Southern Tier Pumking

Though it's brewery is only 80 minutes away from the house of beer (blog), Southern Tier has not become one of our top breweries to try. Unearthy was delicious but the oaked aged version tasted like a tree with hops somewhere in the middle. Since it is now October, we have decided to get more festive than a Governor Mark Sanford hiking trip. We are infected with the fall spirit like it were crabs. It may itch a little but we decided to give Southern Tier Pumking a try.

With a basic amber color, it is Pumpking's smell that foreshadows what lies ahead. If you ever wondered what beer pumpkin pie would taste like, this would answer it. The essence of this brew is far more present than other, watered down versions of this style. It has more body than Jessy Ventura. The 9% ABV is not completely hidden but balanced as part of this complete breakfast.

This brew is great for what it is, a spiced fall seasonal. It conveniently comes in a 22 oz bomber, as a six pack would be too much of it. At the end of the glass, it became a little too sweet for our liking. This being said, two bombers a year (and possibly one to cellar for nostalgia) would be sufficient for our needs. It holds its place as one of the best pumpkin beers we have tried, but still less superior to Dogfish Head and Weyerbacher's versions. It may have been the first sip, but we we got punk'ed.

Oz Scale: 7.2
Mike Scale: 7.3

Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

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Great Lakes Brewing Company's Oktoberfest

After a disappointing trip to Guitar Center, our mission had become clear: We needed to contribute to the beer and music blog. Our choice was marred by two delectable brews: Flying Dog's Dogtober Marzen or Great Lakes Oktoberfest. The choice soon became clear as the Oktoberfest was cold and it was a long journey home.

After a kiss to the lips, the dark amber lager crashes the deepest palettes of the tongue and lingers with malty sweetness on the sides of the tongue. The beer tastes clean and finishes so smooth that you are left with a difficult decision: Should I drink more or savor.... and then drink more? Let us be the first to tell you that drinking more always wins. We haven't ran into a brew that begs to be drank beer after beer in quite some time (see previous blog, we lie.)

Having been brewed under the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, (Reinheitsgebot) this brew is not without flaw. Its flavor begs the question: Why can I not relish this beer slowly? Is beer not meant to be enjoyed to its fullest extent? (Bud Light drinkers need not apply this question.) In our never ending quest to bring knowledge of fine brews, we are sad to say that the drinkability of this beverage outweighs the taste. Not that the taste is bad, it is just WAY too easy to guzzle. It is 6.5% ABV, by the way.

Overall:
Mike Scale: 7.5
Oz Scale: 7.6