Thanks for Thinking and Drinking Locally Made and Well-Crafted New York Beer! That’s the motto of Peconic, NY-based Greenport Harbor Brewing Company. However, we should be thanking them for brewing up some of the best craft beer New York has to offer!

The Top of the Leaf Pile

One such beer we want to tell you about is their Pumpkin/Yam beer called Leaf Pile Ale. “We do pride ourselves in believing that it should always be a beer at its core. Leaf Pile is an Amber Ale at its heart, but the additions of fresh ginger and spices are what makes it unique for a fall pumpkin inspired Ale,” stated Greenport Harbor founder Rich Vandenburgh.

What makes Leaf Pile stand out from the plethora of other options of this same style? This is a serious question we pondered while we sipped on this meticulously crafted fall ale. To say one beer is better than another is honestly a matter of personal opinion and what tantalizes your own palate. While we won’t say Leaf Pile is better than other options of the same style, we will say that it’s truly at the top of the leaf pile.

The Proof Is In The Pumpkin

Rich explained a bit of the process for crafting Leaf Pile. While it may seem routine or mundane to some folks, we find joy in learning about the little things that make a beer so special.

Greenport uses a small dose of Warrior hops for the bittering. Then, fresh ginger, clove, cinnamon and allspice are combined into a steeping bag that is ran through the whirlpool. That imparts the familiar pumpkin flavoring that makes Leaf Pile so enjoyable. Rich notes that while the spices aren’t sourced locally, the ginger is procured from a local source.

The first expression that comes to mind when trying this beer for the first time is hearty. While you might not typically describe a beer as hearty, that’s what stuck out to us. Like Rich said above, this beer is an Amber Ale at heart and that shines through, in a good way. The base provides a sturdy foundation that helps accentuate the other ingredients, especially with the cinnamon. The cinnamon is the most prevalent flavor imparted by Leaf Pile. While it’s a noticeable characteristic, the cinnamon isn’t overpowering, it has just the right amount. The spices and mild bitterness come together to create a beautiful flavor.

We like to think of this analogy when trying to describe Leaf Pile. Picture a beautiful fall morning. The air is crisp and there’s a bit of a breeze. You step outside and while it’s not freezing, you could certainly add on a light jacket to keep yourself comfortable. The Amber Ale at heart is great to begin with, but adding that light jacket of ginger, clove, cinnamon and allspice makes it just right!

Longevity

“We have brewed this beer for more than fourteen years and it comes from the original recipe book of our first head brewer, DJ Swanson,” noted Rich. “For years it was a real local favorite that was shared and now we have faithful fans all around the country,” said Rich excitedly!

Fall is a great time of year on the North Fork of Long Island and with the changing colors and cooler temperatures, their Leaf Pile Ales is perfect for enjoying a football game with friends or relaxing around a late-night fire. Whether you want the cinnamon sugar rum or not, almost any occasion is complimented with a pint of Leaf Pile in your hand!

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