There's no shortage of pumpkin flavored beer this time of year, which is great news for both craft beer enthusiasts and pumpkin lovers. Here are 3 great pumpkin beers to try this fall, from lightest to strongest in pumpkin flavor, as well as a few food pairing recommendations for each beer.
1.
Smuttynose Brewing Company Pumpkin Ale (Portsmouth, NH) - If you are new to the pumpkin beer scene, or prefer a more subtle pumpkin flavor, this is the beer for you. It has a lightly spiced flavor and while the pumpkin flavor isn't obvious, it is obviously a fall beer. Food Pairing Recommendations: Thanksgiving dinner, braised root vegetables.
2.
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale (Milton, DE) - With a subtle pumpkin flavor that still tastes distinctively like fall, this well-balanced pumpkin ale has been hailed as one of the best pumpkin beers of 2013. Punkin is full-bodied and smooth, with a hint of brown sugar. Food Pairing Recommendations: Turkey, roasted duck, lamb, stuffing, sharp cheddar.
3.
Southern Tier Brewing Company Pumking (Lakewood, NY) - There are many die-hard fans of this stronger-flavored imperial pumpkin ale. It has definitive pumpkin flavor and is strong on the spices. Some find it to be a bit sweet, while fans love that the alcohol is well hidden in this dessert-like beer, making it extremely drinkable. Food Pairing Recommendations: Thanksgiving dinner, pumpkin pie, desserts.
Left with extra pumpkin beer after a fall gathering? Pour a bottle of pumpkin beer into the pot next time you're cooking up a batch of chili. It adds a deep, slightly spiced flavor that will have people wondering about your secret ingredient.
Food Pairing Recommendations via brewers.
