This time of year has to be a total drag for anyone who doesn’t love pumpkin beers. Social media is ripe with pumpkin beer haters, but hating a beer never made much sense to me. If it’s not for you, don’t drink it. Never felt the need to make sure others knew my dislike for something. That said, if you’re one to embrace the orange gourd, then make sure you give Bluewood Brewing‘s returning “Dancing with the Pumpkin King” a try.
The Backstory
“Dancing with the Pumpkin King” is the brewed creation of co-owner and Brewmaster Grant Lodholz.
“So this beer was created when I was in college after a Thanksgiving spent watching “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and eating pumpkin pie,” said Lodholz. “I hadn’t yet tried Schlafly’s or Southern Tier’s pumpkin beers, but wanted to see if I could make a beer that tasted like a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie in a glass. Well after 3 years of attempts and dozens of failed attempts I settled upon our current iteration, or close to it. The ABV varies from year to year but the flavor profile remains the same.”
Compared to other pumpkin brews, “Dancing with the Pumpkin King” is not cloyingly sweet nor is it overpowering with its spices. You will find a solid balance between a spiced ale and a mild beer.
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The beer name and label art
“Dancing With the Pumpkin King,” was inspired by the scene in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” where Jack Skellington arrives for the first time in the town square and is wearing his flaming pumpkin head; dancing around celebrating another successful Halloween.
This label artwork pays homage to the movie as well, featuring Jack and Sally dancing prominently in the foreground as Halloween town is backlit by the pumpkin moon. The artwork was created by the Public Art Co.
“We have worked with this designer for a time now and have designed labels such as our Battle Stag and Hop Tart Series beers,” said Lodholz.
Interesting side facts
This is the 7th year Bluewood Brewing has brewed this beer since 2015 and has over 30lbs of real pumpkin in it. “Dancing with the Pumpkin King” is available in cans and on tap at the brewery. Also be on the lookout for a BA version later this year.
Brewers Tasting Notes:
- Visual: clear and orange tinted
- Aroma: Cloves and Allspice
- Flavor: Cinnamon-heavy Pumpkin pie
- Mouthfeel: Smooth
- Body: medium
- Yeast: Hornindal
- Hops: Warrior and Saaz
- Malt:2-row, Victory, Carapils, and Caramel 80L
- Food Pairings: Cuisine: Thanksgiving dinner and Vanilla Ice cream
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