Post Road Pumpkin Ale
Still a classic favoriteI’ve had an idea bubbling around in my skull for a little while now and it looks like this complimentary bottle from Brooklyn Brewing may just be the kick start I need to get it started. For a few months now, I’ve been re-reading many of the site’s earlier beer reviews and have been itching to find those beers and see how the product and/or my palate has changed over the years.
Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale has always been a staple in my fridge come this time of year (though that time seems to arrive earlier and earlier each year). I’ve never given the beer much thought in terms of reviewing it as I had already taken care of that back in 2007. Well, now would be as good a time as any to start a series of re-tastings if you will.
First and foremost, without some sort of evidence it’s hard to determine how this beer has changed through the years — and it has changed — with regard to its recipe or my more, ahem, matured palate. I’m going to lean more toward my tastes and preferences changing as I’ve gotten older more than any changes to the recipe. With that said, let’s see what we think of Post Road, some four years later.
Appearance
Post Road pours a slightly hazy (chill haze perhaps) orangish amber in color with a decent sized, tawny head that faded slowly to patching surface lacing.
Aroma
I’d say either my senses have dulled as I’ve gotten older or my tolerance for sweeter smelling items has shifted. Post Road, when compared to my earlier review, has a solid level of pumpkin aroma, but isn’t nearly as sweet as I once described it. There’s more of an earthy nature to the beer with subtle spices and a light sweetness to the nose.
Taste
Honestly, I think I prefer my more matured palate as the “pumpkin pie in a glass” just doesn’t do it for me any more — those beers tend to taste over blown. Post Road, however, shys away from the sweet liquid pie character, instead focusing on an earthy pumpkin component with lighter spiced elements. The crisp mouthfeel pushes the pumpkin and a touch of hops across the tongue, exiting clean with a lightly lingering finish.
Overall
Though my impression of the beer has definitely changed over the years, it’s still one of my favorite pumpkin ales available. The more natural pumpkin flavor and moderate sweetness prove to make it an ideal beer for the cooler Autumn evenings. It’s odd, though, comparing notes from 2007 to this bottle. The difference between what I enjoyed then and now isn’t necessarily drastic, but it is heading in different directions. I’m just glad I still thoroughly enjoy this brew.
Rating: 4/5
This is a review of a promotional sample received from the brewery.