Tis the season....for BEER! (Although in my opinion, it is always the season for beer.)
In all seriousness, though--autumn weather combined with pastimes like tailgating, football, pumpkin picking, and bonfires work harmoniously with a bold autumn brew.
I've come up with 5 of my favorite fall seasonal beers, although I could easily name 100.
The first 4 can be found almost anywhere in the United States (although in some areas more heavily than others), and the last is a Baltimore home brew that I just had to add because I love it all year round.
1. Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale (8% ABV)
Weyerbacher Pumkin is what first got me on the pumpkin beer bandwagon about a year ago. It was on draft at a local bar, and on a whim, I ordered it, not sure what to expect. As soon as I took a sip of this hearty, spicy, bold amber ale, I was a believer. Just don't drink it too fast--it's a strong one, guys. At 8% ABV, this ale is much stronger than a typical light beer's 3 to 5%.
2. Dogfish Head Punkin (7% ABV)
A pretty little 4-pack of this brew was waiting for me on Friday when I got home from work (brownie points for the boyfriend!), and it is already gone. This beer is made with organic brown sugar & spices, and is the perfect compliment to a brisk fall day.
3. Southern Tier Pumking (8.6%)
Out of all the beers on this list, Southern Tier's Pumking definitely packs the biggest punch at 8.6% ABV. With hints of pecan, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, you can't go wrong. This stuff is like crack.
4. Fat Tire Amber Ale (5.2% ABV)
Fat Tire has many seasonal blends, but I am a big fan of their Amber Ale, which consists of "toasty, biscuit-like malt flavors coasting in equilibrium with hoppy freshness." This brew is popping up on taps all over Baltimore, and I couldn't be happier. Plus, I will gladly endorse any company with the belief that "we're not only passionate about great beer, it's also important to us to try to be a role model of sustainable business practices." (check it out here).
Oh, and there's a snazzy red bicycle on the label. 'Nuff said.
5. Brewer's Art Ozzy (7.25% ABV)
This is a Baltimore exclusive. Located in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood, The Brewer's Art is a restaurant with amazing food, unique atmosphere, and of course, home-brewed beers. My favorite is Ozzy, a Belgian-style that is "Both rich and dry...this beer is
all too easy to consume in large quantities".
all too easy to consume in large quantities".
What are some of your favorite beers for the autumn season?
I am always up for trying new-to-me brews.
I really wish I liked pumpkin beer! I love pumpkin. I love beer. Just not together. I suppose I am a purist when it comes to beer. I don't want it to taste like coffee or chocolate or anything! :)
ReplyDeleteI can respect that! I honestly wasn't sure I'd like them either for that very reason. I still am not a huge fan of the coffee stouts even though I looove coffee!
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