I always have to laugh when I see those Bud Light football commercials on TV. You know the ones I’m talking about. They feature football fans observing various rituals in a desperate attempt to help their teams win. I have to admit, I’m every bit as superstitious when it comes to football, though not with a bottle of Bud Light in hand.

This superstition of mine, though, did prevent me from enjoying a draft mug of Blue Point Pumpkin Ale. I was sitting at Taco Mac one fine Sunday afternoon, watching my New England Patriots play the New York Jets. Much as I wanted the Blue Point Pumpkin Ale, I just could not bring myself to buy a beer from New York during the game. Bad luck and all that. The next time I dropped by at Taco Mac, the keg had kicked.

I did get to try Blue Point Pumpkin Ale in the bottle, though. I just love pumpkin ales, and when I finally tried it, found this to be a tasty one. Here’s what Blue Point says about the beer:

According to Linus there are 3 things never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin. Our Pumpkin Ale, on the other hand, has made quite a buzz from New Hampshire down to Florida. Every season has its pleasures. Harvest your own with our Pumpkin Ale and reap all that Autumn has to offer. Brewed with pumpkins from only the most sincere patches, this seasonal brew is golden orange, crisp and delicious, with an innocent hint of cinnamon and nutmeg that articulates our favorite season. Gather with friends and family and enjoy the change of seasons while savoring a pint of Pumpkin Ale. Just like the leaves, it’s gone after Thanksgiving.

Blue Point Pumpkin Ale has an alcohol content of 6% by volume and 26 IBUs. I paid $8.99 for a six-pack at Total Wine, about average in price these days.

Blue Point Pumpkin Ale pours to a brilliant copper color with a thick rocky head formation and a softly spiced nose of allspice and nutmeg. Taking a sip, the beer has a decided caramel malty note up front followed by drying spice of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. There’s a hint of squashy, meaty pumpkin, but only a hint. The spices really emerge in the finish, especially the nutmeg, and dry the beer perfectly. An excellent pumpkin ale, I think, on par with a number of others out there. More spice than pumpkin here, but enough of both to make this interesting and more-ish.

Certainly a beer I would drink again. As long as the Pats game isn’t on……

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