New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin Ale | New Holland Brewing
Holland, Michigan
I was hoping to drink this brew near the end of the Auburn-Mississippi State game but with a 7PM kickoff its just too late for me to have a brew. I decided the start of the third quarter would have to do. It’s been kind of a rough day having suffered through Michigan holding off Akron at the 1 yard line in the last seconds of the game. That Terry Bowden, former Auburn Coach, almost pulled it off. I hate to say they deserved to win but I’m glad Michigan held them off.
First taste is fantastic. Nice dark brown color. No head to speak of. Nice pumpkin flavor on a very malty start. Hops kick in at the finish for a slightly bitter taste. But the pumpkin-malty taste still lingers on. Label is cool. Has a headless horseman from Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow holding a pumpkin in his hand.
The pumpkin flavor comes with some caramel and vanilla flavors. Smooth but not real creamy. I’m drinking this very cold. I put it in the freezer and kinda forgot. Remembered it as the second half started. Saved it. Another 5 minutes and I’d have an ice slushy.
I’ve had pumpkin ales before and generally like them. This one is very nice. I remember one that has a baking spice dry finish like nutmeg that was a bit too dry. I only bought one of these because I don’t get stuck with 6 packs of fall brews I don’t like plus I got to finish the summer brews I still have.
Ichabod Pumpkin Ale (from New Holland Website)Right now this beer is much better than the Auburn score (Mississippi State just scored and Auburn answered with a field goal and now losing 20-17). Here’s what they say on their site: “Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert.”
I just finished the last sip and I wished I had taken smaller sips so it would last longer. ARGGGGG. Auburn just lost the ball……. They held Mississippi State and now just got the ball on their own 12 and there’s less than 2 minutes left. WOOOOOOOO…..long pass. Another good run…. good pass… wow they are now on State’s 11 with 11 seconds to go…Marshall passes to the corner of the end zone …… TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! State gets the ball with :10 seconds. Pass… good. Clock runs out….. Auburn wins 24-20. Two nail biters in one day is more than I can stand.
This is how little superstitions start. Whatever you were doing, or wearing or holding when a miracle happens you have to do that the next game. I haven’t washed my Auburn shirt just yet. I think I might forgo that little ritual and wash it. I think having a Holland Brewing Pumpkin Ale might be my new superstitious ritual. Since it’s a seasonal I think I better get stocked up. There’s still about 10 games to go.
