Saranac Pumpkin Ale - Matt Brewing Company, Utica

If there weren't a big Jack-o-Lantern on the label of this beer you probably wouldn't be able to tell it was Pumpkin Ale. Saranac's "Pumpkin" Ale doesn't have that spiced oomph that other Pumpkin Ales pack. There isn't any gingerbread spice or nutmeg in this beer either, it's odd... but I kinda like it. To be clear, as a Pumpkin Ale this beer fails completely. There are really very few similarities between this beer and pretty much every other Pumpkin Beer I've had. As an autumn seasonal beer, this Saranac is pretty good. It has an earthy, nutty flavor that feels warm and is really quite nice.

The flavor is similar to oily, greasy fried foods. It tastes vaguely nutty like peanuts or pecans. I had no problems finishing this beer, it's quite smooth and easy to drink. My one caveat here would be that this beer is NOT a Pumpkin Ale. It's still a good beer, but if you're looking for a beer that tastes a little like pumpkin... keep looking elsewhere.