Do you get super excited about fall? Leaves changing, football season coming back, pumpkin patches, cooler weather (also known as finally not melting 24/7)� but you’re more of a beer lover… in fact you’d never be caught dead ordering a Pumpkin Spice Latte… Fear not! You are not alone!!
As sorry as I was (am) to see summer go, there are a few good things that come with the autumn season.
Oktoberfest
We are in the midst of MANY Oktoberfest events and celebrations this weekend. There will be a few more in the coming weeks as well. If the beer isn�t a big enough draw for you, the celebration will be. From stein-holding and keg-rolling contests, to delicious pretzels and bratwursts galore� there�s entertainment to be had at every turn. If you�re still not sure� I�ve got one more word for you: lederhosen.
Pumpkin Spice Everything!!
Admittedly, this one is not always a good thing� Pumpkin Spice Pringles, anyone? Like why?? BUT if there was ever something that should�have pumpkin and spice added to it, it�s beer. While there are a lot of pumpkin beers out there that, quite frankly, just aren�t very good, the best ones seem to have reappropriated the hallmark scent of fall and seamlessly transitioned it into our beloved brews. Bottomline here: try them! But maybe stick to the ones that talk about the spice aspect too. Here are a couple suggestions:
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale� is a great, well-rounded beer that balances the natural pumpkin flavors and warmth of favorite fall spices extremely well. You will be hard-pressed to find many comparable brews.
The best local pumpkin beer can be found at Ballast Point. Don�t fight me on this. Regardless of your feelings about Ballast, Pumpkin Down is a great beer. Using their Scottish style ale, Piper Down, as a base, this beer is a perfect blend of the sturdy warmth of an amber ale, and the spices we’re all seeking this time of year.
Halloween
Is there a better excuse to watch horror films in a brewery with all your friends? (Societe did this last year and many other breweries have movie nights now!) What about a Hocus Pocus drinking game? (Warning: play at your own risk… these ladies do not mess around) Make it themed�and spooky, and people will be on board! Speaking of which, the fall also sees the return of an Alesmith favorite, Evil Dead Red, and many other appropriate, cleverly named brews, incorporating zombies, witches, blood, clowns, etc. As someone who hates all of those things AND being scared, drinking these festive beers is a nice way to participate in the season without subjecting to myself to one of the many versions of Halloween Horror Nights I�ve actively avoided my entire life. Thanks beer industry!
Thanksgiving
By the time we get to the end of November, all of those spice-infused beers will have only gotten better, settling into their flavors even more. There�s pumpkin, there�s spice, there are ambers, reds, brown ales, imperial stouts, you name it. Pair any one of those with some turkey, or personal favorite dish, throw on all the Friends Thanksgiving episodes (thank you Netflix)� I mean, could there BE a better holiday?? We should always be thankful for good beer.
Happy Fall, you Basic B*tches