But I'm seeing it off with style. This is a beer I had on tap when we hung out with my in-laws for a late-birthday celebration. I loved it enough that I bought a sixer to bring home with me. Is it as good canned as it is from the source? Let's find out as I drink Swine City's I Put a Spell on You.

Swine City's located in an industrial part of Fairfield, OH. They boast a dive bar vibe while offering delicious craft beers, seltzers, wine, and food (hot dogs, via Underdog). The vibe of the place is unmatched--there's nothing corporate here. Just gritty, do-it-yourself craft beer. If I lived closer to the place, I'd be there all the time.

The first thing that grabbed me about canned I Put a Spell on You (Spell, henceforth) was the label. It boasts a classic Beistle Halloween cutout motif with its corn cob-clenching Jack-o'-Lantern. The name reminds me of Hocus Pocus in the best possible way. And, having tried the ale on draught, I was won over by the 8% ABV ale's real-pumpkin flavor, with its vanilla, spices, and twinge of sour. I knew immediately that this would be my Halloween post.

Cracking into my can, I'm hit with a bouquet of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and some farmhouse-style funk. There's no hint of the booziness present, just good and dark Halloweeny pumpkin. There's a slight bit of brown ale malty/roastiness, but only slight. Really, this is a killer nose. Melba gave it seven whiffs, so she's into it, too!

Everything I just mentioned carries through perfectly into the flavor profile, nearly in the exact same order. If I were to note a difference at all, it'd be that Spell has more of a vanilla taste than it does aroma, but this isn't overpowering like the vanilla in so many pumpkin beers are. It's present and draws attention to itself, but doesn't take any shine away from the rest of what the ale has going for it. The finish is pumpkin pie filling and crust, with a small wash of that sourness I've mentioned a time or two.

Spell has a sharpness to its mouthfeel that accentuates the bright farmhouse funkiness I get from it. Aside from that, it's full and frothy. Honestly, this is exactly the beer I want to cap off Halloween night.

We went trick-'r-treating tonight. I was a vampire moonshiner (specifically Tim Smith from TV's Moonshiners). The rest of the family didn't get the memo--they all went as owl-related things. Their loss.

It was an absolute blast. I love seeing the holiday through the eyes of my toddler. I love how the community comes together for an awesome night. There was a lady who had a chili kitchen set up in her garage. There was a family that had candy, hot chocolate, hot dogs, and beer. There was a little girl dressed as Granny Muffin from that episode of Bluey with the scooter and garage sale. Hell, it was a wonderful time, and this is a wonderful beer to drink while reflecting on it.

I'm happy to report that Swine City's I Put a Spell on You is nearly as good canned as it is on tap. It's much more treat than it is trick and an easy 10/10. Seriously, check out this brewery--they're one to watch. I hope the holiday treated you well and that you got more treats than tricks yourselves. Happy Halloween!