Shipyard Brewing Pumpkinhead Ale
4.5% ABV | 18 IBU | 6 × 12oz bottles | Pumpkin wheat ale | Portland, Maine — the original pumpkin beer: Shipyard Pumpkinhead has been the fall seasonal to beat since long before pumpkin spice was a meme — a crisp wheat ale brewed with pumpkin and a spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg (and a whisper of clove), from Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. Pale Ale, whole wheat, and Munich Light malts; Willamette and Saphir hops; 18 IBUs of easy-drinking balance.
Pumpkinhead's legend is well-earned: Silver Medal at the 2008 European Beer Star, 1st Place at the 2007 California Brewers Festival, and a serving ritual all its own — a pint glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar, often with a shot of spiced rum or vanilla vodka dropped in. The headless horseman on the label isn't decoration; it's a promise of peak fall. Seasonal August through November — when it's gone, it's gone until next year. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Tasting notes
Crisp wheat-ale body with real pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg spice; light, refreshing, and balanced at 4.5% — a pumpkin beer you can actually drink more than one of.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- The original pumpkin ale — Shipyard's fall legend, seasonal August–November
- 4.5% ABV, 18 IBU — crisp and sessionable, not a spice bomb
- 2008 European Beer Star Silver Medal; 2007 California Brewers Festival 1st Place
- Official 6-pack of 12oz bottles — the classic fall sixer
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Ice cold in a pint glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar — the official Pumpkinhead ritual. Add a shot of spiced rum for the full headless-horseman experience. Pairs with roast turkey, pumpkin pie, and crisp October evenings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Pumpkinhead available?
Seasonally, August through November — it's a fall release, and it sells out every year.
What does it taste like?
A crisp wheat ale with real pumpkin and cinnamon-nutmeg spice — lighter and more refreshing than the heavy imperial pumpkin stouts.
What is the cinnamon-sugar rim about?
Shipyard's official serving ritual: rim a pint glass with cinnamon sugar before pouring. It's the classic Pumpkinhead serve.
