Shipyard has two different brews that are their seasonal pumpkin ales.  Their standard brew is Pumpkinhead Ale, but their Pugsley’s signature series represents the creme de la creme in complexity.  That being said, it’s always worth seeing what people think can knock Southern Tier’s Pumking off it’s mantle.  Can Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale dethrone the king, or is it just an Addams? 

Sight:  Amber brown, but on the lighter golden orange side.   One of the lighter beers.  Head retention is foamy and stays for a significant period of time.

Smell:  There’s a strong nutmeg pumpkin smell.  There smells like there’s a touch of honey, cinnamon, and clove.  There’s a nice all spice too.

Sip:  There’s a honeyed note to this beer, like a sweet golden maple.   There’s also a lot of nutmeg and all-spice, pumpkin, vanilla, and caramel.  There’s a mild note of carrot in here too.  The mouth feel is thick due to the high alcohol.  [A.B.V. 9%]

Savor:  There’s a caramel and pumpkin spice note.  The squashy element is prevalent, but not overwhelming.

Overall,  Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale is a rather unique offering in pumpkin beer.  Unlike, the molasses based pumpkin ale, Shipyard’s offering manages to draw out a uniquely sugary side of the pumpkin.  It’s slightly reminiscient of roasting pumpkins in spices with vanilla.  Definitely worth a shot, but just like Pumking, it’s worth being careful since the A.B.V. is rather aggressive.

Verdict:  Smashed before drinking.
Price: $9.99
Portland, Maine
http://www.shipyard.com/