603’s Toasted Pumpkin Ale 2020

The cooling temperatures and altered colors of foliage begin the time when we look at different changes that effect our lives and the food and beverage choices we make during those times. One cannot overlook these changes without analyzing new or changing flavor choices to select from to enliven our daily experiences. With that in mind, today we look at this year’s Toasted Pumpkin Ale.
603 Brewery started in Campton in 2012, but soon realized growth and is now located in Londonderry, NH. They offer year-round beers as well as seasonal beers matched to the calendar. At eight years old, 603 Brewery has made a momentous mark in the NH craft beer scene. Each of their beers has something to do with a historical fact about NH. 2014 noted their new location and allowed them to create the beers that would continue to keep them on the beer map as one of New Hampshire’s premiere brewers. In 2018, plans were drafted to create a 603 Beer Hall. The Woodmont Commons Development was constructed and opened in 2109. Food has been added as well an outdoor patio to complete their project. Today, they are a 60 barrel brew house with beer exclusively sold in NH and beyond, distributed throughout in 12 and 16 oz cans, growlers (half gallon bottles) and kegs for restaurants. You can find their offerings in Hanniford, Market Basket and Case-n-Keg, Meredith while you are out shopping. Visit their website at www.603brewery.com.

This year’s Toasted Pumpkin Ale is a deep orangey golden ale. Last year’s edition was attractive and compelling. This year’s offering continues to seduce your senses as well and is improved in flavor. It pours elegantly into a pint glass with a thick frothy antique white head which lasts into your first sips. Dip your nose to the inside of the glass rim and you will immediately know this is more than a fancy dessert beer. While pumpkin flavored beers can be overly noted with the up-front pumpkin aroma and flavor, Toasted Pumpkin delivers a likable drivability and satisfaction that is reserved for seasonal beer creations to attract the drinker’s pallet. With the first sip, you are charmed by its real NH pumpkin flavor, with immediate notes of vanilla, nutmeg, coriander, allspice and cinnamon. There is a maltiness to this beer along with its complex flavors that keeps inviting you back. The finish has no aftertaste, but spices and sweetness abound.
At 8.2% ABV, one may consider this to be an imperial ale. Beer Advocate rated this beer last year as ‘Very Good’ and I’m sure it will get high marks again this year. Many breweries try to get into the pumpkin beer rage… but 603 nails it! This ale is available from early September to mid October and then disappears once the last can is sold, so get yours soon at Case-n-Keg.