Pumpkin Ales And September Sales!

A potent parade of powerful pumpkin powerhouses. Pumpkin season is coming!

As September arrives, so does the influence of pumpkin flavored everything! Whether you're shopping at your local grocery store or picking up a few ales at the local pub, you will be assaulted by a barrage of pumpkin infused products from every angle. Of course, pumpkin pie and local squash will be featured at local fruit stands throughout the area. I am here to help guide you through the choices of the season. Rest assured, my friend, I will not steer you wrong. There are so many choices! How can you find the right one for you? 

Allow me to break down a few of the choices. Two great pumpkin ales made each season by Southern Tier are "Pumking" and "Warlock." Pumking's big pumpkin flavor and higher alcohol content leads folks to dig a little deeper into their wallets to buy this classic of the season. Going for $10.99 for a 22 oz bottle, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of  8.6%, this ale has reigned as a reliable "King" for this time of year. Its full flavor and bright texture bring pumpkin lovers to its bottle lip year after year. A lot of people exclaim, "Eleven dollars per bottle!" But Southern Tier's quality and reputation have brought even the most stern critic to the counter for purchase. "Warlock" is another great Southern Tier ale for the season. The brother of "Pumking," "Warlock" features roasty maltiness which comes off as coffee with a little dark chocolate, spices, and give a great mouthfeel. At 10% abv, "Warlock" is a bit bigger and darker than its brother, but for those looking for a little sweetness it's the right choice. Fathead's own "Spooky Tooth" is another fantastic option. It features a brown sugar, cinnamon, spices, and sweet malt with a 9% abv. An approachable, fun, spicy seasonal choice brewed just down the street in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.   

If you're not into spicy ales, there are some beer choices you may enjoy. Samuel Adams' "OctoberFest" features smooth malt and is a bit lighter with a 5.3% abv. And, of course, Great Lakes' own "Oktoberfest" is another local hit of the season. Pairing well with all German food choices, "Oktoberfest" is a four time medal winner in the brewing industry with a reasonable 6.5% abv. For the more classically minded, now would be a nice time to have the appropriately named "Summer's End" cocktail. Take out 2 oz of your homemade Applejack from last year, and add 1 oz of cherry liqueur in a Martini glass. Stir and garnish with a lemon twist and a cherry. As we say "goodbye" to our summer pinot grigio wines and pink chilled Rose, we start to open up a few more light red wines like Zinfandel and Merlot. There is no reason that anyone should be left without a tap to tip or a wine to wriggle! There is something for everyone. And if alcohol isn't your thing, treat yourself to a sparkling apple cider or a glass of water, but only in moderation. 

No matter your choice, enjoy the season with friends and family.

Cheers!