Standing for UnFiltered Offering (UFO), Harpoon brings it’s unfiltered Pumpkin Ale to celebrate the fall. Unlike most of the beers we’ve covered, this beer has a distinct  appearance thanks to it’s unfiltered nature.  This theoretically makes it more nutritious than filtered beer (or so some say), and that the carbonation comes from the yeast which are removed from filtered beer (and is added later through forced carbonation).  All that matters of course though, is how much pumpkiny deliciousness that can be crammed into Harpoon UFO Pumpkin Ale. 

Sight:  Hazy, and for lack of a better term, light pumpkin color.

Smell:  It’s like a very pumpkiny pumpkin pie.  The spices are more downplayed, but cinnamon and nutmeg are still clear. Very subtle graham cracker.

Sip:  For no carbonation added, it starts off rather aggressively bubbly.  There’s an uptick of sweetness just before it turns all pumpkin – sweet potato.  It’s most reminiscent of sweet potato pie with just past caramelized marshmallows, and cinnamon.  It ends smoother than it starts, but also much more pumpkin puree like, with an enveloping mouth feel. [A.B.V. 5.9%]

Savor:  The end is a bit like a mashed sweet potato, with just a touch of caramelized marshmallow.

Overall, Harpoon UFO Pumpkin Ale is a thoroughly serviceable pumpkin ale.  It’s the kind of beer you could have a few of, and not really be overwhelmed by the squash and spices.  The hazy body helps add body, but doesn’t make it too filling. Don’t bother if you’re looking sweet, but for anyone else, UFO is worth a sighting.

Verdict:  Squish-squashed
Price: $7.99 for a 6 pack
Boston, MA
http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/