Weyerbacher Brewing's Imperial Pumpkin Ale Is What's On Tap

By the Beer Professor JW Faulkner @Beer_Professor

When it comes to pumpkin beers, people either love them or despise them. I look forward to drinking them but I am not too keen on the over-the-top pumpkiny beers which are overloaded with pumpkin flavor and spices. Yes, there is something to be said for craft beers that are overdone with flavor but most of the time drinkers are looking for a balanced beer. This weekend I am drinking a pumpkin brew that has the right amount of “oomph” and the perfect amount of pumpkin. This weekend, Weyerbacher’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale is What’s on Tap.

Brewing out of Easton, PA Weyerbacher Brewing Company produces many fantastic beers but their fall pumpkin seasonal is one they are known for. Imperial Pumpkin Ale is a perfect pumpkin brew in that it is loaded with pumpkin and typical fall beer flavors and spices (cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and clove) but they do not offset the traditional beer characteristics. Imperial Pumpkin Ale maintains a high enough gravity and ABV as well as malty and slightly bitter characteristics to satisfy drinkers who want a pumpkin beer, yet one that is not over-the-top.

Though there is a sweetness to Imperial Pumpkin, notes of molasses, caramel, and obviously pumpkin, I am enjoying the species that are slightly undertone the most, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon that accompany the malt backbone and bitter finish; fantastic.

Pairing a pumpkin beer with food is not as hard as one might think. The sweetness of the beer would offset a spicier dish (think chili) but the spices also lend Imperial Pumpkin Ale to an earthier flavor meal, like roasted chicken. This weekend I am roasting a whole chicken and making sure to crisp the outside skin (the best part) which will pair with the beer nicely.

Cheers!
Beer Stats:

Style: Pumpkin / Yam Beer

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 8.0%

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