Niagara-on-the-Lake-based The Exchange Brewery has taken the wraps of its latest Belgian Pumpkin Ale, which launches tomorrow (1 September).

The beer, which is from its Vintage Reserve Series is lightly spiced, brewed with loads of pumpkin and aged in large oak casks. The Belgian Ale has then been bottle-aged for a year, building increasingly complex flavours.

A recent tasting panel revealed that the Vintage brew kept its subtle pumpkin profile and built extra layers of spice and esters. It developed an assertive carbonation as well as a surprising, but very pleasing fruitiness.

It has more yeasty esters on the nose, with a nice dry finish. I find it more complex and compelling now,” said Christine Nagy, brewer at The ExB.

To compare, the new 2017 Pumpkin Ale is more pumpkin-foward and sweeter, without being too overwhelming. It shows earthy notes and delicate hints of vanilla.

Younger, it displays less Belgian ester and the hints of cloves and cinnamon are more subtle as well. With a medium body and moderate carbonation, it is a well-rounded pumpkin ale, perfect for the Fall season, the brewery said.