Fordham Spiced Harvest Ale
Yesterday I posted a review of Dominion Octoberfest, which is owned by Fordham Brewing. Today, we take a look at the parent company’s Spiced Harvest Ale. Now, in my experience, harvest ales are typically brews that are crafted with fresh, wet hops shortly or immediately after they’ve been harvested. Sure they can contain spices and what not, but the fresh hops are the key. This is not a harvest ale, despite it’s name.
Fordham Spiced Harvest Ale is a pumpkin beer brewed with, well, spices (cinnamon, ginger, clove, allspice). And pumpkin, of course. Personally, I don’t mind pumpkin based beers. I feel that they are reaching markets way too early, but I don’t mind them. What I do mind with regard to these types of beers is the amount of spice that is often hurled into the brew kettle. For me personally, there’s nothing worse than an overly spiced beer of any sort. Thankfully, Spiced Harvest Ale isn’t too aggressive with its use of the previously mentioned additives.
Appearance
The brew pours a slightly hazy, pale amber in color with a short-lived crown of tawny foam.
Aroma
Cinnamon, clove, earthy pumpkin and caramel combine for an aroma that reminds lightly of pumpkin bread.
Taste
Spiced Harvest Ale actually tastes more like gingerbread cookies than it does pumpkin bread, but not in an over-the-top fashion. The pumpkin is there like the spices, but neither dominate the palate. I’d personally like a bit more pumpkin in the mix, but this works well enough for a balanced drinking experience. There’s a good bit of honey that appears late in the lingering finish.
Overall
This is actually not a bad brew. I was expecting something a little too spiced which can lead to a dry, chalky character. Spiced Harvest Ale does not have that trait. As I said, I’d prefer a little more pumpkin in the flavor to suit my own liking, but as it stands the brew is a nicely balanced and easy drinking one.
Rating: 3.5/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
