Saint Arnold Pumpkinator
Established in Houston in 1994, Saint Arnold holds the title of Texas's oldest craft brewery. It draws its name from a French saint reputed to have the ability to conjure beer from nearly empty containers. The brewery's team works their own kind of magic, crafting rich and flavorful brews. Among their offerings, the seasonal Pumpkinator imperial pumpkin stout has garnered a devoted following. First introduced 15 years ago, it returns each fall due to its immense popularity.
The original Pumpkinator is a dark and luscious brew, featuring robust malt flavors complemented by notes of pumpkin, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, and nutmeg. With an ABV of 10.3%, it packs a punch. To say that enthusiasts adore this full-bodied stout would be an understatement. One reviewer on Beer Advocate remarked, "Incredible beer that is a rare stout style. Worth all the hype and cult following." Another declared, "This is the best pumpkin beer possible." If you're already a fan of the Pumpkinator, you might want to explore the Bourbon Barrel Pumpkinator, which includes cacao nibs, vanilla, and coffee undertones. Many consider it to be on par with the original.
Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale
Whole Hog, a brewery located in Wisconsin, strives to craft exceptional beers. According to their website, "If it can be elevated, we elevate it twice." This philosophy is clearly reflected in their award-winning Pumpkin Ale, which has garnered multiple accolades at beer festivals. One of the key attractions of this seasonal brew is its use of real pumpkin and traditional pumpkin pie spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. With a 7% ABV, it offers a satisfying strength without overwhelming drinkers after just a few sips.
The Pumpkin Ale has received enthusiastic praise from consumers, boasting an impressive score of 92 on Beer Advocate and 4.9 out of 5 stars on Total Wine. Many appreciate its aroma and flavor, which evoke the essence of pumpkin pie. As one reviewer on Beer Advocate noted, "It takes me back to being six years old in my great-grandmother's house at Thanksgiving." Drinkers also enjoy its smooth and refreshing quality, with the pumpkin and spices harmoniously balanced, ensuring that no single flavor dominates. Overall, this is a delightful pumpkin beer that is easy to enjoy and brimming with autumnal flavors.
Cigar City Brewing Good Gourd
Since 2009, Cigar City Brewing has been crafting unique beers at its brewery in Tampa, Florida. You can visit the taproom to taste the brews right at the source or purchase cans and bottles from select retailers. One of their top-rated offerings is Good Gourd, a seasonal favorite available only in the fall. This spice-forward imperial pumpkin ale is brewed with real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, boasting a robust ABV of 8.8% that provides a nice kick without being overwhelming.
With a remarkable score of 95 on Beer Advocate, Good Gourd is recognized as "world-class." Reviewers praise its delightful spice balance, smooth mouthfeel, and authentic pumpkin pie flavors. The sweetness of the pumpkin is beautifully balanced by the subtle bitterness of the imperial ale and spices, making it an excellent sipping beer that avoids the overly sweet or diluted profiles of some other pumpkin brews. As one reviewer on Total Wine noted, "The depth of flavor in this beer is incredible. If you love pumpkin and pumpkin spice, I highly recommend grabbing this one while you can!"
Avery Brewing Co. Rumpkin
In 1993, Adam Avery was newly enrolled in law school but chose to pursue brewing beer instead. This choice proved to be a successful one, as he has since created a variety of award-winning brews. One of his most intriguing offerings is Rumpkin, a special vintage from 2015 that combines pumpkin ale aged in rum barrels with added flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. With an impressive 17.5% ABV, it stands out as the strongest beer on this list.
You might assume that the high alcohol content would deter some drinkers, but many actually appreciate this aspect of Rumpkin. A reviewer on Beer Advocate remarked, "When it comes to pumpkin beers, Rumpkin is undoubtedly one of the best and most distinctive, serving as a testament to what Avery used to be: a bold, unapologetic brewer of robust beers." Reviewers also praise its delightful aroma of malted barley and spices, the intricate blend of pumpkin, caramel, and rum flavors, and the warming finish. If you enjoy bold pumpkin beers, this one is definitely worth trying.
Southern Tier Brewing Company Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout
Situated just outside Lakewood, New York, Southern Tier Brewing Company offers a diverse selection of craft beers, including hazy ales, imperial stouts, and porters. Their Pumking series is a seasonal release that usually debuts in August and remains available through October. This collection includes one pumpkin whiskey and three pumpkin beers. While the original Pumking and Caramel Pumking receive favorable reviews, many enthusiasts recommend the Warlock imperial pumpkin stout as the standout choice.
