Guide to the Best Pumpkin Beers for Fall
Are you ready to dive into the world of pumpkin beers? As the leaves start to change color and the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a seasonal brew that captures the essence of fall. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the top pumpkin beers available, exploring their unique flavors, aromas, and characteristics. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pumpkin ales or prefer something with a twist, we’ve got you covered. So grab your favorite glass and let’s get started!
The Tradition of Pumpkin Beers
Pumpkin beers have a rich history that dates back to the early days of American brewing. The tradition of using pumpkin in beer can be traced back to the 18th century when European settlers in America sought alternative ingredients for brewing. Pumpkins, abundant in the New World, became a natural choice for adding flavor, depth, and character to their brews.
Over the years, pumpkin beers have evolved, with breweries experimenting with different spices, hops, and brewing techniques to create unique and memorable brews. Today, pumpkin beers have become a beloved seasonal favorite, eagerly anticipated by beer enthusiasts every fall.
Exploring Flavor Profiles
Pumpkin beers come in a wide range of flavor profiles, each offering a unique taste experience. While some pumpkin beers lean towards a more traditional pumpkin pie flavor with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, others take a bolder approach, incorporating ingredients like coffee, chocolate, or even chili peppers. Let’s dive into the different flavor profiles you can expect to find in the world of pumpkin beers.
- Traditional: These pumpkin beers embody the classic flavors of pumpkin pie, with a balance of spices and a hint of sweetness. They often feature notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, creating a warm and comforting taste that evokes memories of fall.
- Spiced: For those who prefer a more intense spice experience, spiced pumpkin beers take the flavors up a notch. These brews often feature a higher concentration of spices, resulting in a bolder and more robust flavor profile.
- Dessert-Inspired: If you have a sweet tooth, dessert-inspired pumpkin beers are a must-try. These brews incorporate flavors like caramel, vanilla, and chocolate, creating a decadent and indulgent taste reminiscent of your favorite fall treats.
- Spicy: For beer lovers who enjoy a bit of heat, spicy pumpkin beers offer a unique twist. These brews often include ingredients like chili peppers or ginger, adding a fiery kick that complements the traditional pumpkin flavors.
- PSL-Inspired: Inspired by everyone’s favorite fall beverage, pumpkin spice lattes, PSL-inspired pumpkin beers combine the flavors of coffee, spices, and pumpkin to create a harmonious blend that will satisfy any coffee lover’s cravings.
- IPA Twist: For those who can’t resist a hoppy brew, pumpkin IPAs are a great choice. These beers combine the bold flavors of an IPA with the warm spices and pumpkin notes, resulting in a unique and refreshing taste.
Now that we’ve explored the different flavor profiles, let’s dive into the best pumpkin beers in each category.
The Best Spiced Pumpkin Beers
- Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby – This pumpkin ale from Two Roads offers a traditional flavor profile with a twist. Aged in rum barrels, it combines the flavors of pumpkin, spices, vanilla, oak, and rum, creating a complex and indulgent brew that is sure to please.
- Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale – With its light orange color and aromas of pumpkin and nutmeg, Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale is a classic choice for pumpkin beer enthusiasts. Its big flavors and autumnal notes make it a perfect companion for the season.
- Elysian Punkuccino – Combining the best of a pumpkin ale and the complex flavors of coffee, Elysian Punkuccino is a Washington-based brewery’s take on the seasonal favorite. Made with Stumptown coffee, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it offers a unique and delightful taste experience.
- Sam Adams Sweater Weather Variety Pack – For those who like variety, the Sam Adams Sweater Weather Variety Pack is a must-try. It includes Jack-O pumpkin ale, classic Octoberfest beer, flagship Boston lager, and Festbier, allowing you to sample a range of delicious fall brews.
- Neshaminy Creek Brewing Punkless Dunkel – Neshaminy Creek Brewing’s Punkless Dunkel is a pumpkin-forward beer that strikes a balance between pumpkin flavors and spices. With hints of banana, clove, and a touch of sweetness, it offers a unique and enjoyable taste experience.
Indulge in Dessert-Inspired Brews
- Southern Tier Pumking – Known for its dessert-inspired brews, Southern Tier delivers with Pumking. This imperial pumpkin ale is like pumpkin pie in a glass, with flavors that resemble a blend of pumpkin pie and cream soda. Indulgent and flavorful, it’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
- Hudson North Cider Co Toasted Pumpkin – While not a traditional beer, Hudson North Cider Co’s Toasted Pumpkin offers a delicious pumpkin-flavored alternative. With its toast-y flavor and refreshing qualities, it’s a great option for those looking for a lighter and crisp pumpkin experience.
