It seems that as the weather shifts, the colors change, and the days get shorter we turn to familiar comfort(s) to end one season and welcome another. While we wave goodbye to summer nights and warm weather, we look to sweatshirts, flannel, and fall flavors to cope with winter on the horizon. They are warm and comforting, but nothing really says fall like the flavor of pumpkin and spices. Pumpkin is a natural selection for the craft industry as it is one of the only ingredients that there is an abundance of this time of year that still lends a subtle, but sweet, flavor and aroma. Its delicate profile allows it to pair well with natural spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and all spice. This complex blend of flavor profiles is used by brewer’s, roaster’s, chef’s, and even mixologist to help create a comforting fall experience paired with the feeling and colors of fall. I’ve reached out to a few local businesses to have them share how they have infused the flavor of fall into some of our local products.
Condor Coffee: Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
A classic Cold Brew with whipped heavy cream or milk topped with pumpkin spice mix. If done properly, the cream should sit on top of the cold brew over ice and enjoyed with a “sip or nitro” lid. They use a medium roast coffee which is cold steeped for 16-18 hours. Condor prefers to use single origin organic coffees that have the most chocolate notes they could get their hands on. Most of the time these roasts are from Central America. Condor also has a Pumpkin Pie Latte that uses a pumpkin pie sauce with traditional flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon. They use a medium to light roast espresso that pairs well with the spice notes as to not contribute a burnt flavor. A hint of white chocolate is added to enhance complexity and richness.
Redeye Brewing Co: Pumpkin Cheesecake ale
Redeye does it again, taking a familiar flavor and pushing the boundaries in only a way they know how. This wonderful ale has a great pumpkin flavor, spicey aroma and a creamy almost “cheesecake” like finish. It is on the fence between a dessert beer and session ale, and I couldn’t order just one! They did a great job of infusing the cheesecake flavor and warm spice of fall into a slightly sweet, and autumn colored favorite!
Timekeeper Distillery: “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charley Brown” Pumpkin Martini
I may be a little bias, but the Timekeeper staff has whipped up a fantastic cocktail with a fun name. Per usual, they make all their syrups and purees from scratch, and there is no shortage of “craft” in this beverage. This build starts with a house-infused vanilla vodka made with authentic Madagascar vanilla beans, then they add homemade pumpkin puree and cinnamon maple syrup. A dash of tiki and ginger bitters for depth and complexity in the aroma, then finally heavy whipping cream is added and all blended together and shaken for 20 seconds in the standard Boston shaker tins and double stained with a hawthorn and tea strainer into a martini glass rimmed with spices and topped with fresh whipped cream. Timekeeper’s philosophy is that every cocktail is an experience starting with precision in the build, appearance, aroma, and finishing with a one of a kind flavor.
Cheers!
Daniel J Weber
Head Distiller/ Owner