Anderson Valley Brewing Company Fall Hornin’ Spice / Herb / Vegetable at 6% ABV (2015 Craft Beer Advent Calendar Day #1, Sherbrooke Liquor, 355 ml, no bottle date or best before, reviewed 1-Dec-2015)
Appearance: clear deep amber with one finger of medium dense ivory head, good retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: vegetal pumpkin, pumpkin pie spices, caramel and slightly bready malt, mild red berries, faint pine and chocolate. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry bitter finish. (4/5)
I was a little disappointed to see a pumpkin ale as the first selection in this year’s advent calendar, but upon reflection I can sort of see it as autumn’s last hurrah, ushering in the winter season. And, to be fair, it’s an OK pumpkin ale – a nice blend of real pumpkin flavour and the usual suspect spices, with enough boldness to avoid being watery and boring. I find myself warming up to it the more the glass progresses. Just as long as there’s not a second one lurking in there… (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
