In the joy of themes, here is my first in a series proudly named Sunday Sips! Featuring beers of the season, of the area, or simply of a moment. Without further ado, here is what I sipped this week!
Fall is definitely a prime time for imbibing as we prepare for the monster known as the holiday season. The smoothness of earthy notes and the warmness of spices yield both a refreshing and comforting flavor. Pumpkin ales tend to hold these very qualities. Early American Colonists added pumpkin to the early brewing of ales as they were nutritious, plentiful, and easy to mash up. I don't mind that rationale! Centuries later, every August through November, and with literally hundreds of varieties, pumpkin ales are picked from their shelves as quickly as they are brought in. Since my wallet and liver would not allow me try them all, I plan to purchase a few choices samples based on friends' recommendations.
Beer Name: Post Road Pumpkin Ale
Brewed By/In: Brooklyn Brewery / New York, NY
ABV: 5%
Best Served In: Pint Glass
Characteristics: Orange-amber color. Bready with slight pumpkin pie undertones. Pumpkin flavor is not too intense but still enjoyable. Finishes slightly bitter but light without making you feel too full. Not too heavy for an ale, especially one with Fall flavors. Easily thinning foam makes you feel like you get more beer for your buck.
Food Pairing: Post Road goes well with a meal with squash or other roots ingredients.
Overall Rating: 7.5 - great start to welcome the cooler days of September. A great way to heighten the pumpkin flavor is to take agave syrup (found in most organic/natural foods departments and grocers), cinnamon, and sugar. In the style of margarita making, dip the rim of the glass into the agave, and then rub the glass into the sweet powder. If you do not have agave, plain ol' H2O will do!
Until next Sunday...so let's a raise a glass to wearing cardigans, to sporting hoodies (finally), and to shaving less because you "need the extra layers." Slainte!
No comments:
Post a Comment