Harpoon UFO Pumpkin Ale

After a vacation home I returned to find all the pumpkin beers now available as part of the fall seasonal.     Kristine was determined to find Shipyard's pumpkin ale but we fell short and had to part from City Market with the UFO. We already had plans to make our own BLT sandwiches which we were delighted to find as a suggested food pairing on Shipyard's website. The beer is unfiltered which potentially helps in retaining more of the pumpkin flavor.

Alcohol Content: 5.9%
IBU: 20
Malts: German, Vienna, Munich
Hops: ?

Price: $8/ 6 pack
Medium: Wine glass

Aroma: Pumpkin pie. Plenty of spices reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon blends in nicely with whole pumpkins. All of the spices are kept in balance by malty sweetness and light alcohol notes in the nose. Hops are pretty much non-existent.
Appearance: Amber orange with a good amount of haze. I achieved more haze by pouring about 3/4 of the bottle and then gently shaking the bottom to arouse any yeast, then pouring the rest. A near-white head forms but quickly fades, leaving behind a juice-like appearance. Small, steady bubbles continue to collect around the sides.
Flavor: Malts and spices move across the palate together, with addition spice noted from the alcohol. Pumpkin is present throughout the experience but is somewhat masked by the heat from the alcohol and spices. Although hop bitterness is low, there is considerable bitterness and heat from high carbonation and spice that interacts with the hop bitterness in the finish. Aftertaste remains sweet with a refreshing dose of pumpkin coming back around.
Mouthfeel: Relatively smooth body with a sense of balance, although the alcohol notes come across moderately strong and slightly overpowers the rest of the beer. Carbonation starts out high and slowly begins to come out of solution, adding a bit of a carbonic bite at first but accentuating the beers light, tingling freshness. Slick/ oily, and too thin (watery). I'm wondering if the pumpkins provide the oily mouthfeel and also kills head retention.
Overall Impression: This beer strives to balance between spices and pumpkin but there is considerable amount of heat from the alcohol that makes the overall experience a little less pleasant. It's almost like a grain alcohol sensation achieved after taking a shot (to a lesser extent but you get the picture). Everything else is well balanced. Spices were not overdone, yet when paired with BLT sandwiches they are the only aspects of the beer that linger on the roof and back of the mouth. A delicious pairing!

Harpoon Catamount Maple Wheat

Catamount Brewing Company was one of the first microbreweries in New England but due to lack of marketing and a large deficit from it's newly developed facility in Windsor, VT, the Brewery was forced to close in 2000. That summer the Boston brewing company, Harpoon, acquired the facility from a local bank as part of their expansion. They continue to brew  special batches under the Catamount label as part of their 100 Barrel Series. The Maple Wheat caught my eyes at Hannaford, and Kristine and I were able to split it before heading out for my birthday celebration.

Alcohol Content: 6.8%

IBU: 21

Malts: 2-Row Pale, Wheat, Caramel

Hops: Willamette

Adjuncts: Vermont Maple Syrup from Baker Farm & Scrag Mountain Sugar House

Price: $6.00/ 22oz bomber

Medium: Shared in two pint glasses

Aroma: My first impression was a mix of spices similar to nutmeg or allspice. I realized this to be more of  a sweet & spicy alcohol warmth more than anything else. Maple syrup adds to the sweet caramel malts while the hop aroma is almost undetectable. Mostly warm and pleasantly sweet aromas.

Appearance: After achieving almost no head with a tilted pour, I quickly switched to a straight pour for agitation. Surprisingly, the beer then held a tan head for the entire session. Light to medium-amber in color with bright clarity - most likely filtered.

Flavor: Spice notes upfront with a bit of tartness, perhaps from a citric character of wheat. The maple syrup sweetness gains momentum in the middle and finishes stronger, lingering into the aftertaste. Alcohol flavors dominate any hop flavors but the malts are able to hold up. Bitterness does not quite balance out the malts and alcohol, not to say in a bad or unpleasant manner.

Mouthfeel: Moderate body and carbonation with a sense of fullness form the maple and wheat. The alcohol is fairly noticeable and creates for a spicy warmth. This is the first beer I perceived the alcohol warmth to be sweet also - differs from malt sweetness. 

Overall Impression: I'm curious to see how this compares to a "sap beer". Fiddlehead brewing company is having a fundraiser with a sap beer that uses 700 gallons of the last sap runnings in the brew kettle. On the other hand I'm not sure where the maple syrup comes in during the brewing process for the Catamount. I wouldn't drink more than one 22oz bomber at a time but its great for a specialty brew day.

