The Belgian Pumpkin Ale marks the third release of the 2016 Vintage Reserve Series from The Exchange Brewery. Lightly spiced, brewed with loads of pumpkin and aged in large oak casks, our Belgian Ale has then been bottle-aged for a year, building increasingly complex flavours.
This week’s tasting panel revealed that the Vintage brew kept its subtle pumpkin profile and built extra layers of spice and esters. It developed an assertive carbonation as well as a surprising, but very pleasing fruitiness.
« It has more yeasty esters on the nose, with a nice dry finish. I find it more complex and compelling now, » comments Christine Nagy, brewer at The ExB.
In comparison, the new 2017 Pumpkin Ale is more pumpkin-foward and sweeter, without being too overwhelming. It shows earthy notes and delicate hints of vanilla. Younger, it displays less Belgian ester and the hints of cloves and cinnamon are more subtle as well. With a medium body and moderate carbonation, it is a well-rounded pumpkin ale, perfect for the Fall season.
The 2016 Vintage Reserve Belgian Pumpkin Ale will be available for sale in The ExB Bottle Shop (7 Queen street, NOTL) for $13 (+hst), as well as our 2017 Belgian Pumpkin Ale ($12). Both will be released on September 1st, 2017, at 11am, and will also be available on draught and to take home in growlers.
The Exchange Brewery’s Belgian-style beers are bottle conditioned, and if properly cellared have a shelf life of 3 years. (Bottle stored upright, in a cool – around 55F/12C – and dark space; any deviation from this, such as rapid temperature change, will decrease the lifespan of the bottle.)
