Pumpkin beers. You either love ‘em or you hate ’em. Far from being a modern craft beer invention, pumpkin beers have
a long history in the U.S.

Samuel Sterns’ The American Herbal, published in 1801, considered pumpkin beer especially healthful.

And before it was considered a health tonic, pumpkin beer was a popular component of a flip--a cocktail that may include um, beer and sugar.

Pumpkin beer was prevelant during the early colonial era simply because of availability. Pumpkinss were a native plant, virtually unknown in Europe. At first, pumpkins even took the place of barley malt entirely.

By the 18th century, pumplin was used more as a flavor note than as a substitute for malt. Soon, though, popularity faded as pumpkin was seen as something rustic and quaint. Modern pumpkin beers taste more like “pumpkin pie beers,” Today, there are more than 400 different pumpkin beers. We decided to make a pumpkin ale that is malt forward and more full-bodied., We let the alcohol and the sweetness dance with the pumpkin and autumn spices.