Reviewed by Ron DeGregorio
Even though we are coming upon the close of August, I have gone all in on drinking fall beer. I am on a pumpkin beer binge and hoping to try every variety I can get my hands on!
While many pumpkin ales are strong on the spices, almost too strong in some cases, I was still searching for “that beer” that actually smells like pumpkin pie, which is one of my weaknesses. I found that beer in Post Road.
According to Brooklyn, Post Road is described as follows;
“Early American colonialists, seeking natural ingredients for brewing ales, turned to pumpkins, which were plentiful, flavorful and nutritious. Blended with barley malt, pumpkins became a commonly used beer ingredient. Post Road Pumpkin Ale brings back this tasty tradition. Hundreds of pounds of pumpkins are blended into the mash of each batch, creating a beer with an orange amber color, warm pumpkin aroma, biscuity malt center, and crisp finish.”
Let’s see how they did!
Appearance:
Post Road is that same lovely dark orange, copper hue that one comes to expect from a pumpkin ale. It has a nice head that retains for quite some time.
Aroma:
The aroma on Post Road is out of this world. If beer was rated JUST on smell, this one would be a gold medal winner. To state it bluntly, it smells like pumpkin pie. Not “somewhat” like pumpkin pie; no, this is pumpkin pie in a bottle. There are other spiced scents on the nose as well, however; the main smell is a very strong pumpkin pie.
Mouth Feel:
Post Road has a very clean and crisp mouth feel. No hop bitterness, and very well carbonated. Has a very similar feel as other pumpkin ales, especially Shipyard’s take on the style.
Taste:
I must say, I have been on the search for that perfect pumpkin ale, and after the smell of Post Road, I was certain I had found it. I was slightly disappointed, however.
Post Road’s taste is not bad by any means, but it did not pack the pumpkin pie taste I was praying for. After that aroma, to say I was let down is an understatement.
Another issue I have about the taste is that it is fairly flat. There really is not a strong spice presence that you would expect from a fall pumpkin ale.
There is a certain hop character that is reminiscent of cheap bar beer. It is not necessarily a bad thing, as I enjoy that taste, but again, not what I was anticipating.
The aftertaste is almost that of ginger ale, which I assume is due to the addition of ginger. I enjoy ginger ale a great deal, but I was hoping for pumpkin pie.
Conclusion:
I would give Post Road an 83 or a B-. While Post Road is certainly not a bad beer by any means, It leaves me still searching for my perfect pumpkin ale. The aroma is spot on, but the taste leaves a little to be desired. Definitely not the worst example of the fall favorite style, but not the best either. I would pick it up at a bar, but I would not buy a six-pack.
Cheers!
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