5 pumpkin beers actually worth trying

TheDrinkNation

Some people love pumpkin beers, but even more hate them. It’s easy to understand why with so many terrible options on the market. Here are five that are definitely worth trying. They’ll probably cost you less than a Starbucks pumpkin spiced latte, so there’s no excuse not to get in the seasonal spirit.

Honorable Mention – Southern Tier Pumking

Souther Tier

Normally this would be one of the top beers on the list, but it’s become incredibly common so you’ve most likely already tried it. The aroma is distinctly pumpkin pie and doesn’t smell like a cheap imitation. The pumpkin flavor is less dominating, allowing the beer itself to shine instead of just the novelty ingredient. If you somehow haven’t tried Southern Tier Pumking, do that immediately. Some have complained that it hasn’t been as good the past couple years, but I don’t see it. 8.6% ABV

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale

Schlafly

This is another beer that many may have already tried, but it’s too good to leave off the list. Schlafly Pumpkin Ale is a damn fine beer that happens to have pumpkin it it. The subtlety of the pumpkin makes it a perfect place to start for those who don’t buy into the pumpkin beer craze. It’s full-bodied and incredibly flavorful, making Schlafly Pumpkin Ale so much more than just a seasonal one-off. 8% ABV

Point Beer Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale

PointBeer

Like most on this list, Point’s Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale uses real pumpkin in addition to pumpkin pie spices (some combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves). It has more body than most, allowing extra spice and pumpkin flavor to stand out without overwhelming the beer. This is the highest cinnamon to other spices ration of the bunch, so for those of you that love the smell of cinnamon, this beer’s for you. 7.5% ABV

Upslope Pumpkin Ale

Upslope

Beer is obviously not meant for children, but the pumpkins in Upslope Pumpkin Ale certainly are. Upslope uses Baby Bear pumpkins (miniatures) from a nearby farm, making it perfect for those of you who like to brag about eating farm-to-table. The beer tastes incredibly fresh, which I’m sure has nothing to do with the local pumpkins and everything to do with good beer, but it certainly stood out. Upslope uses 6 spices in their Pumpkin Ale, and I can’t put my finger on what the sixth would be. I’m going to guess cardamom. 7.7% ABV

Imperial Pumpkin Ale Weyerbacher

Weyerbacher

There are plenty of pumpkin beers with 8% ABV that don’t throw “Imperial” in the name, but it pays off on it with huge flavor to match the name. Wayerbacher’s pumpkin doesn’t hide deep within the beer, but rather sits on the front porch like an expertly carved jack-o-lantern. Imperial Pumpkin Ale has a rich caramel flavor lacking in many of the other beers on the list. That’s not necessarily good or bad, just unique. It’s full-bodied and packed with spices but doesn’t taste or smell like pumpkin pie. It’s just the pumpkin, and it’s amazing. 8% ABV

Elysian Dark O’ The Moon Pumpkin Stout

BeerPulse

I love a good “change of pace” beer, and this is it. Elysian has one of the few pumpkin stouts on the market. Granted an ale can also be a stout, but the general public doesn’t know that. It’s rare to see a dark pumpkin beer, and Dark O’ the Moon Pumpkin Stout is as black as the patch at midnight. It’s slightly bitter and has a chocolate flavor that’s irresistible. EDOtMPS is as unique as it is delicious. Something about it makes me want to go take a hayride, and sit around a campfire. Anyone have a barn dance coming up? 6.5% ABV