Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale

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

Flying Dog Wild Dog Barrel-Aged Gonzo Imperial Porter

The Dirt

The world is full of imperial stouts and imperial IPAs, but there seems to be a lacking of imperial porters on the market. Thankfully Flying Dog thought the same thing, and created the Wild Dog.

Although a pretty tame label name compared to some of their other beers, the Wild Dog is properly named, as it is wildly awesome. It pours thick with low carbonation, as if it were a wine. In fact, it reminded me of a fine port in taste and feel, with a medium body for such a thick looking pour. It has a Canadian whiskey profile (it's aged in Colorado whiskey barrels), with an almost dark cherry like tone. I'd highly recommend as an after-dinner beer, especially a spicy dinner. That, and it's strong, so it'll get you ready for bed.

Worth it?

I got this as a gift from my friends Brian and Jill (thanks guys!), so in that case it certainly was worth it. But even if I had to buy it, I have no idea of the cost, but it's worth a pick-up.

The Final Word

BridgePort Summer Squeeze Bright Ale

The Dirt
I've only heard of beers being brewed with lemongrass, but have never tried one until the Summer Squeeze. Brewed with lemongrass and added yuzu fruit juice (an Asian citrus fruit), I was a little hesitant to purchase at first. However, this turned out to be a very light and refreshing brew. On the same level as Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, I probably wouldn't be interested in drinking more than one in a single sitting unless I was at the pool or lake on a hot summer day. And that's what this beer is for - to refresh while relaxing in the sun.

Upon the pour you can certainly smell the lemongrass nose, but it's much more subdued in the beer. The first taste you get is actually the citrus of the yuzu (or so I guess since I have no idea what yuzu tastes like), and the lemongrass becomes more pronounced as the beer finishes. I'd almost describe the overall impression of the beer as a wit but with a different citrus profile. To realize more flavor, try in a large snifter glass.

Worth it?
As with the other BridgePort beers I've reviewed recently, I got this on sale for $5.99. Any BridgePort beer is worth $5.99. At full price, there are plenty of other beers I'd try first, but I would consider if I was going to be outside by the water all day.

The Final Word

 

Alaskan Amber

The Dirt
Alaskan is an elusive brewery for someone who doesn't live in the West. I've had the lucky fortune to experience their stuff while in Arizona and California, and now with living in Colorado. The Amber had been one of my favorites to get when traveling, so it was time to finally buy a 6-pack.

As an amber should, this beer has a great deep amber color. Upon first sip it has a nice crisp malty tone that isn't very sweet, which I like in an amber. Subsequent consumption reveals an accompanying dry hop front end. Although I recall it being far more smooth and crisp in my past experiences (I once called it the crispest beer I ever had), it's still a great beer for grilling out and when in the mood for a no-frills traditional beer.

Worth it?
Alaskan can be expensive. I got this on sale for $7.49 a 6-pack, which was a good deal. I used to be willing to pay anything for this beer, as it was so unbelievably crisp and fresh. That profile has subsided a bit, but it's still a tasty brew worth its pennies when on sale or anytime on draft.

Final Word