Pumpkin Beer Taste Test: What to Try This Fall
Illustration by Samantha Bolton & Erik Mace
It’s officially fall, which means one thing for suds lovers: pumpkin beer. While many breweries take a stab at this libation, the results are often too sweet and too little like, well, beer.
But never fear. We taste tested 12 brews that each offer something unique and interesting in the pumpkin beer department, from barrel-aged sour beer to a porter laced with fresh squash. Be warned, though — this list includes some cult favorites that sell out quickly every year, so keep your eyes peeled and your fridge stocked.
Photo: Courtesy of Southern Tier Brewing Company
1. Pumking Imperial Ale from Southern Tier Brewing Company
If you barbecued a pumpkin, liquified it, and added hints of sweet caramel and vanilla, you’d have Pumking Imperial Ale from Southern Tier Brewery. Each year, this New York outfit makes a version using real pumpkins, and the result is so popular that Southern Tier’s stock usually sells out before Halloween every year. The brewery states that this tipple is an ode to Puca, a mythical horse of Celtic lore that convinced weary travelers to get on his back. But, unlike the ride of terrors on which Puca would take his passengers, Pumking takes drinkers on a happy trip full of warm, earthy, and spiced notes. Just be careful — it tips the scale at 8.6 percent alcohol by volume.
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Photo: Courtesy of Elysian Brewing
2. Night Owl Pumpkin Ale from Elysian Brewing Company
Each barrel of this dark ale is brewed with more than seven pounds of pumpkin flesh plus roasted and raw pumpkin seeds, a process that brings out a deep, smoky squash flavor. Then the beer is treated with nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves, giving it a spiced, perfect-for-fall essence. It’s not overly sweet, but has just the slightest note of toasted pie. Still, it packs a punch at 6.7-percent alcohol by volume, which will keep you cozy as nights cool.
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Photo: Courtesy of Lakefron Brewery Inc.
3. Pumpkin from Lakefront Brewery
Because it’s a lager rather than a classic ale, this brew has a nice lightness compared to other pumpkin beers. It still packs plenty nutmeg and pumpkin flavor, though. Milwaukee-based Lakefront Brewery has been perfecting this beer for almost 30 years, so it’s easy to understand why it’s a winner.
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Photo: Courtesy of Rogue Ales & Spirits
4. Pumpkin Patch Ale from Rogue Ales & Spirits
One sip of this large-format beer and you’ll know exactly the main ingredient: pumpkin. But unlike its spice-filled brethren, this beer tastes remarkably like fresh pumpkin. The main ingredient comes from Rogue’s own farm in Independence, Oreg., and once ripe, the squash are driven 77 miles to the brewery, roasted, and thrown right into the brew kettle. The final product boasts a hint of citrus to round out the beer’s earthy vegetal flavor, plus notes of cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, and clove.
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Photo: Courtesy of Denver Beer Co.
5. Hey! Pumpkin Harvest Ale from Denver Beer Co.
Sold in colorful cans, this warming brew is perfect for a crisp hike, picnic, or even an end-of-season barbecue. The beer is light on the palate, but bold enough to stand up to hearty meats, stews, and other fall-friendly meals. Its subtle hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried orange are highlights, but the real star — notes of pumpkin pie — are on the nose. At 5.4-percent alcohol by volume, Hey! Pumpkin won’t hit you as hard as some other options on this list.
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Photo: Courtesy of Epic Brewing Company
6. Imperial Pumpkin Porter from Epic Brewing
Dark as Halloween night and just as haunting, this thick porter has roasted pumpkin and chocolate-cinnamon notes, plus hints of fresh Madagascar vanilla beans, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. It’s part of Epic Brewery’s Exponential Series, which means there are only a few thousand one-pint bottles available. If you see it in stores, stock up. At 8.6-percent alcohol by volume, it’s not for the faint of heart.
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Photo: Courtesy of Epic Brewery
7. The Gourdian Pumpkin Ale from Epic Brewing
If you’re unable to locate Epic Brewing’s Imperial Pumpkin Porter, try one of the brewery’s other seasonal beers, Gourdian Pumpkin Ale. It’s generally light, but boasts subtle hints of cacao nibs and star anise. Comforting and crisp, this brew embodies fall in a gleaming orange can.
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Photo: Courtesy of Dogfish Head Brewery
8. Punkin Ale from Dogfish Head Brewery
The brewmasters at this Delaware establishment use real pumpkin, brown sugar, and pie spices in this seasonal brown ale. This year’s label was designed by Pittsburgh artist Rich Kelly (who has dreamed up posters for Phish, Primus, and Dave Matthews Band, to name a few) and features a scantily-dressed tattooed lady. Talk about shelf appeal. Punkin Ale is definitely not the most pumpkin-y of the pumpkin beers in this list, but it’s still a great fall option.
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Photo: Courtesy of Ballast Point Brewing Company
9. Pumpkin Down from Ballast Point Brewing Company
This brew smells and tastes just like a freshly-opened can of pureed pumpkin. Its base is Ballast Point’s Piper Down Ale, a thick Scottish ale, to which is added cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Available in 12-ounce bottles, it’s best enjoyed on a crisp day when a craving for pumpkin pie strikes.
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Photo Courtesy of Boulevard Brewing Company
10. Funky Pumpkin Spiced Sour Ale from Boulevard Brewing Co.
Kansas City-based operation Boulevard Brewing Co. knows a thing or two about producing excellent sour beers, and this sour pumpkin ale is no exception. Barrel aging prevents it from being too lip-puckering, while notes of ginger kick things up a notch.
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Photo: Courtesy of The Traveler Beer Co.
11. Jack-O Traveler Pumpkin Shandy from The Traveler Beer Co.
Not every pumpkin beer has to be strong-flavored and thick, and this pumpkin-tinged shandy is perfect for those looking for a lighter option. Bright lemon notes and flowery Hallertau hops pep up the shandy’s other ingredients, earthy pumpkin and wheat beer. Allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg add fall flavor.
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Photo: Courtesy of Shipyard Brewing Co.
12. Pumpkinhead from Shipyard Brewing Company
This beer comes alive only once a year, or at least that’s what the can says. Well, now is the time to try this wheat ale, which has graced kegs since 1996. It’s light on the pumpkin and isn’t too sweet, which is good for those looking for a break from stronger-flavored varieties. Still, Shipyard recommends serving the drink in a pint glass rimmed with cinnamon and sugar.
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