Leviathan Series Barleywine

The Leviathan Series is Harpoon's way of offering world-styles of beer and bold flavors that aren't typically found on tap or at the local store. The Barleywine is of English-style and can be aged up to five years to increase malt complexities. Based on the description, this example involves a kettle caramelization to derive more caramel flavors from the malts. Fermented with Harpoon's house yeast.

Alcohol Content: 10%
IBU: 65
Malts: ?
Hops: Chinook, Tettnang

Price: $11 for a four-pack of 12oz bottles
Medium: Poured into a red wine glass (may substitute a snifter or goblet)

Aroma: Overall warm nose represents the high alcohol with a nice underlying caramel sweetness and malty backbone. Instead, some bread-like citrus (if that exists) and dry fruit character. Hop aroma is masked a bit by the alcohol warmth and fruity sweetness. However, I would define it as slightly spicy or peppery.
Appearance: Quite cloudy and looks like some "floaties" or protein causing particles are present - sign of chill haze (was served colder than suggested). Poured for a very light off-white to white-ish head with minimal retention. Light garnet in color approaching amber.
Flavor: This one reveals for many layers that can be difficult to peel away. I found some toffee and molasses-like sweetness upfront (deep caramel) with a slightly bourbon-like finish. This is most likely due to solvent-like off-flavors from higher alcohols (approaches an unpleasantness). Hop profile is quite spicy/ peppery, assertive enough to balance the sweetness. Also found some bready characteristics in the malt. Dark fruit presence comes in and out after each sip.
Mouthfeel: Pleasant creaminess with a nice chewy explosion with each sip. Some mouth-watering effects come next followed by a counteracting fruity dryness. Full bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation. Overall "hot" mouthfeel, especially in the finish and aftertaste.
Overall Impression: It was surprisingly similar to Otter Creek 20th Anniversary Ale in its off-flavors and mouthfeel, but perhaps more appropriate for the style. I can't imagine saving one for 5 years though, its probably just not worth it unless you're into cellaring.

Harpoon Munich Type Dark

Harpoon Munich Type Dark is exactly what it sounds, a malty dark beverage representing the Munich Dunkel style (section 4B). Brewed since 1998, this Dunkel can be found all year round in 6 packs and seasonal variety packs. Harpoon's version of this German lager is a bit hoppier and possesses a deep chocolate characteristic.

Alcohol Content: 5.5%
International Bitterness Units (IBU): 35
Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate?
Hops: ?

Medium: 2 samples of 12oz bottles poured into a pint glass
Price: $13.50 for a 12-pack Harpoon Wintry Mix sampler

Aroma: First presents itself with a slightly earhty/ spicy noble hop character and deep, bittersweet chocolate undertones. The presence of Munich malt is only slightly noticeable in its toasted, bread-like quality - not as strong as I would have expected. Expect a "warm" malty nose as you take deep inhalations.
Appearance: Pours for a deep mahogany/ brown color with hints of red when held up to the light. Head pour was thick, creamy, and tan/ mocha in color. Lots of lacing and great head retention throughout the entire experience - suggests a dextrinous body.
Flavor: Starts out a mild sweet caramel with bittersweet chocolate notes and rich malty tones. The toasted, biscuity malt character is less defined than I would have expected from the Munich malts. Some nutty flavors present as well. Bitterness is assertive, somewhat spicy/ peppery and the hop-finish is slightly astringent (perhaps due to the malts). Aftertaste is accompanied by some drying. Balanced, although the style is typically more malt focused - Harpoon's version is a bit more hoppier in their interpretation.
Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied/ dextrinous. Carbonation is moderately strong. Some hints of alcohol warmth supports a "hot" mouthfeel, making it a little unpleasant (but not necessarily out of style). Unfortunately the first bottle sampled came with a metallic off-flavor that significantly hindered my perceptions.
Overall Impression: Second time around was a more pleasant experience, which offered a better interpretation of the style. Overall it offered a good malty sweetness followed by a distinguished presence of hops. Perhaps a good beer to pair with a protein rich meal, or desserts due to its slightly chocolate character. Drink in moderation due to its rather full-body.

Harpoon Chocolate Stout - Limited Edition

Brewed since 2008, Harpoon Chocolate Stout is a seasonal limited edition found in the Harpoon Wintry Mix, which can be found during the months of November-January. This example is brewed with exceptionally dark roasted malts that give it a naturally chocolate-like aroma and flavor. Chocolate is also used additionally as an adjunct.

Alcohol Content: 5.9%
International Bitterness Units: 40
Malts: ?, Chocolate malt, & Chocolate (adjunct)
Hops: ?

