Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

The Greater Pumpkin

Maryland
United States
The Greater Pumpkin Heavy Seas Beer
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
95
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Appearance:
5 / 6
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

In the most worthy of pumpkin patches and during the silence of the midnight hour, the Great'er Pumpkin raises up and pours a rich deep and burnished orange color. Heady aromas of bourbon, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and clove linger seductively over the thick white head of this tremendous brew. Its love at first sip as the full malt body, dominated by British crystal malt, brown sugar and pumpkin, slowly washes over your tongue. Bourbon barrel aging rounds out the flavors with notes of oak, vanilla, and bourbon. Pairs well with crisp autumn weather, crunchy fallen leaves, and the knowledge that your kids will be asleep soon so you can raid their Halloween candy bags.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
Judges Review 
Sean Coughlin's picture
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

The aroma is complex with elements of cinnamon, oak, vanilla, and ginger atop a bed of biscuity malt with a hint of bourbon in the background. No single attribute sticks out -- this is a textbook example of great balance within a very complex beer. The color is medium-amber with substantial haze and a medium-sized, creamy, light khaki head that stands for a very long time. The flavor profile aligns with the aroma, complemented by sweet pumpkin pie up front and bourbon in the finish. The bourbon comes through a bit too much as it warms, dominating what was an otherwise extremely well balanced brew. There's no hop character to speak of aside from a perfect level of bitterness to reign in the sweetness and remind you that you are indeed enjoying a beer. There is a slight hint of alcohol warmth in the mouthfeel, which fits in nicely for the style. This is a beer that drinks beautifully on its own but also plays well with others. This would be an ideal candidate for pairing with sweet potato casserole or a slice of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It would also make a nice addition to your cellar: As the spice and bourbon character drops a bit over time, the malt character will intensify -- making for an interesting comparison to a fresh bottle.

Brewery Introduction

Advertisement