Innovation or Reinvention?
It turns out this particular flavor of beer has been around since colonial times, in his 1801 book “The American Herbal, or Materia Medica” Samuel Sterns makes mention of the healing traits of beer, in particular Bran Beer, Spruce Beer and the lovely Pumpkin Beer. In particular, Sterns calls out young ladies being cured of “the heat” something that they could not find a remedy for. Native to North America, most European settlers at the time had never seen a pumpkin, but because it was readily available they quickly found ways to incorporate it into our favorite malt beverage.
In modern brewing history, we can credit Buffalo Bills brewery to be the first to put a pumpkin pie spiced beer to the market in the late 1980’s, although abandoning the use of real pumpkin for the nutmeg and clove flavors of the pie. Fortunately innovative brewers at Southern Tier and New Holland have perfected the art of using real pumpkin to brew excellent offerings of the style. The best in the market, if you ask us. And as of late, Ace Cider has included their pumpkin pie spiced cider to the mix. So try one today, they drink well with the spooks of All Hallows Eve and are a special treat with your Thanksgiving feast. We even heard the Cider makes a great snake bite when mixed with a heavy standard lager.
Southern Tier Pumking & Warlock
Pumking was brewed to honor Puca, a creature of Celtic folklore, who is both feared and respected by those who believe in it. Puca is said to waylay travelers throughout the night, tossing them on its back and providing them the ride of their lives, from which they return forever changed. In the spirit of All Hallows Eve, pour your Pumking in a fine goblet and allow its spirit to overflow in the season where magic is prevalent and spirits are all around us! 97pts by RateBeer, this 8.6% Imperial pumpkin ale will pair with your thanksgiving feast as well as it enchants the spirits at Halloween. If you cellared last year’s you best cellar one more!
Warlock is dark and mysterious. This imperial Stout complements the earthiness of its sister but with rich roasty malts and deep, rich character he will enchant your palate on its own as you pour it into your own goblet to enjoy. Rated 96 at Ratebeer, this beer is high gravity at 10%.
New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin Ale
First brewed in 1997, Ichabod Pumpkin Ale was one of the first ales brewed with real pumpkin to enter the market. It combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg to give you the authentic tastte of fall in a glass. Pairing well with roasted poultry and you favorite dessert, this beer is as versatile as the Minnesota fall weather. At 4.5% it is sessionable and sweet.
Ace Pumpkin Cider
This is produced by the family owned California Cider Company in Sonoma County. This flavor was first produced in the fall of 2010. Combining the classic flavors of cinnamon, cloves and allspice this drinks like pumpkin pie in a glass. Crisper than its beer cousins, the cider is perfect for a crisp fall day or Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends. Like all the Ace ciders, there are no added sugars, all the sweetness comes from the fermented fruit. 5% ABV.
