A novice's view into the craft beer community

Pumking! Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale! Isn’t that just the coolest name for a beer? One word comes to mind – badass!

Brewed by Southern Tier (@stbcbeer) in Lakewood, NY, the company touts the product as:

Brewed in the spirit of All Hallows Eve, a time of year when spirits can make contact with the physical world and when magic is most potent. Pour Pumking into a goblet and allow it’s alluring spirit to overflow. As spicy aromas present themselves, let its deep copper color entrance you as your journey into this mystical brew has just begun.

AWESOME.

I picked up a bomber (22oz bottle) of this dessert like spicy brew mostly as a result of the hype that I’ve been hearing amongst some of my favorite craft beer bloggers. The beer does not disappoint! Check out the review at beeradvocate.com.

In addition to my mouth watering from the thought of flavor, picking up this bottle brought back memories of posts that I read over the past month.

There has been a number of discussions about seasonal beers being available too early. More often than not, Oktoberfest editions are available in August (I checked into a Saranac Pumpkin during the first week of August on Untappd) and funky Christmas beers in late October to early November.

drinkcraftbeer.com ran a poll of its readers and asked “Are seasonal craft beers being released too early now?” 68% of the responders noted that, in their opinion, seasonal beers are available too early.

On the other hand, Food Republic posted an article titled “It’s Never Too Soon for Pumpkin Beer” where Joshua Bernstein noted:

For purists who pray at the altar of seasonality, this may seem like heresy. I call it a return to form.

In addition, the article included five great pumpkin beers to try (including the aforementioned Pumking).

Although I enjoyed my first pumpkin beer in August, it seemed odd (maybe even a bit wrong) to be drinking it. Call me a heretic, whatever! Now that the weather has started to cool down and the scent of Fall is in the air, I say “Bring on the spice, cloves, and of course, pumpkin seeds!”

What are some of your favorite seasonal beers?