Fall Beer Update

The days of fall are passing, and it's getting colder. And that's fine, because to stay warm I am opting to drink more beer and use less oil this year. Actually if you do the math on this you end up needing to drink absolutely punishingly horrible beer for this to make financial sense. But who cares.

In truth I must admit that the Woodstock Inn fallT liquor is growing on me. It took a big dent in the 6er to come around, but I think I am a fan at this point. I am moving from 'recommend' to 'strong buy' on that commodity.

So as we get into October, we're all finding ourselves in the same boat with Pumpkinhead. We've sort of moved on from it for the time being, still holding it in our hearts somewhere, maybe a little burned out of it, might get back to it when the season wraps up. Alright to be honest, you can't get drunk on this beer and it's the fall. Alcohol is your only weapon against seasonal affective disorder.

I have been offered this concoction several times, but Friday night was the first time I caved in and tried it. Pumpkinhead + shot of Vanilla Stolichnaya Vodka + frivolous cinnamon sugar rimmed glass. Say what you will about it on paper, but I have to say, this is money in the bank. Technically it's about $7 money out of bank, hair splitter, who cares. If you drink two of these I guarantee you will run for president or solve a crime.

It's The Great Pumpkinhead Debate, Charlie Brown!

Personally, I hate the stuff, but there are a lot of people out there who can't wait for this to hit the shelves. It's become a welcome harbinger of fall like changing foliage, pumpkins and better beer. Ok, that was a pot shot. I'd like to hear what everyone thinks of this divisive brew.

Woodstock Inn Autumn Ale Brew 4.4% ABV

I have no idea. I figured I'd give it a go. It has a spooky label. And we just plowed through a case of Pumpkinhead so I thought it would be good to take a little reprieve.

Then I get it home in my fridge, and there under refrigerated illumination I notice this is...a malt beverage? How did this little nugget of information elude me at Gary's Discount Beverage this afternoon? And then I see it - deceptively advertised I might add - Autumn Ale Brew. Malt Beverage with Natural Flavor Added. Oh.

I don't know exactly what this is. It's kind of like a flat, malty Pumpkinhead. Allegedly it has some apple flavor. It's not awful, it's just not what I expected. I was hoping for something beer-y-er. This really isn't. Who am I kidding. I'm just disappointed that I couldn't find any Halloween Ale, which is what I really wanted. This is worth trying I guess. And at 4.4%, you'll be full of wisdom after two bottles. -cp