Medium: 12oz bottle poured into a standard pint glass
Price: $13.50 for a 12-pack Harpoon sampler (Wintry Mix only)

Aroma: The bold chocolate aroma can be specifically defined as a bittersweet or dark chocolate with a roasted character. The underlying hop profile is citrusy, although not very potent due to the overwhelming chocolate. Some degree of esters gives it a slightly harsh nose.
Appearance: Opaque, black hue. Pours for a thick, creamy mocha head that appears to be fluffy or cloudy along with lots of lacing up the sides of the glass. Lots of head retention. Visible carbonation is impossible to tell due to its opaqueness.
Flavor: Generously/ overly roasted character from start to finish with a slight degree of malt sweetness, but mostly bitter quality. The hop character hits about mid pallet and confirms the citrusy nose as I expected. Its surprisingly a bit smoky, but not in a good way - possibly phenolic. The finish is bittersweet and overly acrid/harsh. There are also some estery and alcoholic flavors present.
Mouthfeel: Overall medium body - not too heavy considering it a Chocolate stout. A moderate amount of alcohol warmth and some degree of slickness. A "hot" mouthfeel and astringent finish makes it unappealing.
Overall Impression: I gave this the lowest score so far of all the Vermont crafted beers I have sampled - In fact I actually poured it down the drain towards the end of the session. This beer should be served a little warmer at 55-60 F. Off flavors are strong enough to deter a pleasant experience. I could see this being paired with dessert or substituting it for a dessert altogether due to its rich chocolate character.

UFO White

Crafted by Harpoon, UFO White is an American White Ale consisting of a unique blend of special adjuncts such as orange peel and various spices. Brewed since 2009, this "unfiltered offering" can be found all year round - although it's certainly meant for that nice sunny day.

Alcohol Content: 4.8%
International Bitterness Units (IBU): 10
Malts: 2-Row Pale, Wheat, Carapils
Hops: Apollo
Adjuncts: Coriander, Orange Peels

Medium: 12oz bottle poured into a pint glass (a Weizen glass is preferred).
Price: $13.50 for a 12-pack Harpoon sampler

Aroma: Strong notes of coriander and orange citrus dominate the nose, followed by a subtle spicy and floral hop aroma (very low hop profile). The refreshing citrusy qualities are rather crisp and leave for a thin nose. There is only a minimal amount of yeast character in the aroma - overall it is very clean.
Appearance: Pours for a moderately hazy, golden yellow/ straw color. (not as hazy as German Wheat/ Weizen beers). A creamy, thick-white head quickly fills the glass and dissipates slowly down to an appropriate size with great retention. The slightly hazy appearance makes it difficult to tell but it seems lightly carbonated - perhaps strong carbonation as seen in the large head pour.
Flavor: A thirst-quenching, orangey, sweet, grainy wheat character describes it best. Initially sweet/ somewhat tart malt characteristics sweep over, followed by a refreshing citrusy mid-taste. The finish is somewhat herbal with a subtle spicy hop character; Nonetheless, it's overall crisp and refreshing quality from the malts and citrusy orange notes dominate throughout. Fairly balanced.
Mouthfeel: A very light body and crisp finish that makes for a drinkable beer. Its thin, somewhat watery quality is backed by enough thirst-quenching flavors to make you want to keep drinking. Moderately high carbonation.
Overall Impression: Leaves you thirsty for more! A great beer for the golf course, or for serving to that special girl of yours who says she doesn't like the taste of beer. Easy drinking, makes for a great sessionable beer and is fairly sweet. Pairs nicely with a light meal or a sunny day.

Harpoon Winter Warmer

Harpoon Winter Warmer is a unique American Spiced Ale for the holiday/ winter season. Typically, Christmas/ Winter Specialty Spiced Beers can vary in base style such as Lagers vs. Ales, but should carry an appropriate balance of unique flavors and should not be overwhelming in any of the adjuncts used. This beer was introduced in 1988 as Harpoon's first seasonal offering - it can be found during the months of November- January. (See section 21B for style description)

Alcohol Content: 5.9%
International Bitterness Units (IBU): 22
Malts: 2-Row Pale, Caramel, ?
Hops: ?

Medium: 12oz bottle poured into a pint glass
Price: $13.50 for a 12-pack Harpoon sampler

Aroma: A lack of aromatic hops; Therefore, upon pouring the release of nutmeg and cinnamon dominates the nose. Some sense of sweet malts appear after letting the nutmeg subside a bit - takes about 20 seconds before sweet caramel notes appear. There are some maple syrup and rosemary-like aromas present (Perhaps some unidentified yeast-like aroma).
Appearance: Pours for a tan, thin head that subsides after taking a few sips along with a small amount of lacing around the glass. Appears to be very clear with a deep amber/ copper color and only a little carbonation present. No yeast sediment.
Flavor: Initially very spiced with nutmeg dominating over the cinnamon, followed by sweet malts discovered about mid taste. Sweet malty caramel notes continue to linger into the aftertaste along with an astringent bitterness. I also noted a slight rosemary-like and ginger quality to it. Slightly dry finish.
Mouthfeel: Surprisingly smooth, medium to light body with a slight alcohol warmth as I finish. Also possesses a "chewy" malt characteristic. Appropriate carbonation and feels a bit watery for a "winter warmer".
Overall Impression: Its like drinking pumpkin pie that leaves you a bit dry. Could be more balanced and a little less astringent. This beer was very similar to a rosemary/ maple syrup beer that I crafted, which is why I commented on some of the similar, yet unidentified aromas and flavors (most likely not brewed with either) - it was most similar in some of the hot, alcoholic-like esters from yeast.


