What’s the first event that comes to mind when you think of beer and more beer? If it’s October, then it’s got to be Oktoberfest. With over six million people in attendance each year, the festival draws an international crowd.
In honor of Oktoberfest, here are some of our personal favorite pumpkin brews.
Pumpkin Ale
Brewed by the Horseheads Brewing Company located in New York, the Pumpkin Ale is said to have a very pumpkin pie-like taste. Mix in some fragrant spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon and you have the true essence of this beer. This beer is also fairly light and easy enough to drink for those not accustomed to drinking beer on a not-so-regular basis.
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale
This beer comes out of Missouri from the Schlafly Tap Room, known for being the first new brewpub in the state since the age of Prohibition. Not many people know that our nation-wide obsession with pumpkin dates back to the early colonies. The colonists would use pumpkin and squash to ferment their beer. Malt was not quite as abundant back then. For this modern beer, the mild taste of squash is present giving drinkers a subtle nod to the past.
Good Gourd Almighty
Although Tampa, Florida may not be well-known for its breweries, one in particular stands out. Located in historic Ybor City (an old Tampa neighborhood), Cigar City Brewing originally opened its doors in 1897 and included Teddy Roosevelt as a patron. Rather than let pumpkin be the star of the show, this brew highlights exotic spices, such as Ceylon cinnamon, cloves, all-spice and nutmeg making for a memorable brew.
Punkuccino
Calling all pumpkin spice latte addicts! Coming from Elysian Brewing out of Seattle, the Punkuccino is coffee pumpkin ale. Imagine your favorite toddy blended seamlessly with crisp pumpkin ale. Slight notes of cinnamon and nutmeg are just barely susceptible in the brew. This brew serves as the perfect after-dinner drink or complimentary hayride beverage.
Like the autumn season and Oktoberfest, your favorite pumpkin beers are only around for a short period of time. Make sure to satisfy your craving before the pumpkins are all carved!