Beer: Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Spice Ale

Brewery: Buffalo Bill's Brewery Hayward, California

Overview: Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale is perhaps their most famous seasonal brew, and certainly the one that introduced me to the California brewery.  Armed with the trademark solid orange cap and telltale twisty vines on the label, the Pumpkin Ale reminds me that Autumn is upon us.

Aroma: What you might expect at Thanksgiving.  Strong roasted pumpkin, with some nutmeg and clove hints, like the pumpkin pie baking in your mom's kitchen.  The sweet pumpkin is dominant in the mix of malty sweetness and spice, tending towards what you'd imagine from a a heavy baked puree.

Appearance: Pale amber, low evident carbonation, with a quarter inch white head that dissipates.

Flavor: Creamy smooth, whip cream to go along with the pie.  Good hop bite without bitterness.  You can't hide the pumpkin, though.  The jack-o-lantern comes through in the flavor with more cinnamon.  A bit of toasted notes in the finish, completing the illusion as you take down the crust.

Overall Impression: It's obvious.  There is not much to say about this beer.  Other than it tastes and smells and even kind of looks like a big slice of pumpkin pie.  Oh, and the recommendation is about the same.  You need at least one of these beers annually, along with one slice of pumpkin pie.  But don't try these at the same time, you might be overwhelmed.  Still, as far as seasonals go, Buffalo Bill's is the best pumpkin ale I have tried so far, and you need to grab one as well.

Vitals:
Style Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer
Price $8.99/six-pack
Found In Grocery Store Beer Aisle
Alcohol Content 5.2% by volume
Availability Autumn
Bitterness 11-12 IBU

Rating:  92