Cisco Brewers Pumple Drumkin
Not only does Cicsco Brewers’ Pumple Drumkin have one of the greatest names of all time, but, as it turns out, it’s also a pretty damn tasty little brew. This 6% ABV beer drinks like an IPA with pumpkin and spices tossed in for good measure. The combination of citrus and pine along with an earthy pumpkin character makes for a beer that is refreshing and, for lack of a better work, crazy — just like its name.
I’m not entirely sure what amalgam of spices the brewery heaved into the brew kettle as not a single one stands out from the crowd. The beer does pack a good amount of seasonal spice flavors which I’m usually not a huge fan of, but for some reason, the levels of all aspects of this beer just seem to work well together.
Appearance
Orangish copper in color, the beer sits with a stack of off-white foam that dropped to a decent surface cover.
Aroma
Honestly, the aroma on this one scared me as there is a ton of spices here along with light pumpking, citrus notes and a piney hop presence.
Taste
The first couple of sips elicited the same reaction — “crazy.” There is a large spice character here and a pile of hops, but neither is so overly the top as to ruin the experience. Cinnamon, pumpkin, grapefruit, pine and a moderate hop bitterness combine with a toasted malt backbone for a pretty unique flavor. There’s an earthy quality to the beer with just a hint of sweetness.
Overall
This is a beer that I shouldn’t like, but for some reason I really do. Without the strong hop presence, I think the spices would overwhelm the palate. As it stands, the hop character is perfect, giving Pumple Drumkin a unique presence that you don’t normally find in pumpkin beers.
Rating: 3.75/5
