Fall is my favorite season. It means football, cooler temperatures (kind of a big deal here in Texas) and marzens. I do love me a good marzen. But, I am not here today to talk about marzens. I am here to talk about the perfect embodiment of fall into a 12oz bottle. It is no secret that I do love Dogfish Head. However, I am ALWAYS skeptical of a pumpkin beer, even from them. I have had countless pumpkin beers and am continually let down (save for St. Arnolds Pumpkinator, that was heavenly). I heard that Punkin’ Ale (Dogfish Head) was coming to Texas, albeit in a very limited, small batch. (180 cases for the thirty million of us Texans) Well, my current employer managed to acquire 20/180 cases set for distribution to this state.

Lets just say I am not in any way disappointed. This beer is phenomenal. The label says that it is a full bodied brown ale, I say that it is perfection in a bottle. This beer fully embodies Fall. A wonderful aroma, an amazing flavor, it is not overpowering on the pumpkin flavor, nor is it understated. The spices are adequate, albeit not overly done (think wassail compared to cider).

I’ll have to go back and buy some more, this beer will be great for the duration of the Fall and well into December when I can begin drinking eggnog with nutmeg.

I highly recommend you check this baby out.

Picture courtesy of Travis Whitlock