272 - Bucket List Beers: Shipyard Pumpkinhead

Today we're getting into the spooky spirit with a seasonal bucket list beer that has a very special place in Tori's heart: Pumpkinhead Ale from Shipyard Brewing Co. But is it actually a bucket list beer, or is it more about the memories, the autumn vibes and the cinnamon sugar rim? We take a look at the history of Shipyard, from its beginnings in Kennebunkport, Maine, with Fred Forsley and British brewing consultant Alan Pugsley, to the brewery's growth and the arrival of Pumpkinhead in the 1990s. We also explore the beer itself, its ingredients, the mystery of whether it actually contains pumpkin, its various spin-offs (including Smashed Pumpkin and the non-alcoholic version), and where it might fit into the BJCP style guidelines. And let's just say we have some questions about those style guidelines. What exactly is an SHV, and why are we suddenly categorising beers by autumnal vibes?   Of course, we couldn't just drink Pumpkinhead without giving it the full experience, so we get our glasses ready for some cinnamon sugar rim action! We explore Shipyard's recommended way of serving the beer, debate the best ingredients for frosting the glass, and put honey and maple syrup to the test. There's also a little detour into Halloween traditions, pumpkin spice treats, spooky candles and wax melts (we promise it is relevant!), before we introduce you to the wonderful Pumpkinhead Pete. We discover his very important talents, explore Shipyard's Pumpkin Headquarters and take a look at some rather intriguing Pumpkinhead cocktails. Finally, we get into the Untappd and Beer Advocate ratings, what people think of the non-alcoholic version, and the all-important question: is Pumpkinhead actually a beer you need to seek out? Or is the real bucket list experience enjoying one with a cinnamon sugar rim in New England in autumn? Grab something pumpkin-spiced and join us! Shipyard Pumpkinhead page: https://shipyard.com/beer/pumpkinhead/   About Shipyard: https://shipyard.com/about-shipyard/   Pumpkin-headquarters: https://shipyard.com/pumpkinhead/   Our fave wax melts & candles:   Mourn & Muse: https://www.instagram.com/mournandmuse/   Moth & Magpie: https://www.instagram.com/mothnmagpie/   Last Rest Candles: https://www.instagram.com/lastrestcandles/   Luna Bookish Flame: https://www.instagram.com/luna_bookish_flames_candles/     Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re tackling a proper American craft beer classic: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale! 🍺 This is one of those beers that’s been getting people into craft beer for decades, and we’re finding out whether this accessible, fridge-filling favourite deserves its place on our bucket list. We taste the beer, chat about its beautifully balanced bitterness, citrus and pine aromas, and that lovely hint of burnt caramel, before getting into the American Pale Ale style guidelines. Naturally, there’s some nerding out over hops, malt and barley along the way. We also explore how Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980, from homebrewing and a shop in Chico to building brewing equipment from scrap dairy machinery. Turns out, a little ingenuity and a whole lot of hops can go a long way!   But the biggest surprise? Sierra Nevada Pale Ale won gold in the American-style ESB category at the 2025 World Beer Cup! We discuss why the brewery entered it in that category, what it tells us about beer styles and how our idea of a “standard” beer changes over time. We also compare the original Pale Ale with a bottle-conditioned National Park Series version, explore the story behind Sierra Nevada’s collaboration with the National Park Foundation, and dig into Untappd and BeerAdvocate ratings. Along the way, we talk awards, serving glasses, food pairings and whether this iconic beer tastes different depending on how you get it. We finish with our verdict on whether Sierra Nevada Pale Ale belongs on your beer bucket list (spoiler: we have thoughts!).   So grab a beer, join us for a little craft beer history, and let us know: have you tried Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and do you think it deserves its bucket-list status?   Sierra Nevada website: https://sierranevada.com/about-us   Beer and Brewing article: https://www.beerandbrewing.com/an-ode-to-sierra-nevada-pale-ale   Beer Connoisseur report on the ESB award: https://beerconnoisseur.com/sierra-nevada-pale-ale-esb-world-beer-cup/   Brew Bound article: https://www.brewbound.com/news/sierra-nevada-arms-wholesalers-with-license-to-sell-in-fight-against-craft-beer-declines-refreshed-packaging-to-roll-in-2027?     Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most recognisable beers in the world: Delirium Tremens. The pink elephant, the distinctive bottle and that rather memorable name have made this Belgian strong golden ale an obvious contender for our bucket list — but there’s a lot more to the beer than its instantly recognisable branding. We taste Delirium Tremens alongside Delirio, the alcohol-free version, and Delirium Red, and talk about what we actually think of the beers rather than simply accepting their legendary status. We also get into the history behind the brand, the story of the pink elephant and our own experiences of visiting Delirium Café in Brussels — including why somewhere that sounds like a beer lover’s paradise can also be a slightly overwhelming experience!   But the biggest conversation in this episode is about the name “Delirium Tremens” and the uncomfortable reality behind it. We explore why the name has attracted criticism, including reactions from people who have experienced alcohol withdrawal, and discuss the restrictions that have affected the beer’s name and branding in different markets. It leads us into a wider conversation about whether a beer name can be playful when it references something that can be genuinely serious and traumatic, and whether changing part of the name goes far enough when the pink elephant imagery remains. We also look at the Brotherhood of the Pink Elephant and the role it plays in the Delirium story, including its charitable work.   And, of course, this is a bucket list beer episode, so we have to decide whether Delirium Tremens actually deserves its place on the list! We dig into its ratings, reputation and popularity, answer some of the questions we found on Reddit about the beer’s price and strength, and consider whether the Delirium Café experience might actually be the bigger bucket-list attraction. By the end, we reveal our verdict — and share which Delirium beers we’d recommend trying if you want to explore beyond the famous pink elephant.   The History of Delirium: https://www.delirium.be/en/history   Vinepair article about Delirium: https://vinepair.com/articles/delirium-tremens/   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

We’re heading back to South Wales for part two of our brewery adventure with our friend Ruth, and this time we’re exploring the area around Caerphilly, Abergavenny, Crickhowell and the Black Mountains. We start with Dark Element Brew Co and a seriously hoppy, fruity beer that has us talking about what we actually mean when we describe a beer as “hoppy”. Then we move on to Antur Brewery and discover a very different approach to brewing, with well-balanced, modern takes on classic styles — and plenty of reasons why this part of Wales deserves to be on your beer travel list.   And because apparently beer isn’t enough, we also go down the cider, wine, mead and spirits rabbit hole! We try a Foxwhelp cider from Sobremesa, talk extensively about our desperate need for cheese and charcuterie, and hear about Welsh vineyards, meaderies and distilleries producing everything from Welsh wine to black garlic vodka. There’s also outdoor swimming, dog-friendly adventures, food markets, Welsh cakes, bookshops and a potential future A Woman’s Brew road trip. Basically, by the end of this episode we’re ready to pack the van and head back to Wales — although Ruth still has some exploring to do before she can become our official North Wales expert!   A huge thank you to Ruth for guiding us around South Wales and sharing so many recommendations, and to the breweries and producers who gifted the beers and cider we tried for this episode. We also chat about Women in Beer UK’s upcoming Women in Beer Festival and the Women on Tap bursary scheme, which supports women in beer and hospitality who need financial help accessing qualifications, events and other opportunities. If this episode has made you want to explore Wales for yourself, we want to hear about it — and we’re already collecting recommendations for our future beer travels!   Dark Element Brew Co: https://darkelementbrewing.co.uk/   Sobremesa Drinks https://www.sobremesadrinks.co.uk/   Women in Beer UK https://www.womeninbeer.co.uk/   Women on Tap https://www.womenontap.co.uk/   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode, we’re heading across South Wales with our friend Ruth Mitchell, who has very helpfully moved to Wales so she can show us where all the good beer is! We’re talking beer tourism, beautiful places and the breweries worth building a weekend around, starting in Tenby and working our way through Swansea, St Davids and Cardiff. Ruth takes us through taprooms, brewpubs and some seriously lovely beer spots, while we discover that South Wales might just be the perfect combination of beer, beaches, food and exploring. We also discover that getting between some of these places without a car can be… an adventure, shall we say. Along the way we drink beers from Beer Riff, Bluestone and Flowerhorn, talk New Zealand hops, discover the story