Fall is an odd time of year for me with respects to beer. Oktoberfest (aka Marzen) and pumpkin beers line the shelves, but with the exception of maybe two or three of them, I don’t care much for either of these beer styles. That being said, I’m always willing to try something new with the hope that it will change my mind, which is why I picked up a can of Manayunk Brewing Company’s Yunkin’ Punkin’ Ale. I figured that since I enjoyed their Schuylkill Punch, maybe I’ll like their pumpkin ale too.
Before we get to my review, here is what Manayunk Brewing Company has to say about this beer:
Brewed with real pumpkin, this seasonal favorite is the one true indication that fall has arrived. The aroma of nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and clove jump out of the glass creating an experience much like eating a slice of pumpkin pie on a brisk autumn afternoon. A perfect companion for any of our desserts.
Let’s find out if this beer will change my mind about pumpkin beers…
- Appearance: Clear amber/orange color. Fast rising head that disappears as rapidly as it formed. No lacing.
- Aroma: The pumpkin pie spices are definitely there, i.e. clove, cinnamon, allspice, etc., but they’re not all that potent. A hint of candied orange is in there too.
- Taste: Lightly carbonated. There’s a hint of those pumpkin pie spices coming through, but it’s even more subdued than it was in the nose. Not much in the way of bitterness or sweetness. Picked up a bit of vanilla and allspice in the finish, but not enough to keep me interested. Annoying aftertaste that I can’t quite figure out.
- ABV: 5.5%
I really wanted to like this beer. I mean, I like the name, I like the artwork on the can, and I really like that it’s brewed in my hometown, but in case you couldn’t tell from my tasting notes, Manayunk Brewing Company’s Yunkin’ Punkin’ Ale just didn’t thrill me. Personally, I think it has more to do with the style (i.e. pumpkin ale) than the actual beer itself since I still haven’t figured what a pumpkin ale is supposed to taste like.
