as the 'crust' component. Even in the finish I think the added bitterness adds a new dimension. Buttery, lingering booze and the sweet, spicy and floral notes linger through the swallow.

Some dangerous drinkability here as always. Creamy and slick but less cloying than previous versions. Mellow, fine textured carbonation. Still indulgent and dessert-like with, of course, huge flavors and aromas. Overall on-par with previous versions but certainly a bit different. A masterpiece of seasonal enjoyment once again.

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2011 20:15:03 | More by letsgopens

thekevlarkid

Maryland

4.53/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Off tap at the Ugly Duckling in Manlius this beer, which I'd been seeking on tap for months, was a clear, orange color. The retention of the khaki head as a skim was ok and it left spotty lacing. The aroma was a fresh and inviting blend of pumpkin, spices, boozy warmth, caramel malt and brown sugar. The flavors were just amazing. Homemade pumpkin pie in a bottle. The pumpkin tasted fresh ,the spices all present but well balanced, the creaminess of the mouthfeel conducive to a pie-like experience. Wow. The alcohol was also well concealed. The mouthfeel was creamy and rich, the body full and the carbonation light. I believe this is the best Pumpkin beer made in the world right now and it's absolutely worth tracking down.

Serving type: on-tap

12-26-2010 20:31:28 | More by thekevlarkid

AJacob81

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on-tap 10-21-10 at Hackney's Printer's Row. Served in a snifter. From notes.

A - Amber-orange, clear as stained glass, with a fluffy 2-finger head. Lacing and retention very good.

S - Grandma's punkin pie. Fresh pumpkin, cinnamon, allspice, and brown sugar. And wait, whipped cream too? What does that...

T - Oh, fantastic. Tastes exactly like the nose, but even better. Most pumpkin beers either go too heavy on the spice or too heavy on the pumpkin, this achieves absolute harmony. And that has to be lactose sugar providing the delightful whipped cream flavor. This is maybe a touch too sweet, but hey, this was my dessert.

M - Creamy, no distracting carbonation to speak of, carrying on the Wonkaesque illusion that I'm drinking actual liquid pumpkin pie.

D - The alcohol is expertly hidden, but does become pleasantly noticeable at the very end. I tried to slowly savor this, but next to impossible. Wish I would've gotten ahold of a bomber of this.

Serving type: on-tap

12-13-2010 18:57:41 | More by AJacob81

gregshead

California

4.35/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Served Copper orange with a small head.

S: Pumpkin and nutmeg. Wow, so strong. A good strong though.

T: Lots of sweet pumpkin taste upfront followed by some spices, primarily the nutmeg. Finishes with a sweet taste.

M: Medium carbonation with a more syrupy thick feel.

D: If it wasn't for the high levels of alcohol, I could enjoy this one over and over in one sitting.

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2010 02:14:28 | More by gregshead

littleshovel

Louisiana

4.15/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had it on draft at Sheffield's in Chicago this past weekend. Anytime that you can get a Pumpking, a Founder's Breakfast Stout, and a Smuttynose IPA all on draft at one sitting, you know you're at a decent bar. In any event, this is hands down the best pumpkin ale I've tried. I think I spent more time with my snout hovering over the tulip glass than I spent actually drinking it! The aroma is perfect with great nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove notes. Smells, and to a large extent tastes, just like a pumpkin pie. Could have used a little more head (could have been a bad pour), and the head could have been a little creamier. Aside from that, delicious. Rarely do I feel that I can drink two fruit beers back-to-back, but I certainly could have done so with the Pumpking...that is, if I didn't have a Breakfast Stout on deck.

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2010 20:16:53 | More by littleshovel

Stoney123

Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Southern Tier Pumking is simply the best pumpkin ale on the market...there is nothing close. I tasted this beer out of the bottle and on tap, and both were excellent. i work at a pub and have had the opportunity to try many examples of pumpkin ales. Again, this is the best. Pumking smells amazing and follows with an equivalent taste. Highly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2010 16:40:27 | More by Stoney123

Durge

Connecticut

4.15/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

Happily encountered at The Grill Next Door in Haverhill, MA, this seasonal offering is a very clear, light yellowish-amber color with a modest white head and marginal lacing. The aroma brings a deep herbal pumpkin with cinnamon malt and toasted sweet potatoe, marshmallow sweetness. Awesome and so tempting. The taste offers similar tasty ideas with allspice, graham cracker and squash/pumpkin "malted" together for a desert-like medley. Deliciously unveiled in a medium bodied brew with modest carbonation that gives a mellow mouthfeel with fair drinkability at best. This is sweet and autumnally tasty stuff that is probably best enjoyed one glassful at a seating. Alcohol is not highly evident but notable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2010 05:11:53 | More by Durge

Tifore

Ohio

4.05/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Melt Bar & Grilled in Cleveland Heights. Poured into a stemless wine glass or tumbler.

A - Pours a orange to very light amber color crystal clear that resembles, wait for it.... a pumpkin. Has a pretty white head that dissapates quickly.

S - Smells exactly like my grandmas pumpkin pie, crust and all. Very much remindes me of fall and winter time. I get roasted pumpkin, clove and fall spices in the nose. Maybe a hint of ginger?

T - Tastes just like pumpkin pie. Spices come through next and then the taste ends with a bit of sweetness.

M - Mouthfeel is kinda nice but doesnt match the taste and smell in my opinion. It is very bubbly and light. I wish it was a bit heavier just to fit the smell and fall tastes.

D - The lightness of the beer makes this easily drinkable. I love the flavor and the smell. I have had this numerous times on tap here while I wait for my dinner to come out. Bummer I didn't grab a bomber of this while they had it at my local bottle shop.
Side note: This is my girls favorite brew.

Serving type: on-tap

11-08-2010 22:37:24 | More by Tifore