behind the relatively new US hop Pink, and get very excited about a brewery that runs archaeology walks from its taproom. There’s also talk of traditional Welsh beer, modern hazy and hop-forward styles, beer festivals, dog-friendly taprooms and the possibility of hiring a vintage bus to ferry a group of beer lovers around Wales. Naturally, this leads to discussions about camping, cross-stitch, tattoos and Tori’s ever-expanding list of hobbies. We had so much to talk about that we’ve had to make this a two-parter — so settle in for Part One, and stick around for more South Wales beer adventures in Part Two! Breweries we were drinking:   Beer Riff: https://beerriffbrewing.com/   Bluestone Brewing Company: https://bluestonebrewing.co.uk/   Flowerhorn Brewery https://www.flowerhorn.co.uk/     Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this bucket list beer episode, we’re cracking open Orval, one of Belgium’s most distinctive Trappist beers – and discovering that it really is a beer that refuses to fit neatly into a box. We taste our way through its surprisingly dry, highly carbonated character, picking up Belgian yeast, pepper, orange peel, floral notes, herbal hops, earthy Brett and a touch of dried fruit. We also get into why Orval is such a fascinating outlier, combining Belgian brewing traditions, English-style dry hopping and Brettanomyces maturation. And yes, we discover that 6.2% can be remarkably easy to drink… perhaps a little too easy!   We also head back to the 1930s to explore the history of Orval Abbey and the brewery, the legend of the trout and the golden ring, and the fascinating story of Brettanomyces – a yeast that many breweries desperately try to keep out, but which Orval has turned into one of its greatest strengths. We talk bottle conditioning, ageing and the joys of doing an Orval vertical, plus the discovery of Orval Vert, the elusive lower-strength beer served only near the abbey. And, naturally, this leads us to cheese, Belgian beer pilgrimage dreams and the beginnings of what might just become a very ambitious brewery road trip…   Check out the Reddit trip to Orval here: https://www.reddit.com/r/CraftBeer/s/frsjrsZzi5   Beer & Brewing’s Ode to Orval: https://www.beerandbrewing.com/an-ode-to-orval   Hop Culture on Orval Day: https://www.hopculture.com/orval-day-2022/   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Do you know where your beer is actually made? In this episode, we’re getting stuck into CAMRA’s latest Beer in the UK report and, as you might expect, we have Thoughts. We’re talking about independent breweries, the Big Four, tied pubs, provenance and the question of whether beer drinkers are really being “lied to” about what’s on the bar. We also get into some terminology that was new to at least one of us – including CAMRA’s rather intriguing “fig leaf brewing” – and debate whether greater transparency around who owns and brews your beer is actually the thing consumers care about.   But this isn’t just a CAMRA-bashing episode. We’re trying to be fair and look at both sides, including where we think CAMRA is moving in a really positive direction. We dig into why independent breweries can struggle to get their beers into pubs, how tied houses and line-cleaning arrangements can restrict choice, the impact of Brexit on beer exports, and whether beer taxation is making life even harder for the industry. We also question some of the report’s assumptions about why people are drinking less beer, from the changing role of pubs and the cost of living to remote working, drinking at home and whether wine really is the villain of the piece!   Ultimately, we come away cautiously optimistic. There are some genuinely important issues here, but we’re left asking: what happens next? How do we get beyond another report explaining the problems and actually make change happen – and, perhaps most importantly, what can ordinary beer drinkers do to help? And yes, we may have a few things to say about whether anyone is genuinely shocked that Madri isn’t made in Spain…   Read the report here: https://camra.org.uk/beer-report   What SIBA hhas to say: https://siba.co.uk/2026/07/06/independent-brewers-welcome-camras-call-for-fairness-and-transparency-in-british-beer-market/   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

