I'm not a warm weather guy. I like it fine, in moderation, and it helps if there's a bit of water around and the appropriate scenery. But in general, I prefer fall and winter. Just suits my temperment more.

So I was thrilled when the DC temps finally stopped capping out above 90 with 98% humidity. (Of course, it will be back. It always comes back. But I won't let this ruin my good mood.) It struck me that things were taking a true fall-ish turn when, on a run to the local vintner to stock up on an assortment of wines, I noticed that the breweries had unleashed the latest crop of pumpkin ales.

Sure, sure, it's a "fruit" beer. But I consider this a cut above blueberry, raspberry, or any other fruit-concoction. I attribute this to the fact that pumpkin is actually a gourd, and isn't used as a method for distilling more sugar into the beer. But whatever. It's flavored beer. I know. It's just a flavor I happen to very much like. So, this season I've decided to sample as many as I can find. I had one with seed last year that was a superb specimen, but the DC area doesn't seem to stock the brewery that produced it. (I may have to resort to finding out if VA allows for liquor sales online. I can go to a gun show and buy a piece on the spot*, but I may not be able to have beer sent to me. Fuckin' A.)

The first one I picked up was a reasonably priced ($6.99 for a sixer) pack from Buffalo Bill's Brewery.

I won't get too snobby here, but I have to say this is a damn fine craft beer. A warm hue in the glass with a rich head makes it seem like a serious beer. Too often the near-lambic like flavored beers are vehicles for sweetness, making the whole thing wear. The flavoring here is strong, but it doesn't become overpowering, letting the actual beer come through well. Pumpkin is the first thing you'll taste, but it quickly becomes a really nice spice finish. The reviews mention ginger, which I can see, but the nutmeg claim is a stretch to me. Maybe they all have Christmas on the brain. Had another tonight, icecold with a burger. The spice settles down a bit and you just get a nice, full-bodied beer with a rich taste of pumpkin.

Upshot: pick some up if you can find it. Well worth trying. (Hey, do we have a rating system yet? Is that too prissy? Marriage is making my guy-reflexes soft.)

* No, this is not a freaking "loophole", either. Read the damn law. The federal government does not require records to be kept by people who sell a firearm occasionally. That is, those people who do not sell guns for a living/through an incorporated business are not bound by the laws of gun retailers.