Warlock merges a robust imperial stout with traditional pumpkin pie spices. Its aroma is delicate, featuring notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. The beer boasts a velvety mouthfeel, complemented by hints of baking spices and a slight sweetness in the finish. With an ABV of 8.6%, it delivers a warming sensation without overshadowing the dessert-like flavors. Many find the pumpkin taste to be subtle, harmonizing beautifully with undertones of vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate. Beer Connoisseur characterized it as "an intriguing, well-spiced beer with a punch — ideal for a chilly autumn evening."
Prairie Artisan Ales Pumpkin Maple Marty
Prairie Artisan Ales' Pumpkin Maple Marty is a captivating pumpkin beer from a brand with a fascinating history. This beer is part of Krebs Brewing Company, owned by Zach Prichard, a fourth-generation brewer. The brewery's flagship Choc beer has its roots in a time when Prichard's great-grandfather brewed beer clandestinely in an Italian restaurant in Oklahoma City. Today, Krebs offers a diverse selection of distinctive beers, including the Prairie Artisan Ales series.
The Pumpkin Maple Marty is a member of the Marty series, inspired by espresso martinis. This inventive pumpkin beer is crafted from stout that has been aged in barrels previously used for bourbon, then maple syrup, and finally for the beer itself. The intriguing blend features coffee, pumpkin pie spice, espresso notes, vanilla, and pumpkin. With an ABV of 13.9%, it is a robust offering that has garnered rave reviews, earning an impressive score of 93 on Beer Advocate. Drinkers appreciate its rich mouthfeel and the harmonious mix of flavors. As one reviewer noted, "There's a lot happening here, but it all comes together... An unusual ingredient list, but it's executed and balanced beautifully."
NoDa Brewing Gordgeous
If you've spent any time in the Carolinas, you might be acquainted with NoDa Brewing. Established in 2011, the brewery offers a diverse selection of beers, including year-round staples as well as seasonal and limited-edition brews. One standout is Gordgeous, NoDa's pumpkin beer, which makes its annual debut as fall approaches. This refreshing ale showcases authentic pumpkin flavors rather than relying on the typical heavy spices associated with pumpkin pie. Notably, the brewery intentionally omits cinnamon and nutmeg, resulting in a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from conventional pumpkin beers.
There's no denying that Gordgeous has garnered a loyal following among beer enthusiasts. It earned gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival in both 2018 and 2020, and it receives favorable reviews on sites like Beer Advocate. Fans appreciate that it’s crafted with real pumpkin puree and hand-cracked spices such as cloves and cardamom. With an ABV of 6.4%, it’s easy to enjoy while still providing a satisfying body. The aroma is rich with pumpkin, complemented by subtly sweet and spicy notes of brown sugar, fresh ginger, allspice, and malt. If you’re a fan of pumpkin ales that emphasize fresh flavors, Gordgeous is an excellent option.
Jolly Pumpkin La Parcela
With a name like Jolly Pumpkin, you might assume this brewery specializes exclusively in pumpkin beers. However, the Michigan-based brewery only produces one pumpkin ale: La Parcela. Like its other offerings, this beer is crafted using traditional Belgian techniques, including open fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The addition of real pumpkin imparts a subtle sweetness, while cacao and pumpkin spices contribute to its earthy, comforting fall flavors. Additionally, it is a sour beer, which enhances its appeal.
If you're seeking something different from typical pumpkin beers, La Parcela is an excellent choice. Many appreciate the beer's complexity, highlighted by its tartness and the fragrant notes of fresh pumpkin and spices. It boasts a crisp mouthfeel, and with an ABV of 6.2%, it’s refreshing without being overpowering. One reviewer on Beer Advocate remarked, "This beer embodies autumn for a spiced, sour brew. It avoids the overly sweet pumpkin latte clichés. Instead, it’s nuanced and vibrant, with mild spices that complement rather than dominate, and the tartness is expertly balanced."
Bottle Logic Brewing Picture If You Will...
Bottle Logic Brewing is a beacon of innovation. Situated in Anaheim, California, this contemporary microbrewery crafts experimental beers in small batches, utilizing intriguing ingredient combinations. One standout creation is Picture If You Will..., a pumpkin ale that incorporates fresh pumpkin and a medley of spices such as clove, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Aged for 12 months in bourbon barrels, it boasts a rich flavor profile. Although it was last released in 2023, it remains available on tap at the brewery, and select vendors may still have bottles in stock.