We’re a little late with our mid-year review, but there’s been plenty to catch up on. From International Women’s Day collaboration brews to beer festivals, brewery visits and far more spreadsheets than anyone probably needs, we’re looking back at the first six months of the year and asking what’s actually changed in our beer lives. Along the way we compare our wildly different beer-tracking habits, debate whether six-month reviews are actually easier than quarterly ones, and discover that neither of us is quite as organised as we’d hoped. It’s a gloriously nerdy dive into stats, favourite styles and the joy of turning beer into a personal data project.   Of course, there are beers in our glasses too. We revisit our International Women’s Day collaboration beer, Espresso for My Depresso from Merakai, celebrating its beautifully balanced espresso martini character, while also cracking open beers from UnBarred, Wilderness and Japan’s Matsumoto Brewery. That leads us into conversations about saving “special” beers for the perfect occasion, experimenting with everything from Chardonnay grapes to old fashioned-inspired saisons, and why sometimes the best plan is simply to drink the beer you’ve been keeping for months.   Expect plenty of rabbit holes as we compare Untappd checklists, unusual hop varieties, strange beer ingredients, favourite fruit flavours and even which coloured sweets deserve to exist. We also share how the podcast has been performing so far this year, celebrate some standout episodes, and look ahead to everything we’re excited about for the second half of the year. If you love beer, brewing trivia and listening to two friends enthusiastically overanalyse almost everything, this one’s for you.     Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This is the episode we've been building towards for years as we finally crack open one of the most legendary beers in the world: Sam Adams Utopias. After years of searching, a lucky find in the US, an anxious journey across the Atlantic, and plenty of excitement (and nerves!), we sit down together in the same room to experience Joanne's ultimate bucket-list beer. We dive into what makes Utopias so extraordinary, from its eye-watering 30% ABV and unique fermentation process to decades of barrel ageing, blending techniques and the remarkable story behind one of craft beer's most iconic releases. Along the way we explore why this beer inspires such devotion among drinkers and whether any beer can ever live up to that level of hype.   Of course, simply tasting Utopias once wasn't enough for us. We experiment with serving it in different ways, compare it to fortified wines and spirits we'd heard it likened to, and pick apart every aroma and flavour as we try to work out exactly where it sits between beer, barley wine and something entirely its own. There's plenty of geeky beer chat, honest first impressions, a healthy dose of apprehension about whether we'll actually like it, and the usual laughs as we inevitably question whether we're committing beer heresy before we've even taken the first sip. If you've ever wondered what all the fuss is about, or whether a £200 beer could possibly be worth it, this is the episode for you.   Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we're ticking off another beer bucket list contender as we crack open Left Hand Brewing Company's iconic Milk Stout Nitro. A beer that has been winning awards, inspiring devoted fans, and confusing drinkers with its famous hard pour for over 25 years. We dive into the history of Left Hand Brewing, how they became pioneers of bottled nitro beer without using a widget, and why this creamy American stout helped revive the milk stout style for a whole new generation of beer drinkers. Along the way, we discuss nitrogen, lactose, sweet stouts, and whether all that nitro magic really lives up to the hype.   Of course, no Bucket List Beer episode would be complete without putting the beer to the test ourselves. We compare tasting notes, debate whether the chocolate, coffee or nutty flavours come through strongest, and discover just how dangerously drinkable a 6% stout can be. Plus, we accidentally turn the episode into a mini nitro pouring experiment, with mixed results and at least one beer-related disaster.   As a bonus, we also get the rare opportunity to try Left Hand's Peanut Butter Milk Stout Nitro together in person. Does it live up to the incredible peanut butter cup aroma? Is it worth hunting down if you spot it on your travels? And after all the awards, innovation and praise, does Left Hand Milk Stout deserve its place on every beer lover's bucket list? Grab a glass, pour hard, and join us as we find out.   That guy’s pour: https://www.reddit.com/r/beerporn/comments/s0c6pj/left_hand_brewing_co_nitro_milk_stout_so_beautiful/   VinePair Article: https://vinepair.com/articles/left-hand-brewing-milk-stout-guide/   Beer & Brewing Article: https://www.beerandbrewing.com/style-school-authentically-american-wheat   Left Hand Brewing Co website: https://lefthandbrewing.com/beers/milk-stout-nitro       Get in Touch: Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism Joanne: @lovebeerlearning Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew   Join our 2025 drinking challenge here   Subscribe: Podbean iTunes Spotify TuneIn   Watch: YouTube   Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com