Southern Tier Brewing's 2013 Pumking at Harlem Public

Best tasting Pumpkin-Pumking beer I ever had is being rolled out by Southern Tier this fall, in record quantities (more than the last 3 years combined).  It's light, and goes down smooth, but don't be fooled, it's like being hit with a Jack o' Lantern.

It's on tap at that #epic watering hole for craft beer on 149th and Broadway, Harlem Public, which lines the glass with Pumpkin spices, so get ready for a little ribbing from the onlookers along the bar.   
 
I would have settled for less nutmeg and a larger pour, but it's a small thing, given the giant flavor and high gravity ethanol coming your way. 

The aroma, head and color were all flawless, and it was followed by a perfect balance of malt to Pumpkinish adjuncts, which according to the bottle, includes actual pumpkin (something unusual among most Pumpkin beers).  Not too thin and cidery (they way my own pumpkin beers and ciders have come out), and not at all artificial tasting, which is another trope one can expect this time of year in these Pumpkin beers.  Its mild body has no hoppy distractions, like a recent chocolate peanut butter beer I just sampled in Baltimore that will remain Sweet Baby Jesus by Du Claw.

The finish was delightful, and I almost ordered another, if not for the knock out punch of its high 8.6% ABV.  So-- Trick, and Treat--  you're basically drinking Pumpkin Beer-Wine.  

After the high ABV, I needed to break, and went to the chalk board for low gravity Wheat.  

Here's Southern Tier's scary, pagan pandering prose about their outstanding Pumking:
http://www.stbcbeer.com/seasonals/seasonal-imperial/pumking-beer-page/

I give it 4.5 Charlie Browns-- the Great Pumpkin is showing up every night you can get your hands on this fermented wonder. 

Now, I don't know what in the name of Ichabod Crane The Bros at Beer Advocate are thinking giving the Pumking a mere 81, but I'd say the crowd has it right at 91 (with 3800+ ratings)-- Outstanding.. which may be misleading too, because 3 of these and nobody's likely to be standing, in, out or otherwise. So get you some!

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/3818/38394



Footnote: Harlem Public kept the popcorn coming, and sure the service was great, but the water was slow between beers, so let's keep the customers hydrated, dudes.