When we start to see the Pumpkin Beers flow into the store, memories of moonlit Halloweens and gluttonous Thanksgivings fill our minds. We are reminded that Summer is coming to an end, but in California, the only sign of fall is wilted leaves on hot asphalt. For pumpkin beers that pair well with our low humidity and high heat, we look to those festive ales that are refreshing with just a hint of bitterness.
#1. Ballast Point Pumpkin Down
This new offering from local favorite Ballast Point is now available in 6 packs in select markets. Ballast Point Piper Down Scottish Ale is brewed with the addition of pumpkins and spiked with pumpkin spice just before bottling. The result is a toffee-laden, easy drinking beer with just a subtle hint of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon to remind you, “‘tis the season!”
This highly regarded pumpkin ale is a fan favorite at our landmark store in Escondido. Punkin Ale from Dogfish Head is a full-bodied brown ale brewed with pumpkins and every spice that is needed for a delicious pumpkin pie. This beer is heavy on the pumpkin which allows the brown sugar and spices to round off the vegetal pumpkin which creates a great warming ale for those cooler evenings.
#3. Coronado Brewing Co Punk’in Drublic
Punk’in Drublic is a tribute to Punk Rock band NOFX, who wrote and recorded an album by the same name. This Imperial Pumpkin Ale is a mosh pit of fresh pumpkin, roasty malt, and a hodgepodge of holiday spices which mask the higher alcohol content of 8% flawlessly. This beer is perfect for those nights with your friends where you may, or may not, end up in the drunk tank. (Note: Please drink responsibly!)
Sour beers are all the rage these days, and Almanac’s American Wild Ale line up is one of the most reasonably priced and readily available on the market today. For the past couple of years they’ve released different versions of pumpkin ales, but this time, they struck gold! This Pumpkin Sour is a Brown Ale brewed with pumpkin that has been aged in a combination of Woodford Reserve Bourbon barrels and wine barrels. The result is a fun-time sipper that is full of the tart, puckering sensation you’ve grown to love with notes of dark wine fruits, caramel, and baking spices.
#5. Epic Brewing / DC Brau Fermentation Without Representation
Fermentation Without Representation is a collaboration beer between highly regarded brewers Epic Brewing from Utah and DC Brau from Washington DC. Over 200 pounds of pumpkin is used per batch along with a myriad of spices such as pumpkin spice and Madagascar vanilla bean. When poured, aromas of pumpkin fill the air, while the taste is more complex, with notes of marshmallow that open up to pumpkin spice and roast. The finish is reminiscent of coffee which allows this beer to be great for the chilly nights.
All of these handcrafted ales are seasonal items because of the ingredients involved in the process. It is highly recommended to stock up on these beers before Halloween or Thanksgiving because by the time those holidays come around, most pumpkin beers are already sold out. Happy Fall!
