Last night I picked up some inspiration for a new batch of beer. I am in Bakersfield working this week. At dinner last night my workmate ordered Pumpkinhead Ale from Shipyard Brewing Co., Portland Maine. Although I didn’t drink it I did enjoy the aroma- wow! Instant inspiration. It seems a little late in the year to brew a pumpkin ale but I have a plan!

Others in our dinner party drank the 805 from Firestone Walker – Paso Robles CA brewery. Great easy drinking beer.

Last fall my wife decorated the house with several “Cinderella” pumpkins. They really are, Rouge Vif d’Estampes. variety. Great for decorating and excellent for cooking/eating and very difficult to carve. They store very well. Last December I cut up and roasted one such pumpkin. I had enough puréed pumpkin for multiple loaves of pumpkin bread and a batch of pumpkin ale! The puréed pumpkin also freezes well. The beer aged nicely and at 10 months the last few bottles were excellent!

I am inspired to repeat the effort. I took good notes, bought supplies from our local store so the follow-up effort should not be a problem. Brewing day will be post Thanksgiving but I promise to capture the effort!

Rouge Vif d’Estampes – makes a great pumpkin ale! Give it a try!

Drink local and drink responsibly
Bishop