Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin is a Pumpkin Ale brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tulip pint glass from a 12 oz. bottle.
Packaging art for the Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin by New Belgium Brewing Company
What You Need to Know
The Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin is not the traditional autumn seasonal that you might enjoy with your Thanksgiving meal. It’s packed with a trio of hot peppers that are tasted and felt. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The ale pours a mostly clear deep golden hue and is topped by a finger-thick cap of puffy, off-white foam that offers modest retention. The head’s reduction doesn’t leave behind any residue on the glass.
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Aroma
The aroma is quite strong and wafts the nose with a scent that could best described as pumpkin pie. There’s a lot of pumpkin and cinnamon. But then there’s also all spice and nutmeg as well. There’s a hint of tart cherry and then a sweet note of cookie dough.
Flavor
The palate is led by a taste of toasted bread that transitions to pumpkin fruit and cinnamon. Floral hops add a little bite and then the tasting is spiked with a blast of hot peppers. The spicy flavor lingers through the finish and is only undercut slightly with a taste of caramel and a hint of tart cherry.
Label art for the Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin by New Belgium Brewing Company
Mouthfeel
The feel is smooth and the sweetness coats the back of the mouth. The hot peppers impart warmth and a lingering astringency. The ale’s body is medium-light with moderate carbonation.
Overall
The head retention is poor but otherwise the brew’s appearance is fine. The aroma is as persistent as it is superb — truly the finest attribute of this beer. The palate and mouthfeel are quite a departure from the typical Pumpkin Ale. That’s not to say that makes this brew bad, but one should be aware of what they’re getting into. Sure, there is pumpkin, but the hot peppers dominate the tasting. This may not satisfy the consumer looking for the typical Pumpkin Ale. But if you prefer something different or just want to enjoy something hot and spicy, the Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin is for you.
