Sometimes the stars align…and when they do, things in your life may line up in a way you never thought possible. The calendar tells me it’s late August, but the stars tell me we’re aligned between summer beers and fall beers. So as a token of alignment-appreciation, we offer thanks to Iron Hill Brewery for sending us the perfect alignment of beers to sample today.As a tribute to this borderline of seasons, we’ll be sampling Iron Hill Crusher and Iron Hill Pumpkin Ale…and of course we’ll begin with Crusher. If you’re unfamiliar with this beer, Crusher is a Session IPA that is returning to 16oz cans for it’s second season. This summer seasonal launched in late June and it is brewed with Cascade, Amarillo and Mosaic hops….and yes that’s a very happy bear floating among pineapples and barrels on the label (designed by Pittsburgh's Smith Brothers Agency.)…so off we go.
Crusher pours a bright and clear amber color with a thick white head. The aromas lead with citrus, passion fruit and a bit of floral hops with just a touch of resinous pine at the end. Crusher tastes just a bit sweet up front but the citrus and tropical fruit flavors balance it out nicely. I was expecting Crusher to be hop-forward and it does not disappoint. The hops lean a bit on the citrus side (which I like) with just enough grassy and piney flavors to make it all play well together. I was really hoppy-happy at just how satisfying this beer is to drink, and at 5%-AbV, and in 16oz cans, I think we have a beach-beer contender on our hands. Get your hands on a Crusher and see why the bear looks so happy.
Next up we lean into Fall with our first actual Pumpkin beer sampling of the 2018 season--Iron Hill Pumpkin Ale. This annual fall seasonal beer will also once again be released in 16oz cans (on Sept 6th) that also have a label designed by Pittsburgh's Smith Brothers Agency. This beer was first launched in 2010 and in 2015 it hit the seasonal can lineup.
Pumpkin Ale pours an orange/copper color with aromas that begin and end with spices. There’s cinnamon and lots of great pie spices in the aromas and they follow through to the flavor as well. The pumpkin flavors taste like roasted pumpkin (which I really like). Pumpkin can be so subtle, I think the roasted flavors really take it to a more prominent level. There are nutmeg and cinnamon flavors on board and an overall balance that leaves it not too sweet on the palate, which really worked for me.
Overall we really enjoyed tasting our way though the seasons with Iron Hill. Crusher is a really drinkable session IPA that belongs in my beach cooler or sitting in the sand next to me on the beach, and Pumpkin Ale is a nicely layered pumpkin spice seasonal that’s perfect for cooler nights and campfires. Be sure to get out there and try Crusher while you still can, and get your hands on Pumpkin Ale as well to begin the fall beer celebration (available Sept 6th). And when you do try these two beers…be sure to let us know what YOU think.
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