Ufo Pumpkin

Ufo Pumpkin Ipa is a pumpkin-style India pale ale brewed in Massachusetts by Esplanda, which puts two seasonal traditions in one glass: the resinous, bitter backbone of an IPA and the spiced, gourd-driven character of autumn beer. No ABV or IBU is listed for this bottling, so treat the following as what the style usually delivers rather than a measured profile. Pumpkin IPAs tend to sit in the moderate-to-strong range for alcohol, with bitterness noticeably firmer than a standard pumpkin ale. Expect hop character to lead: pine, citrus peel, or resin on the nose, with pumpkin-pie spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove sitting underneath rather than on top. The pumpkin itself usually contributes body and a faint squash-like sweetness more than a distinct flavor, and a caramel or biscuit malt base often rounds out the middle. The finish in this hybrid style is typically dry-to-bitter, with spice lingering after the hops fade, so it drinks less sweetly than the dessert-leaning pumpkin ales. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 45 to 50°F, so the spice and malt aren't muted and the hop aromatics can open up. A tulip glass or a standard IPA glass works best: the tapered rim concentrates the hop and spice aroma, and the stemmed or flared shape supports a good head. A plain shaker pint is acceptable, though it releases the aromatics faster. At the table, the bitterness and spice make it a natural match for roasted dishes: roast turkey or chicken with sage, pork chops, sausages, and squash soup all share its flavor notes. The hop bite also cuts through sharp cheddar, gouda, and rich, buttery sides like mashed potatoes or stuffing. For something sweeter, try it beside a slice of pumpkin or apple pie, where the bitterness keeps the pairing from turning cloying.