WILK Friday BeerBuzz–16 Sept 2011 (Stegmaier Pumpkin Ale w/Leo Orlandini)

I’ll admit it was hard to postpone last weeks Friday BeerBuzz, but given the magnitude of the flooding in our area, it was an easy decision.  With so many friends and neighbors in harm’s way, it was the right thing to do. 

To make up for last week I thought we’d do a special show today.  I’m always happy when I can feature a local beer, from our local brewery and welcome the master brewer himself into the studio to sample it with us….and today we made that happen.  Joining us to sample the new Stegmaier Pumpkin Ale was our very own Lion Brewery master brewer Leo Orlandini.  Leo has been with us before to feature Oktoberfest, and we’ve also had a great time featuring Stegmaier Summer Stock & Holiday Warmer, but it was especially exciting today to feature a brand new beer in the Stegmaier lineup.

Pumpkin Ale was added to the latest lineup of Stegmaier Seasonal beers, and for me it also carries the distinction of being the first Stegmaier brew to carry the new label design that I’ve held in my hand.  Recently the Lion Brewery did an overhaul on all of their Stegmaier labels, so I can honestly say it was fun to see one in person, and I think they look great.

Pumpkin Ale is a 5.5% fall beer, and it has a great subtle combination of pumpkin & spiced flavor.  I like the balance Leo found in this brew between the distinct fall flavors you’d expect in a traditional fall beer and the subtle flavors that make it very drinkable.  Not too much pumpkin, not too much fall spices, and just the right amount of flavor and body to carry you into cooler temperatures.

Thank you

to Leo Orlandini from Lion Brewery, Nancy, John, Joe, and Bosco for yet another fun Friday. 

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together. 

As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.