Just like clockwork, you can count on breweries starting to release pumpkin beer in late summer. And equally predictable, you can count on people stating that it is too early for this style. Historically, this style has always sold very well even when released a bit early. However, a few years ago, the quantity of pumpkin beers hitting the market exceeded the demand. This created an issue among those breweries. Read all about that here. But what’s the lookout for this year? Are we going to see a pumpkin beer comeback or will there be leftovers well past Thanksgiving?
As mentioned above, a few years ago, there was an over abundance of pumpkin beers available on the market. People were still going crazy for pumpkin-flavored anything. But too many breweries were trying to capitalize on this one style at the same time.
The result was lots of pumpkin beer sitting on shelves well past New Years. Breweries took a huge hit on the product that never sold. This caused many to scale back or completely get out of the pumpkin beer game. But as fall 2019 is upon us, we are seeing lots of pumpkin beers hitting the shelves and getting lots of attention. But can we call it a pumpkin beer comeback?
Pumpkin Beer Comeback
First off, let’s realize that pumpkin beer never went away. In fact, the supply issues from a few years ago may have been just what we needed to correct the market. The following year brought a time when pumpkin beer took a less prominent role and there was some thinning of the herd. It was noticeable that there was less pumpkin options on the beer shelves as many brands either stopped packaging this style or simply reduced volume and distribution.
But the rest of the world was still going crazy for pumpkin flavoring. From that coffee place making sugary drinks to cereal to chewing gum, pumpkin spice found a way into nearly every product. So it wasn’t the pie inspired flavor that was the issue.
And the breweries that continued to push out pumpkin beer would tell you that there was still a demand for these tasty fall beers. However, managing the demand with the supply is the critical piece. 2019 appears to be a year of recovery as some breweries are returning to pumpkin beers. And compared to a year ago, it appears that there are more pumpkin beers.
Local brewery, Rivertown, once was known for their pumpkin beer but they decided not to package it in 2018. Many local drinkers were happy to see it return in 2019. And the results prove its popularity as the brewery sold out of the beer within 8 weeks of release. I’d have to think that’s a strong sign for all breweries making this fall spiced brew.
At this point, there may actually be a concern that there won’t be any pumpkin beer left for us to drink in October and November which are the months that I’d consider to be prime pumpkin beer months.
Pumpkin Beers To Try
Choosing which pumpkin beer to try can be a bit overwhelming. There’s so many different options. Each has their own unique approach to achieving that recognizable pumpkin spice flavor.
Here are a few to put on your list to try this year:
New Holland Ichabod – This is the every day, easy drinking pumpkin beer. It has a firm pumpkin spice and actually uses real pumpkin in the brewing process. The result is a smooth beer that imparts the right amount of flavors to keep you interested but not overwhelm the senses.
Shipyard Pumpkinhead – There are so many ways to approach this style and Shipyard has done a great job of keeping the spice and sweetness levels balanced. This one is ideal for those what want a more moderate amount of spice while still getting that classic fall flavor.
Rivertown Pumpkin – For those in my local area of Cincinnati, Rivertown has returned to packaging their pumpkin beer. It took a short hiatus but this local favorite is back and is still bringing huge pumpkin spice notes. It’s great to have a local pumpkin beer option available in cans.
Southern Tier Pumking – For many, this is a true classic when it comes to this seasonal style. With a hefty 8.6% ABV, it is one of the stronger pumpkin beer options. It gives a heavy dose of pumpkin spice along with a vanilla sweetness. This is a great option when you want a big, bold flavor.
Check Out My Review Of Southern Tier Pumking
Riding The Trends
There are many days that I am quite happy to not have to decide which beers a brewery makes and which ones they decide to package. It is a highly competitive industry and every brewery’s worst nightmare is to have a seasonal beer sit on shelves months after the time frame it was designed to be consumed.
And just like the pumpkin issues from a few years back, most breweries are just one miscalculation away from taking a huge hit to their bottom line. Trying to understand what beer drinkers will want months from now is nearly impossible. And if all breweries make the same guess, then the shelves could be overstocked with the same style.
I am quite happy that we are seeing a pumpkin beer comeback this year. There are plenty of great options for us to choose from right now. And as long as they sell before the end of the season, these breweries will continue to send us more fall spiced beer year after year.
