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When I read the name Jack-O, I kind of assumed that it had something to do with Jacko, the Australian... entertainer? I don't really know what he's known for. I remember back in the '80s he was a celebrity of some kind, and he was one of the few people I knew from Australia. I don't know why he would have anything to do with a pumpkin ale from a Boston brewery. Maybe I am misunderstanding, and this is supposed to be a reference to a jack-o-lantern, but I think it's a little funnier to imagine that they went ahead and got a celebrity endorsement for this beer. And this was the best celebrity they could do.
The beer definitely has a hue to it that is coming from the pumpkin. The orange is quite noticeable through every part of the beer. The off-white head is really reluctant to come out, and even a more aggressive pour at the end doesn't really produce much of a head. There won't be any lacing, and there won't be very much left on the top of the beer once it settles. Cinnamon and pumpkin virtually erupt as an aroma from the depths of the beverage, and I can dig this as a autumnal beer. This should be nice as the nights get cooler and cooler.
First sip is more reminiscent of pumpkin pie than I think almost any other pumpkin ale has been. It is sweet, it is smooth, and it is almost creamy. The cinnamon and spices are mixing with the pumpkin expertly, and I should have expected no less from Sam Adams. It's pretty good, but it's a little rich. I suppose that's to be expected with this style of beer, but it should be noted that this would probably not go well on a hot summer afternoon. I guess that's why they normally don't ship it then.
Tip-in is very mild carbonation with sweetness coming from a graham cracker crust. Middle turns the carbonation up, and that ruins the effect of pumpkin pie that had started, but it's still an enjoyable, smooth, and rich beverage with spices gently spread atop the smooth pumpkin. The finish brings more spices as the carbonation ceases and the graham cracker crust reasserts sweetness. Pumpkin and spices are held aloft into the trail off.
Bottom Line: A surprisingly good beer.
4.0/5
