It's barely chilly outside and seems like I’m looking at life through pumpkin-colored glasses. With the start of fall comes the start of #SweaterWeather, photos of children jumping into large piles of leaves, and PSLs. I’m not here to argue about the existence of PSLs, but I am here to argue about PSBs. Pumpkin Spiced Beer. Which BTW, generally are overly sweet and taste more like pancakes soaked in Aunt Jemima’s rather than beer. Let's focus on the five fall beers that’ll make you want to put on your favorite moth-eaten scarf and step on some crunchy leaves, at least on your way to the nearest beer store.
Maine Beer Co.: Zoe
Amber Ales are traditionally what I think of when I think of fall beers (and I'm probably not the only one). The color, maltiness, and typically high alcohol content make me feel some type of way. (That way is finding a leaf stuck in your boot.) Zoe, from Maine Brewing Co. is carried all year round, but that doesn’t mean it’s not special. It brings you to a sunny day in Maine, sporting a cool burgundy beanie and a mandatory flannel. It gives you that rich brownish-red color so nice Crayola should patent it as the “Autumn” crayon. It’s got notes of warm oatmeal raisin cookies coming out of the oven and that malt finish is justtttt right.
Where to find it: Top Hops, NYC, or the Blind Tiger.
Burial: Thresher Coffee Saison
If not for the rad can art alone, Burial beer is unfuckwithable in my opinion (as a person who works in a beer store on the weekends and...drinks it frequently.) I picked up their Thresher Coffee Saison because, well, I am a fan of coffee and saisons (and corgi Instagram accounts) and it did not disappoint. The colder months make me want to sip something ~ interesting ~ while binging old episodes of Broad City in my living room rather than slamming PBRs in my local bar’s backyard. This one tastes like that $6 artisanal cold brew from your favorite coffee shop in Brooklyn, with a funky wild yeasty finish. Yes please.
Where to find it: Beer Boutique, Hops Hill, Milk & Hops.
KCBC: Polkageist
More on the good can art front, KCBC’s Polkageist is equal parts spooky, and tasty without any disturbances from the afterlife. It’s a helles lager, which is another German style lager meaning bright. On those unseasonably warm days where you aren’t sure if you’re supposed to be turning your AC back on or apple picking, this beer has got you covered. It’s not hoppy at all (looking at the IPA haters in the back), but has a tart freshness like biting into the first Honeycrisp of the season, and it wasn’t brewed on top of an old cemetery. Yay!
Where to find it:
Blackberry Farm- Barrel Aged Brett Saison
I love inanimate objects more than I love most people, and one of those inanimate objects is brettanomyces yeast. This is the yeast you’ll find in beers labeled “Brett Saisons” most typically, and it’s what gives this ale a funky, mouth drying taste much like your favorite kombucha. Blackberry Farm’s Brett Saison has been aged in red wine barrels, so the tartness of the barrel aging pairs extremely well with the sourness from the brett yeast. It also comes in a perfect large-format bottle for sharing with your pals.
Where to find it: Select Whole Foods locations
Founders: Porter
It wouldn’t be fair to have a list of fall beers without calling out a jazzy porter and Founder’s Porter never fails. (IT LITERALLY SAYS DARK, RICH & SEXY ON THE LABEL WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT IN THIS WORLD?)
Where to find it: Whole Foods, all over the place tbh
Just kidding! There is one acceptable pumpkin beer. (We like to keep you on your toes!)
Almanac: Pumpkin Pie de Brettaville
Let me first start off by saying all of Almanac's sours are unique, fantastic, and crafted with care, so it was no surprise to me when I got realllll excited seeing this dude on the shelf. This beer hails from San Jose but I picked one up at my local Whole Foods in New York. This is a spiced brown ale that’s been aged in wine and whiskey barrels, so some of that ~pumpkin spice~ has been subdued with tartness from the wine barrels. It’s brewed with caramelized pumpkins, so it’ll have notes of sweet roasted squash. I love this one because it’s unexpected in the best way possible. I’ll be a basic b for you, Almanac.
Where to find it: Select Whole Foods, Total Wine, Craftshack (currently sold out), or bars listed here