Life
8 Pumpkin Beers To Add To Your Thanksgiving Bar
By the time November comes around, people start to get sick of seeing pumpkin on the menu. Even the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte takes a hit once October ends, with coffee fiends opting for the more season gingerbread variety. But it's still autumn for a few more weeks, and you should be able to satisfy your pumpkin fix without shame. One way to indulge in the fall flavor is to serve pumpkin beer alongside your turkey at Thanksgiving.
Although wine might be the preferred libation on Turkey Day, pumpkin beer is a great alcohol alternative. Depending on the variety, it can pair well with just about everything on your table (especially pumpkin pie.) Pumpkin beer can be the perfect complement to your feast, and the idea beverage for watching football later in the evening.
But how to does one choose a good pumpkin beer? The selection out there is massive, and if you’re not careful, you can wind up with a beer that claims to be packed with pumpkin flavor, but taste like an old ale. Luckily, there are enthusiast like me who are happy to do a little bit of reconnaissance to take the guesswork out of your foray into the world of pumpkin brew. Whether you like your beer with a touch of pumpkin, or your pumpkin with a touch of beer, there’s a pumpkin brew out there for you.
Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale
While some beer snobs may look down on a mass produced label, Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale can hold it’s own among the pumpkin brews. A little bit nutty, the light spices don’t become overwhelming, even halfway through the beer. Perfrect if you're looking for an easy drink.
Brewery Vivant Pumpkin Tart
A craft beer from Michigan, Brewery Vivant Pumpkin Tart is the perfect blend of tangy and, well, tart. A refreshing brew with a slew of autumn spices, it'll pair perfectly with your turkey.
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
Always a favorite in the brew community, Dogfish Head Punkin Ale has a sweet and spicy finish that keeps you coming back for more. Hints of nutmeg and brown sugar make it ideal for eating with sweet potato casseroles or pumpkin pies.
Elysian Punkuccino
Elysian Brewing Company hosts the Great Pumpkin Beer fest, so you know its Punkuccino will be good. It's the perfect blend between coffee and pumpkin beer, offering cinnamon spice and a sweet creamy finish.
Saint Arnold Bourbon Barrel Imperial Pumpkin
You may want to drink Saint Arnold's Bourbon Barrel Imperial Pumpkin out of a short glass instead of a pint, as it has a bit of a bite. Heavy on the Bourbon with hints of vanilla, plum, orange, and currant — it’s the perfect way to end a meal.
Steven’s Point Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale
If you’re looking for pumpkin pie liquefied, you’ll find it in Stevens Point Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale. It's not to sweet but has a heavy does of pumpkin pie flavors that any autumnal aficionado will love.
Paradox Beer Co. Pepitas Grande
Aged in red-wine barrels with pepitas, cacao nibs, and red chile, Paradox Beer Company Pepitas Grande packs some serious heat. This exciting brewwill go perfectly with your leftover turkey sandwich the next day (or that night.)
Jolly Pumpkin La Parcela No. 1
Would you believe that Jolly Pumpkin Brewery didn’t even produce a pumpkin beer for years? Another Belgian style ale that’s a bit more complex than most on this list, but still extremely drinkable.
Images: maksymowicz/Fotolia; Sam Adams; Brewery Vivant; Dogfish Head; Elysian Brewing; Saint Arnold; Stevens Point; Paradox Beer; Jolly Pumpkin
