287985 Thu Nov 29 14:21:01 -0800 2001 14 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1552048 At Barzini's, the local grocery store, I spied a six pack of "Post Road" Pumpkin Ale. The package claims that pumpkin was a common basis in colonial times. Has anyone tried this or other pumpkin ales? Thu Nov 29 14:21:01 -0800 2001 0 Pat Goldberg 1 1552059 I have some in my fridge at this very moment. It's from Buffalo Bill's Brewery in Hayward, CA. . . but brewed and bottled by Portland Brewing Co. in OR. Not sure who's REALLY responsible for this ale. :-) I don't know anything about the history of pumpkin ale, but this one is pretty nice. Thu Nov 29 17:19:17 -0800 2001 1552048 0 LisaPizza 2 1552098 Buffalo Bill's was probably the first commercial beer of this type. It's been made for Bill Owens at various breweries over the years. The Post Road brand is now owned by the Brooklyn Brewery. It's made for them at FX Matt in Utica, NY. Pumpkin ale is a brisk seller for a brief time each fall. Some people really, really like it. Fri Nov 30 06:56:16 -0800 2001 1552059 0 Jim Dorsch 3 1552103 Thanks for the information. It sounds like you are not a big fan, however. Did I get this right? Fri Nov 30 08:13:32 -0800 2001 1552098 0 Pat Goldberg 4 1552115 I'm not a big fan of spiced beers in general, so my opinion really doesn't count. Fri Nov 30 10:42:33 -0800 2001 1552103 0 Jim Dorsch 5 1552164 I say give it a go (if you haven't already while we've been talking about it)! There are such subtle difference from one spiced ale to the next. . . two people that LIKE spiced ales will have different opinions! Now, if you could get hold of the Buffalo Bill's, I would definitely recommend it. Fri Nov 30 19:28:50 -0800 2001 1552115 0 LisaPizza 6 1552263 Heartland brewery serves pumpkin ale every year. They have locations in Union Square and in Times square. Mon Dec 03 14:07:30 -0800 2001 1552164 0 DeeDee 2 1552140 This pumpkin ale is spiced, but the pumpkin flavor predominates rather than the spices. The first taste is kind of startling, but it's really a good marriage of flavors. It's a good change for a once a year treat. As much as I enjoyed it, it's fine that it's seasonal. Couldn't drink it year round. Fri Nov 30 12:44:28 -0800 2001 1552059 0 LBQT 1 1552093 I've tried a pumpkin ale once. That was enough for me. Didn't like it. And I am usually a fan of seasonal beers in general. Don't remember what brewery it was from. If you try it, let us know what you think. Fri Nov 30 02:43:44 -0800 2001 1552048 0 Jim Wilkerson 1 1552095 Every year a bunch of my friends get together and make a big batch of home brew pumpkin beer. It's mighty tasty. I'm not sure if the commercial pumpkin brews measure up though. Fri Nov 30 06:44:40 -0800 2001 1552048 0 christina z 1 1552148 My wife brought some home last year. I didn't think I'd like it, but I ended up really enjoying it. It was dry with a pumpkin flavor that complemented the taste of the ale. Fri Nov 30 14:07:29 -0800 2001 1552048 0 2chez mike 1 1552157 I recently had a very nice pumpkin ale at the Portsmouth Brewery in Portsmouth, NH. From their website: "Normally released in the month of October, Pumpkin ale is a beer made with the addition of 125 pounds of fresh pumpkins to the mash. Pumpkin puree is also added to the fermentor. A light hopping and spices accent the flavor. Pumpkin ale dates back to colonial days in America, when brewers were still dependent on Europe for many supplies, especially malt. Brewers learned that they could extend their meager malt supplies by using starchy vegetables such as pumpkins, squash, and potatoes. " - VF Link: http://www.portsmouthbrewery.com Fri Nov 30 16:28:48 -0800 2001 1552048 0 VF 2 1552159 There are a few paragraphs at link below from Bill Owens, who claims to have invented pumpkin ale. Link: http://www.ambrew.com/pumpkin/home.html Fri Nov 30 17:09:17 -0800 2001 1552157 0 Jim Dorsch 1 1552180 Pumpkin ale really sounds interesting. Does anybody know where to get it in New York city? I'd really prefer a liquor store or grocery store as opposed to a bar. Thanks. Fri Nov 30 23:51:33 -0800 2001 1552048 0 Jennifer J 2 1552191 I found it at Barzini's on the UWS: Broadway between 90th and 91st. Sat Dec 01 07:25:39 -0800 2001 1552180 0 Pat Goldberg