Pumpkin ale is a category that NoDa Brewing has recently shown considerable expertise in, something that's indisputable given the performance of the 'Gordgeous' pumpkin ale in beer festivals and competitions, which is precisely why the company refreshed the beverage for the 2023 season.
The 'Gordgeous' pumpkin ale is a medium-body offering that is made with the use of authentic and high-quality pumpkin puree, with the natural taste of pumpkin elevated and taken to a different level altogether by the inclusion of such festive ingredients such as cloves, cardamom and allspice, not to mention a hint of earthy sweetness from brown sugar and heat from ginger root.
Chad Henderson, head brewer at NoDa, noted that many so-called pumpkin ales are in fact pumpkin spiced offerings, which is not what his brewery was going for. "From the jump, NoDa aimed to create a true ale, which led us to incorporate pureed pumpkins into our process," Henderson revealed. "We often hear from people who have been turned off by artificial-tasting pumpkin ales in the past. When they taste Gordgeous, they discover a nuanced pumpkin flavor they enjoy."
Autumnal Pumpkin Ales
The 'Gordgeous' Ale is Crafted From Smooth & Delectable Pumpkin Puree
Trend Themes
1. Authentic Pumpkin Ales - Crafting pumpkin ales using real pumpkin puree and festive ingredients presents an opportunity for breweries to provide a nuanced and enjoyable pumpkin flavor.
2. Disrupting Pumpkin Spice Ales - Creating true pumpkin ales instead of pumpkin spiced offerings can attract consumers who have been turned off by artificial-tasting variations in the past.
3. Elevated Pumpkin Flavors - Incorporating ingredients like cloves, cardamom, allspice, brown sugar, and ginger root can take the natural taste of pumpkin to a new level, providing a more enticing and complex flavor profile.
Industry Implications
1. Craft Beer - Craft breweries can explore the opportunity of creating authentic and elevated pumpkin ales to attract beer lovers who are seeking unique flavors and experiences.
2. Seasonal Beverages - Developing pumpkin ales with genuine pumpkin puree and festive ingredients can disrupt the market for seasonal beverages, appealing to consumers looking for distinctive autumnal flavors.
3. Artisanal Brewing - For artisanal breweries, producing true pumpkin ales rather than pumpkin spiced options presents an opportunity to differentiate their offerings and cater to discerning beer enthusiasts.