Shipyard (Signature) Smashed Pumpkin - Gimmie Some Spice!

Hearing good things about this from beverage salesman is one thing; tasting is another. This is the one everyone recommended. However, the reviews online are as split as my and David's opinions:

Pumpkin week officially closes, with Smashed Pumpkin on the right (Dogfish Head not seen here)

The pumpkin taste is light and well rounded. I applaud the brewers for not overwhelming the pumpkin flavor, like so many others have done.

This is where people disagree. SPICE. For me, the Three Wise Men visited the brewery and dumped their Magi spices into the batch - cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Apart, they were nothing, but together they delivered a Chuck Norris round house kick to my taste buds. It felt like the 4th of July in my mouth. I love spices and these three together epitome the season of Fall for me (or lack thereof in SoCal).  Maybe I'm nostalgic, but damn, I want more. I want this during Thanksgiving with my turkey and yams, I want it at Christmas as I roast endangered nuts over an open fire. For being excellent and unique, you're one of the BAD BOYS.