Beer Review of the Week: Michigan Brewing Company Screamin’ Pumpkin Spiced Ale

I was at the Michigan Renaissance Festival this past weekend and came across one of the seasonal beers from Michigan Brewing Company: Sreamin’ Pumpkin Spiced Ale. I have had several spiced ales and this one really surprised me, it was tasty pumpkin infused spiced ale that was very smooth and easy to drink. It didn’t make any pretense about what it was, the name of the beer tells you exactly what is what. The pumpkin flavor comes through but isn’t over powered by the Ennis, cardamom, cinnamon and other seasonal spices. I didn’t have the chance to get a good smell of the beer since this taste was from a sampling tent, but I did get the distinct smell of pumpkin and allspice from my shot, which gave me a really warm and homey feeling. I really enjoyed the balanced flavors of this ale, too many spiced ales are over powered by one or another spice and loses the infused flavors, Michigan Brewing Company did an excellent job crafting this ale. Screamin’ Pumpkin Spiced Ale is one of those seasonal brews that is like a comfort food, it connects memories through the various senses of taste and smell to remind you of those fun memories of Halloween.

• Drinkability – 5 out of 5
• Flavor – 4 out of 5
• Refreshness – 4 out of 5
• Smell – 4 out of 5
• Overall – 17 out of 20
• ABV –?
• Style – Pumpkin Ale

Michigan Brewing Co. Celis Grand Cru

I got this beer in a 12-bottle variety pack; this pack had a Celis Grand Cru, Celis Raspberry, and two other Celis beers. All four are labeled “Authentic Bavarian Style Ale.” Fortunately for me, there was only one of the Grand Cru. The color was VERY blonde and the appearance was very light and bubbly. In the glass it almost looked like a bubbly wine. Funny how things sort of look how they taste: This beer tasted just like a Chardonnay; very light, yet bold at the same time. It had a full, long finish and bitter aftertaste. I am not a fan.

Rating:

• Drinkability – 2 out of 5
• Flavor -3 out of 5
• Refreshness – 2 out of 5
• Smell – 3 out of 5
• Overall – 10 out of 20
• Price – Part of a 12-bottle variety pack, $19.99
• Style – Michigan Brewed, Authentic Bavarian-Style Ale