Pumpkin beer is still quite popular despite sales trailing off over the past few years. And every time I post about them, some one comments and lets me know that they think “pumpkin beer sucks”.
For me, pumpkin beer fits perfectly with the season but I get it. Some pumpkin beers are spice bombs while only a few actually use real pumpkin in them.
But there are a lot of other styles that fit well into the cool fall season; Oktoberfest and Brown Ales to name a couple.
So if you are the type person that doesn’t care for pumpkin beer, check out this list of fall beers that are probably better suited to your tastes.
Related Article: Why We Will See Less Pumpkin Beer This Year
HARVEST BROWN ALE
Long Trail Brewing | Bridgewater Corners, VT
ABV 4.4% | IBU 18
Description:
The culmination of a long growing season, the autumn harvest comes once a year. We mark the end of summer with the release of our seasonal brown ale, Harvest. Vermont maple syrup added during the brewing process yields a lasting sweetness on the palate that’s guaranteed to warm your soul. Raise a glass and enjoy the spirit of the season. Pairs well with wood- splitting, leaf-raking and pumpkin carving.
My Thoughts:
I enjoy the cool, crisp days of fall. So a warming beer is ideal for me. The best part about this one is the low ABV. You’ll be able to enjoy a few of these without over doing it.
PECAN ALE
Abita Brewing | Abita Spring, LA
ABV 5.2% | IBU 20
Description:
Pecan Ale is made with real Louisiana roasted pecans for a subtle, nutty flavor and aroma. It’s brewed with pale, Munich, biscuit and caramel malts, and Willamette hops. The roasted pecans are added in the brewhouse. Crack one open and geaux nuts!
My Thoughts:
Unfortunately, I can’t drink craft beer made with pecans so this one won’t be on my list. However, I know many of you enjoy this type of beer. And I rarely see beer made with pecans or any other kind of tree nut so this should make everyone’s list to try this fall.
HARVEST ALE
Southern Tier Brewing | Lakewood, NY
ABV 6.7% | IBU 45
Description:
Harvest Ale is our celebration of the changing weather and the sowing of hops and barley that will be used in our upcoming brews. We usher in the fall with a classic English style Extra Special Bitter of the highest order. Deep ruby in color with an even deeper hop flavor… in fact, we throw fresh English hops into every brewing vessel, then dry hop after fermentation to impart a zesty kick. This beer has real hop character that mingles with fresh malted barley for an experience that will make you wish it were fall year ‘round.
My Thoughts:
First off, if you do like pumpkin beers then make sure Southern Tier Pumpking and Warlock are on your list. They are two of the best pumpkin beers around.
I love ESBs; you don’t find them often and I appreciate that they use this one as a seasonal offering. Most of us are very familiar with American hops but the use of English hops in this one helps add to the fresh, earthiness of this brew. And with a slightly high ABV for this style, I think you’ll find that it’s quite flavorful and satisfying.
HARVESTER
Green Man Brewery | Asheville, NC
ABV 6% | IBU 30
Description:
This Seasonal Ale is our interpretation of the classic German Marzen style. It features Carolina harvested and malted artisan barley. Magnum and Palisade highlight a creative hop blend. The result is a deep amber color and a hearty flavor that salutes the old world taste of the season.
My Thoughts:
Bridging the classic Marzen style with local barley, this is a local favorite for the area around Asheville. I’ve had a handful of their beer and am also impressed with the fullness of their beer.
They describe it as hearty and I think that applies to most of what they make and this one won’t disappoint.
Sam Adams Oktoberfest
Boston Beer Company | Boston, MA
ABV 5.3% | IBU 16
Description:
In 1810, the Oktoberfest tradition was born when Munich celebrated the Crown Prince’s wedding with a special beer and 16 day party. Our version of this classic style blends rich malts for a hearty, smooth flavor with notes of caramel creating a brew that’s perfect for the season, or whatever you’re celebrating.
My Thoughts:
I couldn’t list fall beer without talking about the brewery that won me over. Sam Adams was the first Oktoberfest beer I remember drinking and I’ve always loved it.
In my experience, I find the body to be heavy and full. There is a noticeable sweetness which I appreciate in a fall beer. I can’t go a year without making sure that I get some of this one.
Bonus: 3 Non-Pumpkin Cincinnati Beers To Try This Fall
If you live near me, then there’s plenty of local craft beer to try this fall. Most breweries will have a seasonal beer so make sure to ask or check out their tap list.
Here are three that should make your list:
Pale Ale with Cranberry And Vanilla – Being canned for the first time this year.
Das Uber | Christian Moerlein Brewing
Traditional Festbier that’s available in cans this Fall, smooth and satisfying.
Blaketoberfest | 50 West Brewing
100% German ingredients make this Marzen sweet and toasty; draft only.
Pumpkin Beer Sucks?
If that’s you then hopefully this list gave you plenty of other fall craft beers to check out this year.
And the next time you hear someone say “Pumpkin Beer Sucks”, shoot them this list and encourage them to find a fall craft beer that they will enjoy.
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