Best Fall Beers: Pumpkin Ales to Classic Oktoberfests Pints

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to explore the world of fall beers. From the comforting warmth of pumpkin ales, the festive spirit of Oktoberfest Märzens, to the unique flavors of seasonal brews, there’s a taste of autumn in every sip.

So, grab your coziest sweater and let’s embark on a journey through the best fall beer, sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.

Key Takeaways

• Indulge in the flavors of fall with delicious craft beers, from pumpkin ales to fresh hop beers.
• Celebrate Oktoberfest with traditional Märzen and robust dark porters or stouts for cozy nights.
• Enjoy non-alcoholic options such as pumpkin and Oktoberfest beer for everyone to join in on the fun!

Pumpkin Perfection: Top 5 Pumpkin Beers

Nothing says fall like the arrival of pumpkin beers. These beloved brews feature delightful pumpkin pie spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, offering an autumnal experience like no other.

We’ve handpicked the top 5 pumpkin beers to try this season:

1. Southern Tier Pumking
2. New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin
3. Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
4. Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale
5. Alewerks Pumpkin Ale

Let the pumpkin perfection begin!

Southern Tier Pumking

First on our list is the delicious and delightful Southern Tier Pumking. This imperial pumpkin ale from Southern Tier Brewing Company in New York boasts a perfect balance of hops and malt, with an impressive 8.6% ABV.

Praised as the “crown jewel among fall beers,” Pumking offers a symphony of distinct and enticing flavors that tantalize the palate, with:

• Vanilla
• Clove
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon

notes shining through each sip.

Perfect for experienced beer drinkers and newcomers alike, Pumking is a must-try during the fall season.

New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin

Next up is the unique and flavorful New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin. This richly malty fall seasonal beer hails from Fort Collins, Colorado, and has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 6.4%.

My Bartender believes this craft beer is an autumn favorite. It is popular with craft beer enthusiasts around the world. With a delightful blend of nutmeg, cardamom, and star anise, this pumpkin ale is sure to captivate adventurous drinkers seeking a tantalizing brew.

Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

A classic and beloved brew, Dogfish Head Punkin Ale is a delightful brown ale with the perfect blend of:

• pumpkin flesh
• brown sugar
• cinnamon
• nutmeg

Founder Sam Calagione enthusiastically claims it’s an ideal accompaniment for a satisfying dinner or a picturesque hike.

Pair this pumpkin ale with roasted meats and sweet desserts for a soul-warming, autumnal experience, perfect for fans of pumpkin ales.

Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale

Smooth and complex, Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale offers a truly immersive experience, perfectly capturing the spirit of fall gatherings and the harvest season. With a malty sweetness and delightful pumpkin notes, this pumpkin ale is incredibly smooth. The hoppy bitterness is what makes this brew so special, ensuring an enchanting autumnal experience.

Alewerks Pumpkin Ale

Last but not least, Alewerks Pumpkin Ale is an incredibly popular craft beer that perfectly captures the flavors of the season and delights beer enthusiasts seeking a true pumpkin ale experience.

Brewed with real pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this delightful beer is crafted in Williamsburg, Virginia, by the pioneering Alewerks Brewery.

With an ABV of 7.3%, Alewerks Pumpkin Ale is the perfect brew to round out our top 5 pumpkin beers.

Marvelous Märzens: Celebrating Oktoberfest

After exploring pumpkin beers, it’s time to honor the age-old tradition of Oktoberfest and the wonderful Märzens that come with it.

These delicious Märzen beers celebrate the rich maltiness and delightful, clean finish that make this German beer style so renowned.

Some popular examples of Märzen beers, among other beer styles, include:

• Hacker-Pschorr Bräu GmbH Oktoberfest Marzen
• Ayinger Oktober Fest Märzen
• Great Lakes Oktoberfest
• Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest

Prost!

Hacker-Pschorr Bräu GmbH Oktoberfest Marzen

Hacker-Pschorr Bräu GmbH’s Oktoberfest Marzen beer has an illustrious history, dating back to 1810. This classic German Marzen-style beer has been enjoyed for centuries, and the brewery itself can trace its origins back to 1417.

The craft beer culture contributed to the popularity and longevity of this traditional brew.

Today, Hacker-Pschorr is celebrated for its iconic Oktoberfest Marzen beer. It is renowned for its:

• Deep amber hue
• Exquisite flavor
• Delightful spices
• Smooth, creamy mouthfeel

This Oktoberfest beer, a prime example of craft beer culture, is the perfect choice for a festive fall celebration and one of the best fall beers.

Ayinger Oktober Fest Märzen

Ayinger Oktober Fest Märzen is another delightful beer to celebrate Oktoberfest. With a deep and beautiful amber color and a sweet, nutty flavor, this beer will tantalize your taste buds.

