Top Ten Pumpkin Ales to Try this Fall

By Christopher Osburn

Top Ten Pumpkin Ales to Try This Fall

There’s a certain phenomenon that seems to happen when September rolls into October. All of a sudden, almost everything appears to contain spices and pumpkin flavors. There is pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin lattes and, most importantly, pumpkin ales. This is Chilled Magazine’s list of Top Ten Pumpkin Ales to try this fall:

1. Great Pumpkin Ale – Cambridge Brewing Company (4.4% ABV)

This pumpkin ale from the beer hub of Boston is the perfect beverage to enjoy while you watch the days grow darker. Just like the mythical creature that Charlie Brown was hoping to witness, this ale is around for a little while in the fall. Grab some while you can.

2. Pumpkin Ale – AleWerks Brewing Company (8% ABV)

Virginia isn’t known as a hotbed of brewing, but this pumpkin ale could start that trend. At a potent 8%, this spiced ale should be given the respect it deserves. Savor one or two and save the rest for a later date.

williamsburg-alewerks-pumpkin-ale-bottle

3. Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale – Smuttynose Brewing Company (5.84% ABV)

New Hampshire’s Smuttynose is well-known for its interesting, whimsical labels and equally interesting, tasty brews. Its pumpkin ale is one of the offerings that the brewery is most proud of and rightfully so.

4. Night Owl Pumpkin Ale – Elysian Brewing Company (5.9% ABV)

Seattle’s Elysian Brewing Company has propelled itself into the forefront of craft brewing in the last few years with its creative beers and unique ingredients. Its malty, pumpkin-filled fall offering is no different.

5. Punkin Ale – Dogfish Head Brewery (7% ABV)

It’s no surprise that the best pumpkin ales are made by some of the most creative breweries. Dogfish Head, in Delaware, is widely known for pushing the envelope in terms of ingredients. This beer might not contain anything exotic, but it’s no less special.

6. Ichabod Ale – New Holland Brewing Company (5.5% ABV)

Michigan is another state that isn’t widely thought of as a hotbed of brewing. That’s not to say that there isn’t great beer coming out of the state. Ichabod Ale, named for the character Ichabod Crane from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is a full-flavored ale that is highlighted by nutmeg, cinnamon, and subtle pumpkin spice.

7. Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale – Stevens Point Brewery (7.5% ABV)

Wisconsin’s Steven’s Point brings us this 7.5% spicy, roasted pumpkin, malty brew that is the perfect compliment to a warm blanket and a roaring fire.

8. Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale – Uinta Brewing Company (10.3% ABV)

This high proof pumpkin ale comes from Utah’s Uinta Brewing Company. Barrel aging in oak casks adds to the overall depth of spicy, fall flavors.

9. Post Road Pumpkin Ale – Brooklyn Brewery (5% ABV)

This offering from Brooklyn Brewery was the first pumpkin ale I ever tried. I fell in love with its malty, biscuit, cinnamon flavor with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor.

10. Imperial Pumpkin Ale – Weyerbacher Brewing Company (8% ABV)

This, similarly to Uinta and Aleworks’ brews, should be sipped and savored while sitting in a comfortable chair as the leaves cascade down from the trees outside in the yard.