Nothing says fall quite like pumpkins and beer, and American craft breweries have done a superb job of combining the two. It’s tough to find anything that hasn’t been “pumpkin spiced,” and beers are no different. Pumpkin flavored beers have caught the attention of craft beer and pumpkin lovers everywhere, partially because the flavors can be implemented in several beer styles. Whether you’re interested in trying pumpkin amber ales, IPAs or pumpkin stouts, there are plenty of options from American craft brewers for you to explore.
Pumpkin Beer
Perhaps the most seasonal of seasonal beers, the pumpkin beer style can be brewed with pumpkin, just pumpkin spices, or even winter squash. Since the fruit does not have much of a taste by itself, many craft brewers have taken to adding spices typically found in pumpkin pie, like cinnamon and clove. However, these flavors should not overpower the beer. Pumpkin can be found in everything from stouts to pale ales and pilsners.
Pumpkin Beer’s Versatility
Pumpkin spice beer is so versatile that it is hard to nail down its particular characteristics. Pumpkin flavored beers can range from relatively light to dark, bitter or malt forward, and can be either sessionable or strong as far as the alcohol content is considered. As you’d expect, the pumpkin beer style pairs well with fall food flavors like roasted turkey and coffee ice cream. Camembert cheese is another decadent beer pairing if you’re pouring a glass of pumpkin flavored beer to enjoy.
Pumpkin spice beers are a very popular seasonal beer style for a reason. American craft breweries everywhere likely have their own version of pumpkin beer you can explore, so get out and try them this fall (sometimes breweries even release them in late summer). If you are a lover of pumpkin ale, we can help you find a craft brewery that might serve one you haven’t tried yet.
Pumpkin Spice Beer Locator
Finding your next favorite pumpkin flavored beer doesn’t have to stop here. Feel free to use our interactive brewery map to find a brewery or brewpub near you that could very well be serving a pumpkin spice beer.
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