Score: 35/50

Harpoon Belgian-Style Pale Ale

Harpoon Belgian-Style Pale Ale is crafted from a mix of American and Belgian brewing styles - also the newest craft beer by Harpoon since 2010. This hoppier, "Americanized" version is hopped with a super high alpha (bitter), Apollo and is also slightly more alcoholic than its Belgian relative - meant to be a session beer for all occasions. (Section 16B)

Alcohol Content: 5.8%
International Bitterness Units: 33
Malts: 2-Row Pale, Caramel, Munich
Hops: Apollo

Medium: 12oz bottle poured into a stemmed, wide-bowled water glass (a snifter, tulip, or oversized wine glass would be appropriate)
Price: $13.50 for a 12-pack Harpoon Sampler

Aroma: An overall fruity and spicy phenolic aroma dominates, hiding subtle biscuity and toasty notes. There is also a strong orange-like aroma possibly from the Apollo hops but most likely a result of fermentation.
Appearance: Pours for a golden amber to copper color with hints of orange/ tangerine hues. Carbonation appears to be very strong with a thick, creamy white head that dissipates after just a few seconds (lack of retention appropriate for style). Crystal clear.
Flavor: Phenolic, spicy, and sweet toasted malts sweep over the pallet first. Then, it is followed by a subtle bitterness that becomes more aggressive as it lingers (and as I finish the session). Fruity pear-like qualities hits about mid-end of each sip along with some sweet caramel and toasty notes. The finish is overall balanced, with sweet malty sensations forming on the tip of the mouth and minimal, bitter drying on the back of the mouth.
Mouthfeel: Strong carbonation with a creamy character may mislead one to think that it is heavy; rather, it has a moderate to light body, making it more of a session beer. It also has a slightly "chewy" feel to it, although I'm not sure of this appropriateness to style. Some drying.
Overall Impression: Seems to be a bit hoppier than other Belgian Pale Ales I have sampled before. This is hard to say for sure because of strong fruity esters and a sweet malt presence that makes it pretty balanced. Slightly higher alcohol content at 5.8% (typical range is 4.8-5.5%). Good for any occasion - and any quantity you wish.

Score: 40/50

Harpoon I.P.A

Originally brewed in Boston, Harpoon's founders opened up a second brewery in Windsor, Vermont in 2000. What started out as a summer seasonal is now the Brewery's year-round bestseller, the India Pale Ale. This filtered Ale is dry-hopped with a generous amount of Cascade hops. Harpoon variety packs come with six different bottles instead of the usual four, which makes for a great get together. (American-style I.P.A.)

Alcohol Content: 5.9%
International Bitterness Units (IBU): 42
Malts: 2-Row Pale, ?, ?
Hops: Cascade, ?

Medium: 12oz bottle poured into a 16oz mug
Price: $13.50 for a 12-pack Harpoon sampler

Aroma: The pour opens up a very citrusy and overall pungent floral aroma with some hints of pine. After a few seconds the nose turns into fruity esters possibly due to the unique yeast strain. Later appearing is also a slightly sweet malt character that is unclear at the moment.
Appearance: Crystal clear, filtered golden copper in appearance with a thin white-head and moderate visible carbonation. Although I poured it for a small head, it held the thin white film during the entire session.
Flavor: At first a surprisingly mild, toasty character with some sweet malt presence - the nose becomes more clear with the first sip identifying malts responsible for the toasty aroma/ flavor. A floral, piney bitterness hits the pallet about mid taste followed by a sour/ tart finish. Although the finish is predominantly bitter, the sweet toasty malt quality is never completely masked. Hop finish is distinctly crisp and refreshing (citrus & floral) with only minimal drying.
Mouthfeel: Absolutely no astringency/ harshness in the bittering qualities makes for a great experience. Moderate carbonation and medium to light body. Very smooth and no strong alcohol flavors.
Overall Impression: Overall fantastic although I would either like to see the toasty character toned down a bit or the hop profile toned up to match with American I.P.A.'s (or both). A pleasant, drinkable beer and could easily be purchased by itself.