This spice-infused pumpkin ale has earned an impressive score of 96 on Beer Advocate, with numerous reviewers praising its exceptional balance. Many highlight the bold pumpkin pie spices on the nose, the creamy mouthfeel, and the harmonious blend of flavors. With an ABV of 13%, it packs a punch, but most drinkers seem to appreciate it. One Beer Advocate reviewer remarked, "It's a very good strong ale — it has all the characteristics I desire, being boozy with prominent vanilla and dark fruit notes. The pumpkin and spices are equally robust, and it's incredibly well balanced."
Voodoo Brewing Company Caution! Contains Real Pumpkin!!!
Established in 2005, Voodoo Brewing Company has evolved from a modest brewery in Meadville, Pennsylvania, into a globally recognized brand with establishments in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Nevada. Their craft beers are imaginative, showcasing vibrant artwork and whimsical names. A prime example is Voodoo's seasonal pumpkin brew, aptly named Caution! Contains Real Pumpkin!!! This distinctive beer is a barleywine infused with real pumpkin and cinnamon, aged in bourbon barrels with Madagascar vanilla beans. It is presented in bottles sealed with dripping orange wax.
Barleywines are known for their strength and complexity, and Caution! Contains Real Pumpkin!!! certainly delivers on that front. With an ABV of 11.3%, it packs a punch. The subtle pumpkin flavor is complemented by spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while the bourbon barrels impart a hint of oakiness. The vanilla adds a layer of richness that enhances the pumpkin's sweetness. This brew is a refreshing departure from the ordinary, which is precisely what many enthusiasts value. As one Beer Advocate reviewer noted, "It's worth buying for its uniqueness."
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale
Schlafly, a brewery based in St. Louis, offers an impressive selection of over 60 different beers, but its Pumpkin Ale is the one that stands out most. This seasonal pumpkin brew is a quintessential example of the style, featuring a robust ale infused with pumpkin and a blend of baking spices. With an ABV of 8%, it delivers a satisfying punch, complemented by a balanced profile of medium hops, malt, and bitterness. You can typically find it on tap from August through November at the Schlafly Tap Room and various restaurants, as well as in stores and vendors nationwide.
The Schlafly Pumpkin Ale has garnered a devoted following, with many enthusiasts claiming it to be the finest pumpkin beer available. One Reddit user remarked, "Schlafly Pumpkin Ale is the pinnacle of pumpkin beer. They truly perfected it in nearly every aspect." It holds an impressive score of 93 on Beer Advocate, with reviewers praising its rich pumpkin pie notes, ideal sweetness, and smooth finish. One fan even declared, "This is undoubtedly one of the best beers I have ever tasted." The main drawback mentioned by several drinkers is its limited availability, as it is not offered year-round.
Four Peaks Double Pumpkin Porter
Nestled in a historic structure that once served as an ice factory, dairy creamery, and recording studio, Four Peaks Brewing is an Arizona-based brewery known for its diverse selection of beers. The original Pumpkin Porter is a crowd favorite, but for those who prefer bolder flavors, the Double Pumpkin Porter offers an elevated experience. Launched in 2014, this version boasts a richer pumpkin taste, enhanced malt, and a blend of spices that surpasses the original. With an ABV of 8.5%, it significantly outpaces the regular Pumpkin Porter’s 5.1% ABV.
This deep amber brew has garnered praise from critics for its robust character and harmonious flavor profile. The aroma presents subtle notes of roasted malt and spices, while the flavor is pleasantly sweet, featuring distinct pumpkin pie undertones that are flavorful without being overpowering. A reviewer on Beer Advocate noted, "There is just enough hopping to keep this sweet brew from becoming cloying." It also offers excellent carbonation and a velvety mouthfeel. While it may be challenging to find outside the Southwest, if you do encounter it, the Double Pumpkin Porter comes highly recommended.
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
Since 1994, Dogfish Head has been delighting the residents of Delaware and beyond with its Punkin Ale. This seasonal favorite made its first appearance at the Punkin Chunkin pumpkin-throwing festival, six months prior to Sam and Mariah Calagione launching the first Dogfish brewpub. The beer quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple from August to November. This spiced brown ale features real pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and a blend of spices, all while boasting a notable 7% ABV.
Critics have praised Dogfish's Punkin Ale, with one reviewer on Beer Advocate stating, "The flavor is delightful—reminiscent of pie, with baking spices and a hint of light bitterness. Everything is well-balanced; nothing feels excessive or lacking." Many have noted how the sweetness from the pumpkin and brown sugar harmonizes beautifully with the spiciness of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Drinkers also appreciate the creamy texture and the dry finish. Overall, it’s regarded as an excellent fall beer, with one reviewer commenting, "It's the perfect drink for a chilly evening by the jack-o'-lantern."
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