Brewed in Bavaria, Germany, Ayinger Oktober Fest Märzen is crafted with the finest ingredients, including:

• Pure spring water
• An exclusive yeast strain
• Hallertau hops
• A delightful combination of 60% malted wheat and 40% malted barley

With an impressive 5.8% ABV, this Oktoberfest beer is an excellent choice for your fall festivities.

Great Lakes Oktoberfest

Great Lakes Oktoberfest is another fantastic beer to enjoy during the hop harvest. This amber-hued, medium-bodied beer offers delightful hints of citrus and pine.

Brewed by the renowned Great Lakes Brewing Company, this Oktoberfest beer not only boasts a beautiful color but also a perfect balance of malt and hops. Pair it with roast pork loin, potato pancakes, or spicy sausages for a true Oktoberfest experience.

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest

Last but not least, Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest is a traditional German-style Märzen lager that should not be missed. Brewed in Chico, California, this Oktoberfest beer has a delightful maltiness and clean finish.

With freshly picked hops from Yakima, Washington, this beer showcases the unique brewing process and incredible flavors that can only be found in a true Oktoberfest beer. A perfect addition to any fall celebration.

Fall Flavors: Unique Seasonal Brews

If you’re seeking a unique autumnal experience, broaden your horizons with some distinctive seasonal brews that epitomize the spirit of fall.

From Hudson Valley Silhouette – Apple Cider Donut to Tired Hands Double Milkshake IPA – Apple Cider Donut, and Lawson’s Finest Liquids Mad River Maple Ale, these special brews offer a taste of the season like no other.

Hudson Valley Silhouette – Apple Cider Donut

Hudson Valley Silhouette – Apple Cider Donut is a brunch-style Sour IPA that will delight your taste buds. It is brewed with:

• Raw wheat
• Malted oat
• Apple
• Cinnamon

And hopped with Citra and Azacca. This beer offers a tantalizing tart peachy-apple cinnamon flavor with a spritz of lemon. With an impressive rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Untappd, this sour IPA is perfect for anyone seeking a fruity and tart fall beer with a twist.

Tired Hands Double Milkshake IPA – Apple Cider Donut

The Tired Hands Double Milkshake IPA – Apple Cider Donut is another unique fall brew, blending the smoothness of a milkshake IPA with the delightful sweetness of apple cider and the comforting warmth of donut spices.

Brewed with soft ‘n’ fluffy oats, wheat, brown sugar, lactose sugar, and several hundred Linvilla Orchards apple cider donuts, this beer is a true taste of autumn in every sip. So go ahead and indulge in this deliciously autumnal milkshake IPA.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids Mad River Maple Ale

Lawson’s Finest Liquids Mad River Maple Ale is a wonderfully rich and malty ale brewed with Vermont maple syrup. With a deep and beautiful amber color and a sweet, nutty flavor, Mad River Maple Ale is perfect for those seeking a taste of the season with a twist.

So, as the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, cozy up with this delightful maple ale and enjoy the best fall flavors of autumn.

Dark Delights: Porters and Stouts for Cozy Nights

As daylight begins to wane and nights become chillier, basking by the fire with a robust, dark porter or imperial stout offers unparalleled comfort.

These dark delights, featuring:

• Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo Stout
• Midnight Sun TREAT (Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter)
• Alaskan Brewing Co. Smoked Porter
• Allagash Brewing North Sky

offer a comforting taste of the season that’s perfect for cozy nights spent indoors.

Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo Stout

Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo Stout is a luxuriously smooth and full-bodied stout with the following characteristics:

• Amazing blend of dark chocolate and roasted coffee flavors
• Hint of anise from brewer’s licorice
• Blacktop-colored appearance
• 6% ABV
• Unfiltered, ensuring a velvety and satisfying experience with every sip.

With its delightful flavors and smooth mouthfeel, Kalamazoo Stout is the perfect beer to enjoy on a cool fall evening.

Midnight Sun TREAT (Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter)

Looking for a dark delight with a festive twist? Midnight Sun TREAT (Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter) is an imperial porter that combines rich pumpkin and chocolate flavors for a truly unique beer experience.

Brewed with sweet spices, cocoa nibs, and pumpkin, this porter offers a delectable dark chocolate dance for your taste buds. So go ahead and treat yourself to this exceptional brew this fall.

Alaskan Brewing Co. Smoked Porter

Alaskan Brewing Co. Smoked Porter is a robust beer with a delightful malt smoked flavor, created using glacier water from the majestic Juneau Icefield. This porter offers a unique and exciting taste experience with notes of alder, oats, slight cocoa, and a medium strength of flavor.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Alaskan Brewing Co. Smoked Porter is a perfect choice for a cozy night in.

Allagash Brewing North Sky

Last on our list of dark delights is Allagash Brewing North Sky. This Belgian-inspired stout boasts roasted malts, cocoa, and a delightful hint of coffee.

Brewed by Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine, North Sky showcases the unique flavors and brewing techniques that have made this brewery a fan favorite. With a 7.5% ABV, this stout is a perfect companion for a chilly autumn night.

