Here it Comes: Pumpkin Jack

[brewinhard]

Well I don't think they are using any spices at all. And barely any pumpkin. Maybe a few pounds of puree for an entire barrel or so. Just enough to say that they actually used some. Either way, that beer is one of my favorite pumpkin beers!

[brewindruid]

My personal experience has been that pumpkin meat adds such a subtle and even then only vegetal note, that it isn't worth the trouble. I have used pre-ground pumpkin pie spice, and will be using freshly ground this year. dosing after ferment...I think.
If you have actually tasted un-spiced pumpkin it is very very bland. The pumpkin pie we pick up is purely the spice addition. JMHO

Cheers
Scott

[Cody]

My personal experience has been that pumpkin meat adds such a subtle and even then only vegetal note, that it isn't worth the trouble. I have used pre-ground pumpkin pie spice, and will be using freshly ground this year. dosing after ferment...I think.
If you have actually tasted un-spiced pumpkin it is very very bland. The pumpkin pie we pick up is purely the spice addition. JMHO

Cheers
Scott

I know I've said this before, but I completely disagree. I'm with Brewinhard, and I add 5-7 lbs roasted pumpkin meat to the boil and then a little bit of spice/vodka tincture after primary fermentation has subsided. Luckily, we homebrew and can all make exactly what we enjoy!

I love the flavor that real pumpkin brings to the beer and can't stand when a pumpkin beer is actually a pumpkin SPICE beer. Again, my 1.5 cents.

[brewindruid]

I know, I know a pumpkin spice beer seems like cheating, well, really it is, if there isn't any pumpkin in it. I am more then willing to have another go at it, maybe my taste buds just don't get it. Just had Brooklyn Brewery's Post road, disappointed really, I couldn't pick up pumpkin or spice???? So, maybe I've roasted my taste buds!

[Cody]

I know, I know a pumpkin spice beer seems like cheating, well, really it is, if there isn't any pumpkin in it. I am more then willing to have another go at it, maybe my taste buds just don't get it. Just had Brooklyn Brewery's Post road, disappointed really, I couldn't pick up pumpkin or spice???? So, maybe I've roasted my taste buds!

Too many IPAs!!!

Not cheating, it just all depends on what you like. If you like the spices, go for it! I'm with you on the Post Road, though. I wasn't impressed.

[brewindruid]

I know, I know a pumpkin spice beer seems like cheating, well, really it is, if there isn't any pumpkin in it. I am more then willing to have another go at it, maybe my taste buds just don't get it. Just had Brooklyn Brewery's Post road, disappointed really, I couldn't pick up pumpkin or spice???? So, maybe I've roasted my taste buds!

Too many IPAs!!!

Not cheating, it just all depends on what you like. If you like the spices, go for it! I'm with you on the Post Road, though. I wasn't impressed.

I know right I was surprised and disappointed. I had been waiting to give it a go and just really seemed weak as water. Not seen Punkin patch yet, not in this market but I am waiting patiently!

[brewinhard]

Besides Southern Tier's Pumking, the second best pumpkin beer I have had was Elysian's Night Owl. Good balance of spices, pumpkin flavor and drinkability.
I also think there is something to adding a small amount of spices at the end of the boil and then later adding some back to the fermenter right before kegging for freshness. I enjoy the flavor/aroma of that boiled spices bring to the mix.

[brewindruid]

...and it probably helps puul a bit more out of that powdery cinnamon! I do like the control factor in dosing though.
I will have to look for that one, so far it hasn't been pretty...smashing pumkin ales. lol