Technically, it’s not yet fall. Fall doesn’t even start until September 23rd. But that hasn’t stopped retailers all over the country from stocking their shelves with fall seasonal beers. This includes stouts, porters, Oktoberfest beers, and even the infamous pumpkin ale. Point being: It’s a great time to be a fan of the sudsy stuff.
But, the changing of the seasons brings a new dilemma. According to the Brewers Association, there are more than 6,000 breweries in the US (not to mention all the breweries in other countries). How can you possibly decide what to buy this fall? Lucky for you, we asked some of our favorite bartenders to tell us their favorite fall beers. You can check out all of their responses below.
Track 7 Nuckin Futz
Greg Goins, bar manager at Panxa Cocina in Long Beach, California
“My favorite beer during the fall would have to be Track 7 Nukin Futz, a peanut butter porter. I like that it’s not overly flavored nor overly bitter. It has a good balance of winter time flavors.”
Pollyanna Fun Size
Leo Enriquez, food and beverage manager at Torali in Chicago
“Pollyanna Fun Size is a really neat and unique item I am looking forward to this fall. The beer is a Milk Stout with Peanut, Vanilla Bean, Cocoa Nib, and Sea Salt.”
Off Color Waddle
Grace Bernotavicius, bar manager at Ludlow Liquors in Chicago
“Right now, I love Off Color Brewing’s Waddle. An Oktoberfest that was supposed to be a one off for their head brewer’s wedding, it’s a pretty classic Marzen: biscuity, bready, just a little spicy — perfect on chilly fall days.”
Huss Papago Orange Blossom
Ben Sinon, general manager of Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix
“For the fall I prefer Wheat beers with citrus. Right now for me it’s the Huss Brewing Co. Papago Orange Blossom. Great Arizona Beer.”
Avery Rumpkin
Brad Manske, beverage director at Viewhouse in Denver
“Rumpkin by Avery Brewery, it’s a pumpkin ale aged in rum barrels with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. A very easy drinking beer and very timely for the fall.”
Brevard Dunkel
Jeremy Martin, beverage director at Workshop Lounge in Asheville
“Brevard Brewing’s Dunkel is by far my favorite beer for the fall. Made right outside of Asheville in Brevard, it’s slightly lighter than your standard brown ale but is just as flavorful.”
Duchesse de Bourgogne by Brouwerji Verhaeghe
Dusty Grable, Beverage Director of Merriman’s Hawaii
“Duchesse de Bourgogne by Brouwerji Verhaeghe – Flanders Red Ale. A sour, fruity, red wine-like Belgian-style ale. Lots of bright sour cherry and cranberry that is great for turkey and other fall favorites. It’s funky, sweet and sour. Perfect.”
Left Hand Oktoberfest
Sky Prindle, Mixologist at Waters Restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas
“Oktoberfest – Left Hand Brewing Company in Colorado. With 11.2% ABC, this beer is aged in bourbon barrels and carries hints of caramel, vanilla and molasses – the perfect beer for kicking off cooler weather.”
Rogue Dead ‘N’ Dead
Ross Lewis, bar manager at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Honolulu, Hawaii
“My favorite beer to drink in the fall would have to be Dead ‘N’ Dead by Rogue Brewery. This beer has all the malty, roasty beauty of the Dead Guy Ale but with a little less sweetness and an added oaky vanilla note courtesy of its barrel aging.”
Old Style Oktoberfest
Brian Sturgulewski, lead bartender from Pikoh in Los Angeles
“My favorite beer in the world is a hometown staple: Old Style. Just a crisp, delicious, sessionable lager. They’ve started producing a limited Oktoberfest release and it is delicious; the perfect beer for the fall. Brewed in Old Style’s original hometown, La Crosse, Wisconsin, its Märzen style beer: dark, round, and rich.”
21st Amendment Fireside Chat
Saeed House, Lead Bartender at Ever Bar at the Kimpton Everly in Los Angeles
“A 21st Amendment Fireside Chat. It’s a great rich dark English style ale with some different spices. Definitely the perfect beer for the fall weather.”
Southern Tier Warlock
Jules Elkovich, Sommelier from Michael Jordan’s Steak House in Uncasville, Connecticut
“Southern Tier Warlock is my favorite seasonal beer this time of year. Yes, it’s a pumpkin beer, but it stands on its own as a rich, velvety stout, and the deep black color is perfectly in keeping with the Halloween aesthetic.”
