Lets start these pumpkin beer reviews off with an interesting one. The Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin is not your regular pumpkin spice filled beer. Brewed by the New Belgium Brewing Company here are some notes from the brewers themselves. You can see more on their website here.
“Enough with the run-of-the-mill pumpkin beers. I’m not interested in an ale that takes cues from a frozen coffee drink, and neither are you. That’s why I made Atomic Pumpkin. Does it really feature habanero peppers? Yep! What about Saigon cinnamon? Ding! Aji and del arbol peppers? Winner. I round it all out with a hearty malt bill that makes for a spicy brew that puts the “Fun” back in pumpkin. (Spelling was never my strength). “
Appearance: I have always been a fan of the voodoo ranger line from New Belgium. Its a fun character line that makes these cans/bottles stand out. The atomic pumpkin has a nice bright orange color with the voodoo ranger all dressed up for the occasional.
Aroma: There is a ton of cinnamon that really punches you in the face. Given the fact that they are using saigon cinnamon that makes sense why it seems a bit more spicy as well. There isn’t much else in terms of what you are going to smell, but what is here is really strong.
Taste: The flavor kicks in as soon as it hits your lips. A powerful amount of cinnamon starts the flavor and stays with you throughout. The flavor of the various peppers are detectable but not overpowering. I don’t notice anything in terms of the typical pumpkin beer flavors such as nutmeg/vanilla/pumpkin.
Experience: The spice is noticeable but not too strong, it can wear out its welcome by the end of the can as a subtle heat will last on your lips/tongue. What got to me is how it feels in your stomach. It does not sit well so this is a one and done style brew.
Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I will go with Fallout Tactics. A departure from the RPG nature of the Fallout series this is a game that tried something new, and while it was fun it didn’t quite hit the mark. Similar to this beer, which tries to tap into a niche market, its not bad but these two deserve each other.
