Election Night Ales

This will be my selection for Tuesday night as I watch the election returns come in with friends. It's called the Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, a seasonal favorite at Elysian Brewing Company, a popular pub just two blocks down from where I live. Here's a description of this fine brew, in the words of its creator:

"Brewed with 150 lbs. of pumpkin in each batch. Made with Pale, Munich and Crystal malts, green and roasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin in the mash, boil and fermenter. Bittered with Horizon hops. Spiced in conditioning with nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, ginger and allspice."

Night Owl is not simply a good autumn beer, suitable for observing the brilliant fall foliage or huddling around a crackling campfire on a crisp evening — although it would be great for both purposes. No, the Night Owl is a brew that seems to capture the essence of a season in a pint glass. The drinker is treated to a pleasant, comforting aroma even before the first sip; and with that first sip comes a perfectly rich, smooth, balanced blend of pumpkin and spices. I've tasted several beers that are too heavy or too light on either the former or latter. Not this one. The balance is impeccable.

Elysian has two other pumpkin ales — one is the Imperial Pumpkin Ale, which is higher in alcohol content, and the other is the Pumpkin Stout, which sounds fantastic even though I haven't yet tried it. For Nov. 4, however, I've selected a comfort brew that is perfect for the onset of long winter nights — and, dare I say, celebratory occasions. I'm hopeful that Tuesday night will present such an opportunity. If not, at least I'll have a top-caliber ale in which to take solace.