I was home on a Saturday night, which doesn’t happen often, and I was asked if there was anything special I would like from the liquor store. Saying no, as usual and, also as usual, Phil being able to read my mind, he suggested that we get Pumpkin Ale.
A little while later we cracked one open and I tried yet another pumpkin inspired brew. This one is called Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, a seasonal craft beer made by New Holland Brewing Company.
I am a fan! Although it is dark, as I’ve noted before, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is heavy – and it wasn’t. Heavier than a Bud Light? Hell yes. Heavier than a Guiness? HELL no. On a continuum I’d say it falls right in the middle, a few degrees closer to the lighter side.
It had a distinguishable pumpkin flavor without being overpowering. It was a little hoppy – and if you’ve read any of my posts on beer, you know I prefer malts – so this being a malt with a little bit of a hops flavor was pretty perfect.
He said: “The thickness was stereotypical of fall beers with this pumpkin beer of the heavier variety, but not overly hoppy and not too much pumpkin.”
She said: “Loving the richness of flavor, the mild hops, mostly malted pumpkin ale. AND it wasn’t too filling!”
On the New Holland Brewing website, they describe Ichabod in the following way:
Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. A rewarding complement to many dishes, Ichabod pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert!
I had the same thoughts! My mom had made homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli and breaded cauliflower and I thought it would go great with dinner. As a real autumnal meal, although it isn’t poultry as they suggest, it was a great pairing! This definitely isn’t a drink for me to serve alongside my chicken cordon bleu or my one pan pasta primavera. Phil even said “This goes great with some comfort food and red meat!”
Are you a fan of Pumpkin Ale? Which is your favorite?
Any you think I should try?
What’s your favorite libation for this time of year?
