PorchDrinking Fall Beer Preview 2012
Story by:
Tristan Chan
One of the greatest things about fall along with football, leaf piles and apple cider is the stable of fall seasonal beers available. Honestly the multitude of pumpkin and spiced beers on the market can be a bit overwhelming so we tasked our writers with coming up with a fall beer preview. Here’s the variety of fall samplings they came up with.
The Bruery’s Autumn Maple
ABV: 10.5%
Tired of the traditional pumpkin beer? The Bruery has taken a fresh outlook on the style. The Autumn Maple is a Belgian-style strong brown ale that is brewed with 17 lbs of yams per barrel. Maple syrup, molasses, allspice, nutmeg, vanilla and the Bruery’s own house Belgian yeast strain round out the complex flavor profile. Clocking in at 10% ABV, Autumn Maple has a great warming affect for a cool fall night. This beer sits perfectly between the turkey and the mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving Day.
Southern Tier Pumking
ABV: 8.6%
The King of pumpkin beers is here and, no, it is not brewed by Budweiser. Southern Tier Pumking is an imperial pumpkin ale that is brewed with gobs of pureed pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This beer is sweet and warming (thanks, 8.6 % ABV), with full-on pumpkin-pie flavors—whipped cream and all—balanced by a finishing jolt of bitter hops. For an extra added twist, take Pumking and mix equal parts with your favorite chocolate stout (i.e. Southern Tier Chokolat or Great Divide Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti) to create the perfect holiday sipper.
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
ABV: 7.0%
Dogfish Head’s Punkin might be one of the most well done pumpkin beers on the market Initially you’re hit with a complex profile of spices, including cinnamon, allspice, brown sugar and nutmeg. The pronounced pumpkin flavor hits immediately afterwards and also brings a bit of heat. What really makes Punkin stand out is the complexity of flavors. It is a must have addition for any fall collection.
Sierra Nevada Tumbler
ABV: 5.5%
Avery Brewing Company: RumpkinWe’ve all had nights when our friends have been further along in evening festivities mode than we were. Typically, I would recommend turning to a shot or two of nice bourbon to start the rally. However, if you were in the mood for a potent beer that didn’t sacrifice taste, Dr. Chan would have to prescribe a bottle of Avery’s Rumpkin (I’m not actually a doctor; prescription not valid at any actual pharmacy).
Rumpkin is a pumpkin ale aged in rum barrels, spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Basically the beer form of sugar and spice and everything nice. The pumpkin flavors aren’t as pronounced but you can definitely taste the sweetness and potency of the rum. Oh yeah, it’s 15.9% ABV. In case you had forgotten, Avery is known for their big beers. And this one is huge.
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