I picked up a four pack of Dogfish "Punkin" Ale (Punk for short) the other day, you know, to be seasonal. I know that Dogfish Head is all the rage lately, but I have never been much of a fan. They are big into gimmicky hops tricks and I have always said that a lot of hops can cover up a lot of mistakes. Huge hop flavor does not equal good beer...
But anyhow, too much hops is not the problem with the Punkin Ale. I simply found it a little flat (in flavor, not carbonation) and boring. The ale was vaguely pie spice-y just like every other "pumpkin" beer I have ever had. I had the urge to add a little salt to try to coax out some flavor. At 12.99 for a quartet of bottles, the price is absurd.
Anyhow, does anyone else (on occasion) like to salt their beer? I do it sometimes and people are generally either with me or against me in regards to this practice. I find it adds a little something to an otherwise bland brew. Also, it "takes the head off of the beast" i.e. it tames the excess carbonation found in some brews of ill repute.
Oops, almost forgot the pour shot.
Dogfish just pulled out of a handful of states in the Midwest because they can't keep up with capacity. Despite the down economy, craft beers are up in sales. It certainly doesn't make Dogfish Head's beer taste any better.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to try the best pumpkin beer out there get a Southern Tier Pumking. Expensive, but amazing.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've never had their Pumpkin I also am not a bit Dogfish fan. I do enjoy Browns Pumkin ale however.
ReplyDeleteWell, the only time I salt my beer is when I'm weeping into it. ; )
ReplyDeleteI agree. I thought the Post Road Pumpkin Ale and Southern Tier Pumpking were both better than the Dogfish Head.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little late to the party but will also throw in my vote for Southern Tier's Pumpking - they still are carrying it at Olivers. It's surprisingly delicious but I keep wanting to call it The Pumpkining.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge fan of Dogfish Head...in fact, I think the first one I ever tried was the 120 IPA - it was probably my first IPA years ago and I always figured I just didn't like hops. Because of Southern Tier I've actually started to come back around and think that hops can be a good thing in beer if done right.