The Dirt
Oh Autumn, how I love you. Tis the season for Oktoberfests, harvest beers, and pumpkin beers. Pumpkin beers? Sounds wrong, doesn't it? But when done right, it is just that - right.
Sam Adams pairs its Oktoberfest beer in its Harvest sampler pack with the Harvest Pumpkin Ale. Looking like an Oktoberfest in the glass, this beer also has those malty tones, but not to the level of an Oktoberfest. This allows the pumpkin to be on display. Upon the sip, pumpkin isn't noticed right away, but emerges after the carbonation settles down in your mouth. Once this happens, it really does taste like real pumpkin - as opposed to a sweet pumpkin pie or pumpkin bars. You can also taste a hint of nutmeg and pumpkin spice in the mix. These elements combined with the malty backbone of the beer makes for a very hearty, balanced, and enjoyable beer on a crisp fall afternoon. My only complaint is that it's a little dry on the back-end, lacking a smooth finish.
Worth it?
As part of Sam Adams' fall sampler, this is a nice treat. I'd even consider buying at least one 6-pack of this during the fall if I didn't buy the sampler. If you want to try a pumpkin beer but don't want to shell out the dough for the Dogfish Head Punkin Ale (the gold standard of pumpkin beers), avoid Buffalo Bill's at all costs and try this guy out.
Final Word
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