Southern Tier Imperial Pumking

Ah the month of Halloween is upon us, and for that I've decided to kick off October with a brew I've been meaning to sample, and write about for almost a month now! That is another wonderful beer from the folks at Southern Tier brewing. This time I'm going with their seasonal, the Imperial Pumking ale. Now pumpkin ales have gained a ton of momentum over the past two years I've noticed, with more and more brewers taking a crack at this festive type ale. Some of the more notable ones have come from Elysian, which their Nightowl (a definite solid selection) is one of the first and most notable out there, with Midnight Sun in Alaska providing a plethora of choices in distinct styles of brewing with pumpkins. In sampling some their other beers (see Creme Brulee Stout) I've wanted to dive more into the Southern Tier fold and see what other treasures abound in their cave of brewing wonders. Now for starters this is the first, and only Imperial Pumpkin Ale I have tried to date, through all the other styles and all the other brands this is the first one of this type I have gotten a taste of. Now for the smell, the spices, and the brewing technique have been mastered to give this the smell of a freshly baked pumpkin pie. If your not a fan you should probably quit reading, but as I am a pie-fiend this smell does nothing less than titilate every sense in my body! The taste matches the smell pretty well to. It is a beer, although a sweeter beer, and it has a very strong ale flavor, for the beer portion I would say closer to an english style old ale. The base gives this a sweet flavor already, but up front are the fimilar spice accompaniments typical of this style ale. A very strong hint of nutmeg, possibly cloves mixed within the brewing process. Midway through that distinct pumpkin flavor starts to assert itself amongst your tastebuds palate, leaving a distinct aftertaste familiar to any fan of the festive holiday dessert. In my opinion it is a great brewing interpretation of a popular, if not immortalized part of American holiday dessert palate. I got mine at the Beer Junction in West Seattle, but I also know that it can be picked up at 99 Bottles as well. I know a couple of my friends have tried this particular ale, any counterpoints, or flavors I missed, chime in please, I am by no means classically trained in, well anything. I'm am as always just an experienced, and devote beer sampler! From what I have tasted so far Southern Tier is quickly becoming a top contender for king of the dessert brews. All are very hardy, and jam packed with sweetness. For a base go pick up Elysian's Night Owl, then after take a sampling of Southern Tier's Pumking. If your a pumpkin pie fan like me, I can almost guarantee you'll likee, you'll likee alot!