Upslope Pumpkin Ale

Even though we're still seeing 80˚ plus days, the leaves are falling and there's a cool breeze in the mornings, Autumn is here, and with it, pumpkin ales! 

The days or times which we consider the beginning of our seasons are tied to the solstices and equinoxes, which are sidereal (sun-related) or celestial events. I prefer to look at what are sometimes called the cross-quarter days as the beginning of the seasons, with the sidereal days marking the mid point. Think about it, June 21^st, which we considered the beginning of summer, is traditionally called Midsummer's day, while December 21^st, which we call the beginning of Winter is also referred to as Midwinter. Your mileage may vary. 

I look at Lughnasadh, August 1^st, as the beginning of Autumn and when it is acceptable to start drinking Märzens (Oktoberfests) and Pumpkin Ales. 

Upslope Brewing puts out a pretty decent pumpkin ale. What most of us think of as "pumpkin flavor" is actually pumpkin pie flavor. Upslope's pumpkin ale is definitely pumpkin pie-ish. It pours a coppery orange with a generous fluffy white head. There's lots of spices: nutmeg, a hint of cloves, anise, and cinnamon. I was surprised to detect some dark fruit: raisins and prunes (don't laugh)  as well as some caramel and brown sugar. Overall a tasty and complex brew