Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales – Noel De Calabaza

December 27, 2007

1pt. 9.4 oz bottle
Purchased at the brewery for around $10.
Beer pours a rusty brown color. A tiny bit of a head appeared from the pour and quickly dissolved into a light colored foam ring around the glass. A hazy, swirly thin texture remained on top of the beer.
A very sour wine like smell. Hints of cherries and apples.
The taste is a big tart apple/fruit – almost wine taste. A definite oak flavor.
A very nice smooth texture to this beer. Light on carbonation and finishes tart, but smooth.
Overall, I’m really impressed with this beer. I first tried Jolly Pumpkin in my early days of beer tasting, and was literally taken back by the sourness and almost wine like smell/flavor. Since I’ve broadened my beer horizons the past few years, I have a definite new view on Jolly Pumpkin beers. I had the pleasure of meeting the brewer Ron Jeffries, on a recent visit to the brewery, and was mesmerized by his knowledge of brewing, and the unique style they use to create their beers. The beer is definitely different – so be prepared, but keep an open mind. I’d suggest, if you haven’t had this beer yet, to check out the website – there is a section about the brewing process that is a really good read. They explain the process of fermenting in recycled oak wine barrels, and utilizing the wild yeast from within the wood. Pretty amazing. Anyhow, I have a half of a bottle of this stuff left to finish, so I’m signing off to enjoy yet another fine Michigan brewed beer.

Posted in Beer Review