Fall is my favorite season for beer. The crisp air and turning leaves set the perfect ambience for enjoying a crisp amber lager or a rich, malty stout. Thankfully, seasonal beers in autumn are exceptionally good. While you can imbibe any beer you would like, some of these varieties are only available in the fall, so get them while you can!
Oktoberfest Lager/Marzen: Traditionally brewed in the month of March (Marzen), this coppery gold beer has a toasted malty flavor with a crisp finish. Many brands sell Oktoberfest lagers in the fall, which are generally Marzen beers as well. Oktoberfest lagers/Marzen are great “starter” craft beers for those who do not generally venture beyond Budweiser or Miller Lite.
Brown Ale: Like the name suggests, brown ales are generally dark brown or amber in color. These beers have a malty flavor, meaning they are nuttier than bitter, hoppy beers. Brown ales also pair well with food, so they make a great addition to a fall dinner party.
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“Flavored” Stout: While some believe stouts to be a winter beer, I think they pair well with any cooler weather. Stouts are dark, malty beers with a rich, dark flavor. Some stouts are brewed with coffee or chocolate (or chocolate malt); others are aged in bourbon barrels. However these flavors are introduced to the beer, the results are complex and delicious.
Pumpkin Ale: Consumers still go pumpkin crazy in autumn, and beer producers have jumped onto the trend. As the weather cools, you will find more and more pumpkin beers available. There are a wide variety of beers with pumpkin or fall flavors like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, and each is slightly different than the next.
Hard Cider: While not technically a beer, hard cider is a fall favorite. Made from the fermented juice of apples, hard cider combines the taste of apple cider with the booziness of beer. While it has only recently gained popularity in the States, it has been a favorite in Europe for decades. Drink it straight out of the bottle, or pair it with other liquor for a tasty cocktail.
Enjoy these delicious fall beer varieties during the upcoming autumn months. You are sure to find one that becomes a new favorite. If you are specifically looking for beer to enjoy during a weekend football game, visit ForRent’s picks for Beer for Your Tailgate. Just be sure to enjoy your beer responsibly!