THE DRINK NATION IS A FREE RESOURCE FOR FINDING EVERYTHING AWESOME ABOUT DRINKING IN YOUR LOCATION

Beer Review: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

A seasonal brew that gets it right
by Tara Nurin on Sep 26, 2011 in Beer
Beer Review: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

It’s time for one of my favorite seasonals: pumpkin beer. While it’s somewhat annoying that – because of their recent overwhelming popularity – pumpkin ales now ship as early as July, I feel comfortable today that it’s officially autumn, and officially time to drink a distinctly fall beer.

Punkin Ale is one of Dogfish Head’s oldest beers, and gets its name from an event that’s legendary in the brewery’s home state of Delaware. Punkin Chunkin is a November contest that centers around the pitching of rotten pumpkins 4000 feet in the air with a catapult. In 1994, six months before the brewery even opened, Punkin Ale won first place in the Punkin Chunkin recipe contest, and thus the nomenclature was born.

As the top showing attests, Punkin Ale is a great example of what a pumpkin beer should be. It’s classic example of the style, even though it’s brewed with brown sugar (most aren’t). It’s medium bodied, medium colored and medium spiced. It doesn’t knock you over with the sugar (that would be more reflective of a Christmas ale), and delivers a substantial taste of spiced pumpkin. There’s an argument in the brewer community over whether using pumpkin flesh – instead of extract – is just a marketing gimmick. Take whichever side you wish, just know this beer uses real pumpkin, to great effect.

Some pumpkin beers are thin. Not this one. The frame is sturdy and the flavor fills in any potential gaps.The color is somewhere between copper and auburn, and the head, though dissipating quickly to non-existence, pours a friendly and welcoming tan. Clarity is high and carbonation takes the form of teeny bubbles that meander upward as their mood strikes.

Pairings are versatile for this 7% ABV ale. The Dogfish website recommends roasted duck, lamb, and dessert dumplings (whatever those are), but it was also perfect as a creative compliment to a butternut squash, arugula and nutmeg cinnamon vinaigrette salad from Philly’s Varga Bar. It’s also great to cook with; find a set of recipes that range from soup to bread to ice cream here.

Photo courtesy Flickr user edwin.bautista

Recent Articles

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

If you're a frequent Negroni drinker, always order Wild Turkey Bourbon in your old fashioneds, or prefer your ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 9, 2020
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close