Feature Beer Friday! - Southern Tier Pumking 2013

What's that?  Feature Beer Friday! for two weeks in a row?  That's right, and expect this streak to continue.  No more slacking for me, it's time for regular beer reviews and other content on a weekly basis.

For this round, the 2013 release of Pumking from Southern Tier Brewing in New York.  Southern Tier is a relative newcomer to the Louisiana market, and I've featured a few of their regular lineup before, including the Hop Sun, 2XIPA, and Live.  They have also brought us the Creme Brulee and Choklat stouts as well as a few special kegs of barleywine, and of course their pumpkin seasonal.  Pumking is described as an Imperial Pumpkin Ale, clocking in at 8.6% abv.
 
Reviewers: Eric Ducote (BR Beer Scene), Jeff Herman (Tiger Deaux-nuts), Dan Fisher, and Mandi Kaelberer.

Serving: 22 oz. bottle.

Appearance: Deep golden color, not a lot of head, this is definitely more of a traditional pumpkin ale as opposed to a pumpkin stout.

Aroma: Pie crust, not overly spiced or too much pumpkin, but it's there. Both Dan and Jeff said that it reminded them of a pumpkin pie.  

Taste: More pie crust, and honestly it could use a little more pumpkin.  It's like everything is there except the pumpkin itself. Despite that it's still delicious.

Mouthfeel: Finishes easy with a lot of breadiness.  

Overall: This is a pretty solid pumpkin beer among the traditional style of brewing pumpkin beers.  It's not going to rival the Saint Arnold Pumpkinator or Crown Valley Imperial Pumpkin Stout, but it's better (in my opinion) than something like the Wasatch Pumpkin Ale or even the Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin Ale. It's absolutely worth picking up a bottle next fall. 

Overall Rating: 78.25
My Rating: 76