- Rogue Pumpkin Patch Ale – Rogue takes pumpkin beers to a new level with its Pumpkin Patch Ale. Roasted pumpkins, orange peel, and vanilla combine to create a bold and flavorful brew. With hints of caramel and cocoa, it offers a smooth and satisfying taste.
- Blue Point Mother Pumpkin Ale – Blue Point’s Mother Pumpkin Ale is a classic choice for pumpkin beer enthusiasts. With its amber color and real pumpkin puree, it captures the essence of fall. This year, it comes with a brand new look that adds to the overall appeal.
- Flying Dog The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale – For those who enjoy a little bit of spice with their pumpkin pie, Flying Dog’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale is a perfect choice. With its pumpkin pie spice flavors turned up a notch, it offers a unique and memorable taste experience.
For the Spice Lovers
- Dogfish Head Punkin Ale – Dogfish Head’s Punkin Ale is a full-bodied brown ale with a blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. It strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness, making it a crowd-pleaser for spice lovers.
- Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale – Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead Ale has been a seasonal favorite since 1996. With its hazy wheat base and pumpkin spice infusion, it offers a crisp and warm taste that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
- New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin Ale – Named after the famous Sleepy Hollow character, New Holland’s Ichabod Pumpkin Ale is a sweet and flavorful brew. Sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon, it’s a perfect pairing for your favorite fall desserts.
- Brooklyn Brewery Post Road Pumpkin Ale – For those who appreciate beers made with real roasted pumpkins, Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale is a go-to choice. It strikes a perfect balance, offering a well-rounded and drinkable brew with just the right amount of spice.
- Schlafly Pumpkin Ale – Schlafly’s Pumpkin Ale is known for its use of pounds and pounds of pumpkin in every batch. This copper-colored ale boasts a cinnamon-tinged malt flavor that is sure to delight pumpkin beer enthusiasts.
A Twist on the Classic PSL
- New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin – If you’re looking for a pumpkin beer with a kick, New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin is the perfect choice. It offers a clean and fruity pumpkin flavor followed by a peppery heat that adds a unique twist to the traditional pumpkin spice experience.
- Left Hand Pumpkin Spice Latte – Left Hand’s Pumpkin Spice Latte is a nitro pumpkin ale that delivers the flavors of spices and actual coffee. With its low carbonation and creamy texture, it’s the perfect choice for those who prefer pumpkin spiced coffee drinks over traditional beers.
- 21st Amendment Brewery Pumpkin Haze IPA – For IPA lovers, 21st Amendment Brewery’s Pumpkin Haze IPA is a must-try. It combines the flavors of a classic hazy IPA with pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, resulting in a unique and refreshing taste experience.
A Treat for IPA Enthusiasts
- Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby – Two Roads’ Roadsmary’s Baby is not only a great choice for spiced pumpkin beer lovers but also for IPA enthusiasts. With its unique flavor profile and aging in rum barrels, it offers a complex and satisfying taste that appeals to a wide range of beer lovers.
- 21st Amendment Brewery Pumpkin Haze IPA – As mentioned earlier, 21st Amendment Brewery’s Pumpkin Haze IPA is a perfect choice for those who enjoy the hoppy bitterness of IPAs. With the addition of pumpkin pie spices, it creates a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and flavorful.
Perfect Pairings with Desserts
- Southern Tier Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout – With its bold flavors and aroma of a fresh-baked graham cracker crust, Southern Tier’s Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout is a perfect pairing for desserts, especially during Thanksgiving. Its sweetness is balanced by a delicious bitterness, creating a delightful taste experience.
- Elysian Dark O’ the Moon Pumpkin Stout – Stout lovers will appreciate Elysian’s Dark O’ the Moon Pumpkin Stout. It offers a lovely spiced aroma, hints of acidity from the gourd, and the deep, coffee-like quality of a dark stout. It’s the perfect nightcap to enjoy around a campfire.
The Best of the Best
- Elysian The Great Pumpkin Imperial – Elysian’s The Great Pumpkin Imperial is the top choice for the best pumpkin beer. With its vibrant pumpkin aroma, malty and spiced taste, and the perfect amount of nutmeg, it truly embodies the essence of fall. It’s the ideal brew for sipping and savoring.
Exploring More Pumpkin Beers
If you’re looking to expand your pumpkin beer repertoire, there are plenty of other options to explore. Here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t make the top list but are still worth trying:
Whether you prefer a traditional pumpkin ale, a spiced brew, or something with a unique twist, there’s a pumpkin beer out there for everyone. So embrace the flavors of fall, gather your friends, and embark on a pumpkin beer tasting adventure. Cheers to the season of pumpkin-spiced delights!
