Pump Up the Flavor: Top 14 Unmissable Pumpkin Ales
Autumn: the season of sweater weather, fiery foliage, and—let’s not forget—pumpkin: they’re coming outta the goddamn walls!
But if you’re like me, you’re not just here for the pumpkin spice lattes. No, you’re craving something that packs a bit more punch.
What better way to toast the changing leaves than with a hand-picked selection of the best pumpkin ales? That’s right, beer enthusiasts, this one’s for you.
A Brief History: When Pumpkins Met Ale
It all started with the Pilgrims. Yeah, those Pilgrims. When they settled in America, they found native pumpkins to be an excellent sugar source for fermenting beer.
The history of pumpkin ale dates back to the early colonial days of America when traditional beer ingredients like malt were scarce. Resourceful settlers turned to the native pumpkin as an alternative sugar source for fermentation.
The first recorded mention of pumpkin ale can be traced to the book “American Husbandry” in 1771. Although pumpkin ales waned in popularity as malt became more readily available, they experienced a resurgence with the advent of the craft beer movement. While the idea might sound like an “only in America” phenomenon, the blend of pumpkin, malt, and spices has now captivated palettes worldwide.
The Art of Crafting Pumpkin Ale: Not as Easy as Pie
Creating a well-balanced pumpkin ale is no simple task. Brewers must source the perfect pumpkins, roast them to caramelized perfection, and then balance their natural sweetness with a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Add that to a traditional ale base, and voila—you have liquid autumn. But how do you find the best of the best in a sea of seasonal offerings? Look no further; we’ve got you covered.
1. Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
Why it Rocks: This well-balanced ale is infused with organic brown sugar.
Price: Around $12 for a 6-pack.
2. Southern Tier Pumking
Why it Rocks: The creaminess of Pumking is literally fit for a king.
Price: About $15 for a 4-pack.
3. New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin
Why it Rocks: With a touch of habanero, this ale is pumpkin spice with a kick. Lovely stuff indeed!
Price: Around $14 for a 6-pack.
4. Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale
Why it Rocks: Made with 7.5 pounds of pumpkin per barrel, it’s as pumpkin-y as it gets.
Price: About $11 for a 6-pack.
5. Harpoon Dunkin’ Pumpkin
Why it Rocks: A delightful collab with Dunkin’, bringing coffee and beer lovers together.
Price: Around $12 for a 6-pack.
6. Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat
Why it Rocks: A harmonious blend of wheat and pumpkin, ideal for fans of lighter beers.
Price: About $10 for a 6-pack.
7. Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Why it Rocks: Rich and hearty, this ale boasts an 8% ABV. Creamy and full of caramel layers. One of the best.
Price: Around $14 for a 4-pack.
8. Uinta Punk’n Harvest Pumpkin Ale
Why it Rocks: A sessionable choice at 5% ABV, perfect for all-day enjoyment.
Price: About $11 for a 6-pack.
9. Cigar City Good Gourd Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Why it Rocks: Complexity reigns with flavors of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Where Eagles Dare.
Price: Around $13 for a 4-pack.
10. Ballast Point Pumpkin Down
Why it Rocks: A Scottish ale base gives this pumpkin beer a unique twist. What a tasty beer full of character! Butterscotch, vanilla, baked pumpkin and burnt sugar. It commands respect on the palate, but the spices complement it without being overpowering
Price: About $14 for a 6-pack.
11. Anderson Valley Fall Hornin’ Pumpkin Ale
Why it Rocks: A crisp ale with earthy undertones, ideal for sipping beside a campfire.
Price: Around $12 for a 6-pack.
12. Schlafly Pumpkin Ale
Why it Rocks: A true-to-pie experience, complete with a graham cracker crust-like finish.
Price: About $13 for a 6-pack.
13. Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby
Why it Rocks: Enveloping aromas of nuts, pumpkin pie, caramel and sweet spices.. Aged in rum barrels for a smooth finish.
Price: Around $15 for a 6-pack.
14. Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin
Why it Rocks: A big, bold choice with a 9% ABV. Gingerbread, marzipan, marshmallow and sweet spices. Thunderous and decisive, it flows without being frightened by spices.
Price: About $10 for a 22oz bottle.
