In the 'spirit' of the season
- bethchartnett
- Oct 2, 2015
- 5 min read
The pumpkin spiced latte might be the unofficial drink of the season, but I have a few alternate suggestions.
Matt and I have taken up the very arduous task of taste testing some runners-up over the past couple weeks—the boozy kind—in between mouthfuls of Pumpkin Joe Joe's and Pumkin Cookie Butter (yes, the stuff exists and yes, you need to drive to the store for some immediately. I-m-m-e-d-i-a-t-e-l-y).
Here are a few seasonal suds to savor over the next couple months. While it's easy to
1. Dogfish Head - Punkin Ale
(Spiced brown ale, 7% ABV, 28 IBU)
First off, Dogfish Head in general is a winner. The microbrewery is based in Delaware and has yet to disappoint me when it comes to their beer; they hit all the marks when it comes to delivering a well-rounded, full-bodied beer with explosive flavor. For a gal who no longer has tastebuds when it comes to booze (thank you, IPAs), I think that says a lot.
I have been wanting to try the Punkin Ale since last fall. Nathan suggested I give it a try and I was crushed to find that the stores were wiped clean by the time I arrived. Despite my disappointment, I now had proof the beer was good. I learned my lesson and at first opportunity grabbed a six-pack this season. It was worth the wait; I honestly think this pumpkin beer is one of the best I've tasted. When I think of pumpkin beer, I think of an explosion of nutmeg and clove and all the delicious seasonal spices. I'm usually disappointed with how little these flavors shine through. It's almost as if companies just slap a label that says "pumpkin" on it for the sales. Given the price I was quoted for my tall pumpkin spice latte (almost $5, ouch), this seems like a truth.
The Punkin ale, on the other hand, does not disappoint. Brewed with brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and real pumpkin, it's the real deal. It's less aggressive then some of Dog Fish Head's more notable brews, but I think that is partially why I liked it so much. Every sip was well-balanced and smooth, with a flavor profile that builds as you drink. Bottoms up.
2. Ace Hard Pumpkin Cider
(5% ABV)
I am a sucker for ciders. I mean, who doesn't think of a crisp glass of fresh apple goodness when it comes to fall? One of my favorite memories is traveling to "Apple Country," or Oak Glen I guess as many others call it (but it's really just Apple Country) to pick apples and drink fresh squeezed cider out of a wooden barrel. Anyone else feeling thirst?
Ace's rendition is a fun twist on the classic. It would be especially delicious served with some diced apples and a few cinnamon sticks if you're feeling fancy. The body of the beverage has a subtle hint of spice and a clean, sweet flavor. Perfect for a hot fall day(I know my Friday evening plans....)
3. The Almanac Beer Co.'s Dark Pumpkin Sour
(American Wild Ale, 7% ABV)
This one is my wildcard as I am still not quite sure how I feel about it, but think that everyone needs to give it a shot... maybe for my own curiosity as to what everyone else thinks. First thing that shocked me: the color. Matt and I were both surprised at how dark it was. Second thing that shocked us: the initial swig. Holy tastebuds. Imagine how your tastebuds freak out when you suck on a Warhead and you've pretty much just simulated what it's like to take your first sip of this Alamanac beer. Seriously my tastbuds are doing a loop-the-loop right now just thinking about the taste. I have never had a sour that lived up to the name in such a way.
Now, despite the initial punch-in-the-face sourness, the flavor subsides a bit as you continue to sip and some truly interesting flavor profiles emerge. Both of us agreed that pumpkin wasn't one of them, though you do start getting the spice on the back end. It becomes a really tasty sipping beer, complex and zany. The brew ferments in whiskey and bourbon-aged barrels, and it's crazy how much this comes through. About halfway through my glass, I could have sworn I was drinking a glass of dry white wine (and no, it wasn't the booze talking). Go grab a bottle and post your thoughts below. I would love to hear your take!
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I had so much fun with the seasonal spirits this week that I didn't just limit myself to sipping them. If you are looking for a fun and easy way to enjoy all the fall flavors, consider busting out your crockpot like I did and indulge in a boozy butternut squash recipe from my favorite food blogger, Jessica Merchant. The recipe can be found in her fabulous new cookbook, Seriously Delish, which includes another Autumn appropriate dish [stay tuned].
The Amaretto Butternut Squash Soup was both delicious and incredibly easy. I didn't have amaretto on hand, and was too lazy to go get some, so I subbed for whiskey. You can never go wrong with a little Whiskey. Or, if you'd prefer to eat your soup sans booze, try some almond or vanilla extract. Bust out the goards and go crazy!
Ingredients:
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
3 tablespoons amaretto (or pick your poison as stated above)
4 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
2 cups organic vegetable stock
2 cups water
1/2 cup coconut milk
Get cooking:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over a medium low heat and add the onions. Saute until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add amaeretto, butternut squash, vegetable stock, and water to the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. Pour the mixture into the blender and puree until smooth.
4. Place in the crockpot along with 1/2 cup coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and some pepper. Turn it on low and let it cook. I let mine run while I was at work and it was piping hot and delicious by the time I got home.
Serve the soup with a touch of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. For something extra delicious, add a handful of nuts (pepitas would be delicious, but I used sunflower), a drizzle of coconut milk, and some pumpkin cornbread. I got mine at Trader Joe's and it made the whole house smell like pumpkin heaven.
[Bon appetit!]
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