Propeller Pumpkin Ale: Halifax, NS

A week and a half ago I was sitting on the couch having a glass of Dieu Du Ciel's Corne du Diable when the buzzer sounded indicating someone wanted to be let into the apartment. When I saw the box tucked under the man's arm I got excited, knowing it was another box of beer arriving from an unknown sender.

Four bottles of Propeller's latest seasonal came out of the box upon opening it and straight into the fridge they went. It was hard not popping the cap of one, but it was off to Newmarket for the wedding. 9 days have since gone by and today I spent the entire afternoon working on TAPS Magazine stuff, and whenever I do that a beer is always near my computer. It was no different today, and it was the Pumpkin Ale's turn.

There has been a lot of talk about pumpkin beers this season as a number of the deliciously spiced beers have been popping up all over the place, Ontario that is. Great Lakes Pumpkin, Nightmare on Mill Street Pumpkin, Grand River Highballer Pumpkin, McAuslan Pumpkin, Niagara's Pumpkin (at the pub), and more. I happen to quite enjoy the different complexity that each of these beers offers, as no one pumpkin ale mentioned above taste the same.

Propeller's Pumpkin pours a beautiful hazy golden to orangey colour with a rocky cloud like head. The aroma on this baby is subdued hints of nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and freshly chopped pumpkin, all very mild under the billowy cap. There is also a touch of citrus hop on the second sniff. I was expecting a little more in the aroma, so I let it warm up a bit longer but I came away with the same mild notes. Still quite nice though. The light to medium body throws more of the aforementioned spices out in the taste and it all ends somewhat calmly on the tongue, not cloying, yet somewhat sweet. No real huge 'pumpkin pie' flavour with this beer, just a nice quaffable drink that wouldn't offend someone trying a pumpkin ale for the first time. And I love the packaging of this beer. The logo is nice and simple, yet artistic enough to be different than other generic labels.

Propeller has been producing the Pumpkin Ale since 2004 and every season it sells out very very quickly, so make sure you get a bottle or two before it's gone. You can find the product at the brewery in the cold beer store, Bishop's Cellar, Premier Wines and Spirits, and a couple other small boutiques in Nova Scotia.

Propeller Brewing Company
2015 Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS B3K 3B1
www.drinkpropeller.ca