Even though wine writers slumming amongst the beers are unaware of it, pumpkin beers for autumn are big news and the trend is moving into Canada. I wrote about my pleasure at Grand River Brewing, a new brewery in Cambridge, Ontario, last August and their brews ranging from 3.5% to 4.7%. This pumpkin seasonal is a bit stronger at 5.2%. Orange amber ale sits under a rich white froth that resolves to a rim and foam. Nutmeg and cinnamon and honey maltiness fill the glass - more than the actual pumpkin. Without the strong biscuity presence of the Smuttynose take on this style, this is not pie in a glass - especially given the tea astringency in the finish. But, this turns out to be a great beer with chili spiced food as it both cuts the cloy and, in turn, finds its own spices brought out nicely. I suggest a match with Thai or Mexican turkey. Five BAers approve.