Pumpkin Down is a Scottish Ale by Ballast Point Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a nonic pint glass from a bottle.
Appearance
Pours a clear, dark, auburn brown with a thick cap of tan foam that offers modest retention. Droplets cling to the glass while a soapy residue gathers at the collar.
Aroma
The aroma is pleasantly sweet with a scent of pumpkin and brown sugar; spiced with cinnamon. It’s rounded out by a hint of floral hops.
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Flavor
The palate begins with a taste of lightly toasted bread and spices. A subdued bitterness picks up from there, providing a mild hint floral hops and orange citrus. Finishes dryly with lingering flavors of pumpkin and toffee.
Mouthfeel
Mouthfeel is smooth and creamy with a medium-light body and a little less than moderate carbonation.
Overall
The use of pumpkin and spices aren’t overpowering and nicely complement the toasty malt. Some craving a pumpkin beer might be disappointed but within the confines of the style, the Pumpkin Down makes it work. For Ballast Point, this is a nice take on their original Piper Down Scottish Ale.
Recommended Pairings
Ballast Point recommends the following food pairings with their Pumpkin Down Scottish Ale: truffle risotto with butternut squash, sage gnocchi, and jalapeño cornbread.