Amber and Brown Ales: Malt-Forward Fall Favorites

For aficionados of malt-forward brews, amber and brown ales make an excellent choice this fall. With their artful balance of malt and hops, these ales offer a beautiful amber color, delightful hints of toffee, and a pleasant extra body.

Dive into the world of amber and brown ales with Harpoon Brewery Flannel Friday and Cigar City Brewing Maduro Brown Ale.

Harpoon Brewery Flannel Friday

Harpoon Brewery Flannel Friday is an amber ale with delightful hints of citrus and pine. Inspired by the beauty of fall in New England, this amber-hued, medium-bodied beer is perfect for cozy evenings spent watching the leaves change color.

So, don your favorite flannel and enjoy the comforting taste of Flannel Friday as the season unfolds.

Cigar City Brewing Maduro Brown Ale

Cigar City Brewing’s Maduro Brown Ale is a deliciously malty beer with a mildy sweet caramel malt, dark toasted bread, coffee, dark chocolate, and a slight smoky flavor.

This brown ale offers a delightful combination of flavors that will warm your soul as the temperatures drop. Pair it with grilled meat and pork, earthy cheeses, or roasted vegetables for a truly satisfying fall meal.

Fresh Hop Beers: Savor the Season

To fully embrace the season, nothing compares to the vibrant flavors of fresh hop beers. Brewed with freshly harvested hops that still have moisture, these beers boast an array of vibrant citrus, pine, and floral notes for a truly special taste of the harvest.

Experience the full power of just-picked hops with Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest and our other recommended fresh hop options.

Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest

Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest is a vibrant wet-hop ale that celebrates the fresh, bold essence of hops plucked straight from the vine. Brewed with hops from Yakima, Washington, this beer showcases a unique brewing process that captures the essence of the harvest in every sip.

With its delightful citrus notes and 6.7% ABV, Northern Hemisphere Harvest is the perfect beer to savor the season.

Other Fresh Hop Beer Recommendations

In addition to Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest, there are plenty of other fresh hop beers to explore this fall. Some highly rated options include:

• Sasquatch Brewing’s Mouth Pillow
• Hopworks Urban Brewery’s Fresh Hop Abominable
• Lagunitas Born Yesterday Pale Ale
• Driftwood Sartori Harvest IPA
• Three Floyds BrooDoo

With their vibrant flavors and unique brewing processes, these fresh hop beers, also known as fall brews, are sure to delight your taste buds and capture the essence of the harvest season.

Non-Alcoholic Options: Fall Flavors for Everyone

If you’re after a festive beverage minus the alcohol, a wide array of non-alcoholic options await your palate. We’ve gathered the best non-alcoholic pumpkin beers and top non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beers to ensure everyone can enjoy the flavors of fall.

Best Non-Alcoholic Pumpkin Beers

Enjoy the flavors of fall without the buzz with these delicious non-alcoholic pumpkin beers. Options include:

• Oktoberfest by Untitled Art
• Oktoberfest by Athletic Brewing
• Pumpkin Ale by O’Fallon Brewery
• Libra’s Pumpkin Spice Ale
• Pumpkin Ale by Wellbeing Brewing
• Firesider Pumpkin Spiced Beer

These non-alcoholic pumpkin beers offer a unique twist on traditional pumpkin beer, ensuring everyone can enjoy the flavors of the season.

Top Non-Alcoholic Oktoberfest Beers

Experience the festive spirit of Oktoberfest without the alcohol with these top non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beers.

These brews offer the same delicious German malt, hops, and flavor profile as traditional Oktoberfest beers, but without the alcohol content. Now everyone can raise a stein and celebrate the season with these non-alcoholic options.

Summary

From pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest Märzens to unique fall flavors, dark delights, amber and brown ales, and fresh hop beers, there’s a fall beer for every taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just starting your craft beer journey, these best fall beers offer a delightful taste of the season in every sip. So, grab a pint, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy the flavors of autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of beer is used in fall?

Fall is the perfect season to enjoy pumpkin beers, fresh hop pale ales, and Oktoberfest style ales. These unique beer styles offer great flavor when enjoyed on their own or paired with cheeses that bring out their seasonal notes.

What is the best beer for weddings in the fall?

For the perfect fall wedding beer, choose a stout, amber ale or a seasonal brew like Oktoberfest. Your guests will love sipping on these delicious beers all night!

What beer is like Blue Moon but better?

For a better-tasting beer than Blue Moon, try out a wheat beer, weissbier, or hefeweizen—all types of top fermented beers brewed with a high proportion of wheat. You can find them at your local bar or beer store.

What beer is Mississippi known for?

Mississippi is known for Lazy Magnolia’s Southern Pecan, a flagship brew that has stood the test of time.

What are some unique fall beer flavors besides pumpkin?

For a delicious fall treat, try an apple cider donut beer, maple ale or a fresh hop beer for a unique flavor experience.