Punkin Ale is a seasonal pumpkin beer from Dogfish Head, brewed with pumpkin and autumn spices. To see which Dogfish beers CBC Liquors in Westford has in stock today, start with our Dogfish brand page, or call the shop before you drive over.
What is Dogfish Head Punkin Ale?
Punkin Ale is a pumpkin beer from Dogfish Head, the Delaware brewery known for off-centered ales. It is a brown ale style beer, brewed with real pumpkin meat and a mix of spices, and it sits in the fall seasonal category rather than the year-round lineup.
Pumpkin beers as a style trace back to early American brewing, when colonists used pumpkin as a fermentable sugar when malt was scarce. Today the style leans on spice more than on the squash itself, so expect flavors closer to a baked pie than a vegetable.
If you want to see everything from the brewery that we have right now, the Dogfish brand page lists the Dogfish products in stock today, with our own best sellers shown first.
When can you find Punkin Ale?
Pumpkin ales are a late summer to fall release. Breweries tend to ship them in waves, and they usually fade out of the cooler once the season turns toward winter. That is true of the style in general, not a promise about any one shelf.
Because seasonal beer comes and goes, the most reliable move is to check the Dogfish page first and then call us. Our hours are Monday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
If you are hunting for a specific seasonal or limited bottle, ask when you call. A quick conversation will tell you more than scrolling will.
How does a pumpkin ale taste?
Most pumpkin ales are malty and mildly sweet, with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger doing the heavy lifting. The body runs from light to medium, and the finish is usually dry enough that it does not feel like dessert.
The pumpkin itself is a quiet note. It adds a little roundness and color more than a strong flavor. If you like brown ales, amber ales or a spiced cider, a pumpkin ale is a natural next step.
If you want something less spiced but still seasonal, our Dark Beer and Stout pages are worth a look.
How should you serve it?
Serve pumpkin ale cool rather than ice cold. Around 45 to 50 degrees lets the spice and malt come through, while a very cold glass flattens them. Pull the bottle from the fridge about ten minutes before you pour.
A tulip or pint glass works well. Pour a bit firmly to release the aroma, since the spice character is a big part of the appeal.
Pumpkin ale suits roast turkey, pork, sharp cheddar, squash soup and anything with sage or brown butter. It also stands up to a dessert course with pecan or apple pie.
What else from Dogfish might you look at?
Dogfish Head makes a wide range, from hoppy IPAs to unusual ales and low-alcohol options. The Dogfish brand page is the quickest way to see which of those we carry at the moment.
If you like hop-forward beer, browse our IPA section as well. For something sessionable at a gathering, Easy Drinking Beer and Lager are good places to start.
What if Punkin Ale is not on the shelf?
Seasonal beers sell through, and if Punkin Ale is not in stock when you check, there are close cousins worth trying. Other pumpkin and fall-spiced beers, and a good cider, scratch a similar itch.
For other breweries we carry a lot of, look at Sam Adams, Jacks Abby and Night Shift. Our Beer Styles collection also helps you browse by style.
If you are after something rare, tell us the name and the style. We would rather point you in the right direction than guess.
Can you pick it up or have it delivered?
CBC Liquors offers pickup, delivery and shipping on top of walking in. Pickup hours match our store hours. Delivery runs Monday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
We are at 142 Littleton Rd in Westford and also serve Chelmsford, Carlisle, Littleton, Acton, Tyngsborough, Lowell, Billerica, Boxborough and Dunstable. See our delivery areas for your town.
Orders are for adults 21 and over, and ID is required.
Common questions
What is Dogfish Head Punkin Ale?
It is a seasonal pumpkin brown ale from Dogfish Head, brewed with pumpkin and autumn spices.
When is pumpkin ale usually available?
Pumpkin ales are generally a late summer to fall release and tend to disappear as winter approaches.
How do I see which Dogfish beers CBC Liquors has?
Check the Dogfish brand page on our site, or call the shop at 142 Littleton Rd in Westford.
What temperature should pumpkin ale be served at?
Cool rather than ice cold, around 45 to 50 degrees, so the spice and malt come through.
Does CBC Liquors deliver?
Yes, delivery is offered to Westford and nearby towns during delivery hours, to customers 21 and over.
