Southern Tier Pumking 4Pk

Southern Tier Pumking 4Pk is a pumpkin-inspired imperial ale brewed with real pureed pumpkin, packaged as a 4-pack at 8.6% ABV. Rated 96–98 on RateBeer and scoring 90 on BeerAdvocate—where it ranks among the Top 20 Pumpkin Beers—Pumking has earned its reputation as one of the most recognized seasonal ales in American craft brewing.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.6%  |  Origin: Lakewood, New York  |  Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale  |  Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Southern Tier Brewing Company operates out of Lakewood, New York, in the southwestern corner of the state. Pumking is brewed with a grain bill of 2-row pale malt and caramel malt, supplemented by pureed pumpkin added during the brewing process—a distinction that separates it from many seasonal competitors that rely solely on spice additions. Magnum hops provide bittering in the kettle, while Sterling hops contribute a subtle aromatic layer. The beer registers at 19 degrees Plato and 8.8 degrees Lovibond, yielding a deep amber-gold color and a substantial malt backbone that supports its generous spice profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warming nutmeg and cinnamon rise immediately from the glass, followed by scents of freshly crushed graham crackers and a buttery pastry sweetness. A subtle molasses undertone lingers beneath the spice.

Taste: The first sip opens with sweet creamery butter and graham cracker crust, rolling into mid-palate waves of genuine pumpkin pie filling. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice build in layers, punctuated by hints of butterscotch, vanilla, and cereal grain. At 8.6% ABV, a warming alcohol presence adds structure without harshness.

Finish: The finish is moderately long and warming, with lingering baking spice and a faint hot-buttered-rum quality. Residual sweetness fades gradually into a lightly bready, toasted malt tail.

How to Drink Pumking

Pumking is best served at 45–50°F in a tulip glass or snifter, which concentrates its complex aromatics. Pouring it slightly warmer than typical ale temperature allows the pumpkin and spice character to fully emerge.

• Pumpkin Shandy: Mix half Pumking with ginger beer and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing autumn shandy that tames the sweetness while amplifying the spice.
• Pumking Float: Pour over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—the ale's butterscotch and cinnamon notes complement the cream for a decadent dessert serve.
• Harvest Michelada: Combine with lime juice, a dash of hot sauce, and a cinnamon-sugar rim for a savory-sweet twist on the classic, using Pumking's spice profile as the base.

Best For

• Anchoring a fall beer tasting lineup alongside other seasonal styles
• Pairing with Thanksgiving dinner or autumn harvest meals
• Gifting to craft beer enthusiasts who anticipate pumpkin beer season
• Sharing at Halloween gatherings or bonfire nights

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pumking taste like? Pumking tastes like liquid pumpkin pie, with dominant flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, graham cracker crust, and sweet creamery butter layered over a malty base. A warming 8.6% ABV adds a hot-buttered-rum quality to the finish.

How does Pumking compare to Schlafly Pumpkin Ale? Pumking is a significantly stronger beer at 8.6% ABV compared to Schlafly Pumpkin Ale's approximately 8% ABV, and it leans much more heavily into dessert-like sweetness and intense baking spice. Schlafly's version tends to be drier and more balanced toward malt, making it a lighter-bodied alternative for those who prefer subtlety over boldness.

Is Pumking good for sipping on its own? Pumking is an excellent standalone sipper when served slightly cool in a tulip glass, as its layered spice complexity and full body reward slow, deliberate drinking. Its higher ABV also makes it well-suited to smaller pours savored over time.

Where is Pumking made? Pumking is brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood, New York, located in the Chautauqua County region of the state's southwestern corner.

What foods pair well with Pumking? Roasted turkey with sage stuffing complements the ale's warm spice profile. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda stands up to its bold sweetness. Pecan pie or pumpkin cheesecake echoes the dessert character. Glazed roasted root vegetables mirror its caramel and butterscotch notes. Smoked pork belly benefits from the ale's sweetness cutting through the fat.

What sizes does Pumking come in? Pumking is commonly available in 4-packs as well as 22-ounce bomber bottles, depending on the market and seasonal availability.

Is Pumking worth the price? Pumking positions as a premium seasonal craft ale, and its combination of real pureed pumpkin, high ABV, and consistently top-tier ratings across major beer review platforms supports its value within the pumpkin ale category.

Why Pumking?

What separates Pumking from the crowded field of autumn seasonals is the use of actual pureed pumpkin in the brew, not just a spice rack addition. That commitment to ingredient integrity, combined with a carefully constructed grain bill of 2-row pale and caramel malts, produces a beer with genuine pumpkin character beneath the cinnamon and nutmeg. Its standing among BeerAdvocate's Top 20 Pumpkin Beers and near-perfect RateBeer scores of 96–98 reflect years of consistent quality rather than hype. For drinkers who want a pumpkin ale that fully commits to the style without apology, Pumking remains the seasonal benchmark.