Some pumpkin beers are like “Hocus Pocus” and some are like “The Exorcist;” it just depends what you’re in the mood for this season. We’ve got 10 you should try: five brews under 6% ABV that are tasty pumpkin treats, and five above 8% ABV that are pumpkin-forward, but with a lot more boo!ze.
START SMALL(ER)
Wasatch Pumpkin Seasonal | 4.0% ABV
The mini-pumpkin in our beer patch, this easy drinker is all about the spice: A touch of caramel carries clove, nutmeg and a dash of cinnamon that keep the flavor bright.
Susquehanna Pumpkin Ale | 4.8% ABV
Showcasing the sweeter side of pumpkin, this brew’s full on the tongue, with a little spicy nutmeg that jangles in the finish.
Uinta Harvest Punk’n Ale | 5% ABV
A soft bed of caramel and toasted bread is the perfect starting point for this beer’s real-deal fleshy and earthy pumpkin taste, clipped by just a touch of bitterness in the finish.
Two Beers Pumpkin Spice | 5.2% ABV
Round and full, this beer’s pumpkin, caramel and molasses are wonderfully rich, while hints of cinnamon and allspice turn the sip into liquid pumpkin pie.
Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale | 5.9% ABV
Delicious cookie- and pie-like malts give this grande dame of pumpkin beers creamy appeal; a blend of clove, anise, nutmeg and cinnamon are all pleasantly present without overtaking the pumpkin goodness.
GET BIGGER
21st Amendment & Elysian He Said Tripel | 8.2% ABV
Showcasing its wonderful Belgian tripel base, He Said’s sweet Belgian candy sugar easily adopts the soft pumpkin and nutmeg spice that rings through the end of the sip.
Pike Harlot’s Harvest | 8.5% ABV
This beer’s well-constructed sip starts with fruity banana and bright pumpkin before earthier, fleshier pumpkin emerges; a rich toasted bread finish has just a breath of alcohol in the back.
Wachusett Imperial Pumpkin Ale | 9% ABV
With a base style reminiscent of a Belgian dubbel, this imperial’s fig and raisin are lovely partners to earthy, fleshy pumpkin. Smooth liquor rides through the sip and leads to a hot, boozy finish.
Heavy Seas The Greater Pumpkin | 10% ABV
Proving that bourbon and pumpkin are a dynamic duo (who’d have thought?), this beer’s luscious vanilla and pumpkin sweep the tongue with a huge, yummy sip, while big, bourbony alcohol leads to a sweet ‘n’ spicy finish.
Avery Rumpkin | 16.73% ABV
Certainly not for the faint of heart, this boozy sipper’s snifter-ready with sweet, rummy molasses and fruity pumpkin ballooning in the mouth; alcohol breathes through the whole sip and well past it with spice tingling in the finish and warmth glowing deep in the chest.
