As the weather gets cooler, beer drinkers around the world switch from their favorite Summer brews to their go-to Fall beers. But, in a world full of pumpkin, butternut and other squash-style sippers, there are plenty of other ales that are packed with palate-pleasing flavors and full seasonal aromas, too.
We rounded up several of the warmest, tastiest beers of the season that aren’t filled with pumpkin spice — just everything nice.
Belching Beaver Brewery: Peanut Butter Milk Stout
If there is a beer that is basically perfect for Halloween, this one is it. Made with rolled oats and peanut butter, it tastes (and smells!) just like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. If it’s trick or treat, we’ll pick this treat every time.
Blue Point Brewing Company: ZümFest
A special collaboration, ZümFest is a rye marzen style beer that was designed to embody the spirit of Oktoberfest. With hints of pumpernickel, oak vanillin, orange, and soft spices, it captures the spirit of the season without one bit of pumpkin.
Harpoon: Flannel Friday
For those that love fall but aren’t the biggest fan of pumpkin flavoring, this one’s for you. Packed with warm spices and subtle notes of caramel, this beer is Harpoon Brewery’s tribute to fall in New England. Coming in at 5.7% ABV, Flannel Friday pairs well with bright, crisp days and fall foliage watching while wearing your favorite flannel.
Jack’s Abby: Copper Legend
Brewed in an Oktoberfest style, this beer is not one to miss. A smooth larger made with noble hops, it has a 5.7% ABV. A rounded mouthfeel and notes of a toasty, crusty bread and even a hint of toffee, this beer will warm you from the inside out.
Maine Beer Company: Fall Stout
A beer could literally not be more perfect for the season, hence its name. Main Beer Company’s Fall Stout takes on the chocolate and coffee notes of the season, not the pumpkin and spice ones. Deep, warm and
Oyster Bay Brewing: Barn Rocker
Hear us out: Yes, this was designed to be a “hockey beer” for the New York Islanders hockey team. But it’s so much more than that. Done in a pilsner style, it’s got notes of hops and spice, but there is also a bit of floral in there as well. Perfect for after raking, watching whatever sports game your heart desires on a crisp Fall day, or while gathered around a fire pit on a cool evening.
Rogue: Hazelnut Brown Nectar
Characterized as a “nutty twist on European brown ale,” this beer smells like the air as it turns from Fall into Winter. Made with hazelnut extract, brown malts, sterling hops and kiln coffee, the smooth, malty finish will have you going back for more.
Saugatuck Brewing: Blueberry Maple Stout
Picture this: A warm stack of buttery pancakes drizzled with fresh maple syrup. That’s exactly what this beer tastes like, with a hint of fresh blueberries to liven up the brew. You’ll want to keep drinking it all season long.
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company: Oktoberfest
A German-style märzen, Wallenpaupack’s Oktoberfest is brewed with German malts and noble hops for a delicious and well-balanced lager perfect for the season. A bit of a toasted bread finish without being overly sweet makes it a great beer to sip as the evenings get cooler.
