Cambridge The Great Pumpkin Ale

I believe the Peanuts character, Linus, when he says that The Great Pumpkin rises from the pumpkin patch around Halloween and brings gifts to those who believe. I also believe that it only makes sense that it would bring its namesake beer, The Great Pumpkin Ale, to me. Thank you, Great Pumpkin, thank you.

Brewery: Cambridge Brewing Co. (Cambridge, MA)

Rating: 85/100

Comments: Brewed with pumpkins from two farms in Massachusetts, The Great Pumpkin Ale pours a clear amber with a finger of white head. I can pick up nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, roasted pumpkin, and pie crust in the aroma. The spices hit first in the taste, with cinnamon and nutmeg dominating, then caramel sweetness and some spicy hops come through to round it out. It’s dry and grainy on the tongue, while the cheek-feel is sweet and light. The Great Pumpkin Ale feels authentic and really nails that “cozy home” feeling I look for in an Autumn pumpkin ale.