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Spinnaker’s Brewing Co. – Spiced Pumpkin Ale Review

The Pumpkin Beers are rolling out and one of the first to hit the shelves of BC craft beer retailers is the Spinnakers Spiced Pumpkin Ale. From Victoria BC, this fall-spice beer pours from the bomber bottle appearing as a cloudy pumpkin-orange colour which is crested by a finger and a half of dence, lightly lacing head. The aroma is well spiced with big nutmeg tones coming through up front with a toasted-pumpkin aroma that adds a kick of sweetness to the beer. The Spinnaker’s Spiced Pumpkin Ale is actually brewed with Kabocha Squash but with the spic mix that fact is not noticeable. Tasting the beer a creamy yet light body takes hold. Lactose content helps to smooth out the beer and add an extra element to the body. The spice notes take hold with nutmeg, a dash of cinnamon and a light bit of allspice adding to the flavour. A bitterness also comes into play at the back of the palate despite to mere 15 IBUs. Likely from the squash a slightly burnt, deep bitterness lingers as the spices begin to fade. The Spinnaker’s Spiced Pumpkin Ale is big with spice and has a bigger than expected body for the style. This is a great beer to kick off the season of pumpkins.

Alcohol – 5.0%
IBU – 15
Size –650ml bottle
Price – $6.90 (Craft Retailer)
Spinnakers.com
Updated – Sept. 19, 2015

The 2014 Spinnaker’s Spiced Pumpkin Ale Review

Joining the current roster of BC breweries brewing a Pumpkin Ale is Victoria’s 30 years young Spinnaker’s Brewing Company. This Spiced Pumpkin Ale pours from the festive and sparkly labelled bottle as a deep copper colour topped with a single finger of dense head. From this spiced beer comes toasted malt tones and a big, pumpkin spice. Notes of Nutmeg and allspice come through along side the roasted pumpkin flavour. The beer’s body is lighter than expected given the aroma but on par for being a 5.0% beer. The flavour has nice toasted malts, a touch of smoke and a building pumpkin Spice. Along side the roasted pumpkin flavour is again that Nutmeg and fall spice flavour. Overall this beer is light and fairly mild with a comparatively large pumpkin flavour. The Fall spice will not slap you with its intensity but along side to the rest of the flavours the Pumpkin does take charge.