Review: Dogfish Head Pumpkin Old Ale

Dogfish Head Pumpkin Old Ale
8.0% ABV
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE
On tap at the Dogfish Head Brewpub, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Served in a snifter glass (approx. 8 oz serving)
Reviewed on 12/27/12 at the brewpub 

This ale, exclusive to Dogfish Head's Rehoboth brewpub, pours a hazy brownish amber with a good thin bubbly head.  Mild carbonation.

Smell consists of pumpkin, vanilla, nutmeg.  I approached this one after two beers and food, so it was becoming difficult to discern smells.

Taste has rich pumpkin and vanilla with a good bourbon/whiskey flavored kick.  Nutmeg, some darker fruits like cherry and raisin coming through.  Mild hops.

Mouthfeel is smooth with a good bourbon bite.  Some earthiness, some syrupiness.

Overall, this was a good pumpkin ale that packs a nice bourbon punch to it.  Vanilla, dark fruitiness present.  In taste, this one is almost a fall/pumpkin cousin to 120 minute IPA though with the alcohol.  Where did this one come from? More info here. It's the product of a competition-winning Philadelphia area homebrewer who got to make his brew at Dogfish's Rehoboth brewpub.  Nice work--I think it's as good as Dogfish Head's seasonal Punkin Ale. 

My score: 92