Southern Tier first sold Pumking in 2007, and founder Phin DeMink says it still has the same name and recipe today, with only minor tweaks over the years. Brewed in Lakewood, New York, it has become the default answer whenever craft beer drinkers debate the best pumpkin beer.
At a Glance
| Style | Imperial Pumpkin Ale |
| ABV | 8.6% |
| IBU | 33 |
| Calories | ~236 per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Southern Tier Brewing Company, Lakewood, New York (launched 2007) |
| Typical price | Around $18 to $22 for a four-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Pumking pours a deep orange-amber with a thin off-white head. The nose is dominated by pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, layered over a creamy vanilla note that reviewers consistently describe as “pumpkin pie in a glass.”
The full review
On the palate, Pumking delivers exactly what the aroma promises, creamy vanilla, real pumpkin pie spicing, and a rich, dessert-like sweetness, brought to imperial strength at 8.6% ABV. At nearly double the strength of most seasonal pumpkin beers (which typically run 5-7% ABV), it drinks more like a dessert beer than a casual fall session pick. If you want a wider view of the category, our best beers roundups cover more seasonal options.
It has built a genuine cult following: stores routinely sell out within hours of release each fall, and lines at the Lakewood brewery for release day have lasted for hours. Southern Tier has also spun off variants over the years (Nitro, Rum Barrel-Aged, Cold Press Coffee), but the original remains the benchmark.
The alcohol is present but well-masked by the spice and sweetness, worth remembering, since it is easy to underestimate how strong this beer actually is compared to the average seasonal ale.
“Its creamy vanilla, pie-in-a-glass center is brought to Imperial levels of 8.6% ABV and worshipped by palates from coast to coast.”, Southern Tier Brewing Company
- Genuine pumpkin pie flavor, not just spice seasoning
- Well-established cult following and reputation
- Rich, dessert-like character
- Consistent recipe since 2007
- 8.6% ABV is easy to underestimate
- Very sweet, not for drinkers who want a crisp fall lager
- Seasonal availability only
- Can be hard to find once it sells out
Who it is for
Fall beer fans who want a dessert-style pumpkin ale rather than a light seasonal lager. Pair it with actual pumpkin pie or serve it as a dessert substitute. See our Best Oktoberfest Beers guide for the crisper, more traditional side of fall beer.
How to serve Pumking
Serve slightly warmer than a typical ale, around 50-55°F, in a snifter or tulip glass to let the spice aroma open up. It works well as an after-dinner beer alongside actual pumpkin pie.
FAQs
How strong is Pumking?
Pumking is 8.6% ABV, significantly stronger than most seasonal pumpkin beers, which typically run 5% to 7%.
When did Pumking launch?
Southern Tier first released Pumking in 2007, and the recipe has stayed largely the same since.
Is Pumking available year-round?
No, it is a seasonal fall release, typically available from late summer through the end of pumpkin beer season.
