Nothing announces the onset of fall like the appearance of pumpkin beers on store shelves in August and September. The style can be hit-or-miss, with some pumpkin beers overdoing the spice while others leave you scratching your head wondering where the pumpkin is, but we’ve picked a few here that definitely deliver.
Timmermans Pumpkin Lambicus
Itterbeek, Belgium
This spontaneously fermented effervescent lambic foregoes the typical fruit additions for a fall treat. Equal parts sweet and sour, the vinous acidity is kept in check by light malt and residual sweetness up front, but the semidry finish lends a crispness that makes you want to take another sip.
AleWerks Pumpkin Ale
Williamsburg, Virginia
Warming holiday notes of gingerbread and cinnamon with a hint of nutmeg, clove, and an aroma of pie crust layer on top of rich flavors of caramelized brown sugar and burnt marshmallows on yam casserole. The flavors are well-defined and properly executed in this fine example of the fall style.