Life
11 Pumpkin Ales To Give Thanks For This Thanksgiving
Even if you’ve already swapped your PSL for a peppermint mocha, pumpkin’s reign is not over quite yet. I mean, what would Thanksgiving be without pumpkin pie? So before you indulge in a Christmas craft beer, you should probably get tipsy and toast the final days of fall with some fine pumpkin ales.
Like pretty much everything pumpkin-flavored, pumpkin brews are beloved — and profitable. More and more breweries are putting their spin on the seasonal drink every year, which means there’s an overwhelming selection of pumpkin beers to choose from these days. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan at first, but it’s all about finding a beer with the perfect balance of pumpkin, spice, and alcohol for your taste. For instance, I learned that traditional pumpkin ales aren’t my thing, but a rich pumpkin porter totally hits the spot (and makes me want to curl up in bed with my cat). So which pumpkin beer will you bring on Thanksgiving to share with your friends and family? We’ve picked 11 of the best for you to choose from. Bottoms up!
Image: adambarhan/Flickr
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
Heavy on the spice, easy on the pumpkin, this smooth brown ale from the masters at Dogfish Head is perfect for pumpkin beer beginners.
Image: adambarhan/Flickr
Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale
Stevens Point Brewery uses fresh pumpkin and a delicious blend of fall spices, including nutmeg and cinnamon, to replicate pumpkin pie in a beer bottle. Who knows, you might even like it better than the real thing.
Image: Stevens Point Brewery
Jolly Pumpkin La Parcela No. 1 Pumpkin Ale
Light on pumpkin flavor and slightly on the sour side, this pick from Jolly Pumpkin is less filling than other pumpkin ales — and worth a try for those who say they don’t like pumpkin beers.
Image: adambarhan/Flickr
Alaskan Pumpkin Porter
This rich imperial porter from Alaskan Brewing Company is sweet, malty, and slightly smoky. Take one sip, and you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Image: Alaskan Brewing Company
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves flavor this hearty pumpkin ale without overpowering it. Pour yourself a glass, and join the ranks of beer nerds who rave about this seasonal brew from Schlafly.
Image: Schlafly Beer
Harpoon Pumpkin UFO
This earthy, unfiltered ale from Harpoon Brewery has just the right balance of pumpkin and spice. Grab a six-pack for your next get-together, and your friends will thank you for it.
Image: robertnelson/Flickr
Avery Rumpkin
From the land of many breweries (AKA Boulder, Colorado) comes this barrel-aged ale made with roasted pumpkins. Avery Brewing throws ginger into the spice mix to make this beer stand out.
Image: Avery Brewing
Lakefront Pumpkin Lager
The only lager on this list, Lakefront Brewery’s seasonal beer really packs the pumpkin flavor. If you’re a squash superfan, this is the brew for you.
Image: Lakefront Brewery
Post Road Pumpkin Ale
Brooklyn Brewery’s take on pumpkin ale tastes lighter and slightly hoppier than others on the market, but its subtle flavors will appeal to those on the fence about all this pumpkin business.
Image: kickthebeat/Flickr
Elysian The Great Pumpkin
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Seattle’s Elysian Brewing Company shies away from sweetness and plays up squash’s hearty flavor in this autumn ale with a hint of allspice.
Image: Elysian Brewing Company
Southern Tier Pumking
Perhaps the most popular and well-known of all pumpkin ales, Pumking has earned its title. The seasonal staple from Southern Tier has sweet notes of vanilla and pie crust. Liquid dessert, anyone?
Image: edwin.bautista/Flickr
