Southampton Pumpkin Ale
This bottle of Southampton Pumpkin Ale was part of a mixed six-pack that I purchased back in August I have quite the backlog of reviews to get through. While I enjoy a good pumpkin ale when the weather and mood strikes, it seems that there are more and more popping on shelves each year. So instead of selecting some long-time favorites and solid standbys, I only drank those that were new to me.
This 5% ABV version from New York’s Southampton Publick House wasn’t a stand out from the pack that I had, though it did have a little something different to offer. For the most part, it’s pumpkin and spice combination were right in line with what I expect from the style. The one thing that helped separate it from the other bottles I purchased was a fairly solid amount of vanilla in the mix.
Appearance
The beer pours copper in color with splashed of orange as the light hits the glass. A small cap of off-white foam falls gently.
Aroma
Pumpkin, subtle spices and distant vanilla notes combine for a clean, inviting aroma.
Taste
The pumpkin, vanilla (that lingers a good long while) and spice blend arrive immediately in balanced harmony. Southampton Pumpkin Ale tastes like your standard pumpkin ale with a good earthy quality and restrained use of spices. The beer is easy drinking and refreshing.
Overall
I can get behind a beer like this. I cannot stand a brew (of any style) that goes overboard with any sort of spice additions this is especially prolific in the pumpkin beer category. Southampton’s offering uses an appropriate amount of spices and has a well represented earthy character. The vanilla is an interesting addition and was one that I needed a few sips to adjust to, but overall worked out fine.
Rating: 3.5/5