It may still be sweltering in many parts of the country, but Shipyard Brewing Company reminds us that fall is just around the corner.

Late this month the well-known Portland, Maine-based brewery, which turns out 15 varieties of award-winning English-style and seasonal beers, will introduce Smashed Pumpkin ale, the latest offering from its Pugsley’s Signature Series, named for Shipyard’s master brewer, Alan Pugsley. 

According to the brewery, Smashed Pumpkin will have a big body and a light coppery orange tone. True to its name, the beer will send off the aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg.

A recent news release elaborates on the new brew:

“Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit.” Its 1.088 OG (original gravity) and 9.00% ABV (alcohol by volume) provide the structure and body.

Smashed Pumpkin will be available only in 22 oz. bottles and on draught. It is said to go well with sharp cheeses, nuts, lamb, hearty stews and desserts like flan or, naturally, pumpkin pie.

It is the fourth brew in the series named for Pugsley, who hails from England, where he spent time at the famed Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire working with Peter Austin. Pugsley, who co-owns Shipyard, has been called the “Johnny Appleseed of Brewing” for his role in the craft beer movement. It’s a fitting moniker, since Pugsley has played a part in starting more than 65 microbreweries and brew pubs around the world since moving to the United States in 1986.

Previous Pugsley’s Signature Series brews include a Barley Wine-style ale, an Imperial Porter and the XXXX IPA.

More information is available at www.shipyard.com.

-- Nick Kaye, Managing Editor, The Beer Connoisseur; nickkaye@beerconnoisseur.com