Evolution Brewing Jacques Au Lantern
It’s that time of year. Pumpkin beers are everywhere. So we might as well check out some new ones that I haven’t had in the past. To join Devils Backbone Ichabod Crandall reviewed earlier this month, we’ve got a beer from Maryland’s Evolution Craft Brewing — Jacques Au Lantern.
This 6.3% ABV pumpkin ale has a great name and flavor to go with it. The pumpkin character of this brew has a natural, almost raw, trait to it. I’m not sure if that’s the right way to explain it, but I dig what’s going on within this brew’s depths. It proved to be one of the tastier examples of the style that I’ve had so far this year.
Appearance
Jacques Au Lantern pours with an off-white cap of foam that disappeared quickly atop the copper colored liquid.
Aroma
Subtle spices (cinnamon, clove) and distant pumpkin make for a smooth aroma with hints of ginger, caramel and honey.
Taste
I like this beer. The pumpkin has an earthy, sort of raw, character to it that leads a smooth spice blend that compliments instead of taking over the flavor. Honey, ginger and an herbal character mingle gently with toasted malt and caramel and something else that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s probably the Belgian yeast used to ferment this one. The brew has a long lasting finish with a light-to-moderate sweetness.
Overall
I think the use of the Belgian yeast strain within this beer really makes it a standout amongst the plethora of other pumpkin beers crowding the shelves. The flavor is smooth and unique which I fully enjoyed when compared to the overly-spiced peers of Jacques Au Lantern. This beer is complex without confusing the palate and it just drinks too damn smoothly.
Rating: 4/5
