Beers That Go Bump In the Night (Redux)

A few years back, I published a blog post on the topic of selecting beers to serve at your Hallowe’en party. I figured that since that topic is reemerging leading up to the 2014 observation of All Hallow’s Eve, and that particular post is a few years old now, what better opportunity to update my thoughts on the subject and give you some current Hallowe’eny recommendations. Although, the ones from two years ago still apply as well.

This list is in no particular order, and is nowhere even close to comprehensive.

Mischievous little beer

Warlock, by Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood, NY

The first beer I recommend you go get for your late-October partying needs is Southern Tier’s Warlock. Warlock is an Imperial Stout that is brewed with pumpkins and weighs in at 8.6% ABV. It’s dark, mysterious and delicious, with a huge roasted character and spicy pumpkin pie aroma. And since it’s made by the same people that make the world famous Pumking (pumpkin ale), it pairs well with that beer, almost like they did it on purpose. Warlock also pairs well with BBQ, smoked or roasted food, vanilla ice cream (especially floating in the beer) and carrot cake!

Bear plus deer equals beer. Get it?

Fall Hornin, by Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville, CA

This pumpkin ale is a lot less menacing than the Warlock… much more of an easy drinker at 6% ABV. Flavor notes include caramel and spices, and the nose consists of caramelized malt and baked bread, with subtle hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin and seasonal spices. Fall Hornin goes quite well with sweet fruit desserts, roasted vegetables, and steak.

Ole reliable

Pumpkin Ale, by Schlafly Brewing Company in St. Louis, MO

Schlafly’s pumpkin ale is definitely one of the best pumpkin ales on the market, and it is easily found in just about every region of the country. It’s an 8% ABV brew so it packs a little punch, but there is no alcohol burn at all. This is a very smooth, balanced, sweet pumpkin beer that is everything you want and nothing you don’t. Flavors consist of roasted pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. This one will pair well with hamburgers, roasted vegetable dishes and sweet desserts.

Great beer

Pumpkin Hunter, by Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Roseland, VA

Getting a bit more local (to where I live anyways), I give you the Pumpkin Hunter from Devils Backbone. It is a delicious orange/amber colored brew with subtle pumpkin sweetness and pumpkin pie aroma in the nose. It’s an easy drinker at 5.1% ABV, and pairs well with grilled meat, roasted vegetables and deserts.

Rare, but awesome

Fermentation without Representation, by Epic Brewing Company in Salt Lake City, UT and DC Brau from Washington, DC

FWR is a collaboration between two terrific breweries that sought to build a spectacular imperial pumpkin porter. This beer is smooth, blending light and dark roasted barley, pumpkin, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. The resulting beer is delicious, with chocolate, burnt raisins and plum notes in the flavor. It’s 8% ABV, so you’ll need to be careful with it, but definitely worth the effort it takes to find it.

Bet you can't drink just one...

Post Road Pumpkin Ale, by Brooklyn Brewery in New York City, NY

Post Road is a very sweet pumpkin beer. It is orange/amber colored with a pumpkin nose and biscuit and pumpkin centered flavor. It’s only 5% ABV, so you could drink several with little problems, but the sweetness can be overwhelming. Still, very delicious and a welcome addition to your partying needs. Pair this with roasted ham and turkey, root vegetables, or mac and cheese.

No filter required.

UFO Pumpkin, by Harpoon Brewing Company in Boston, MA

Harpoon’s UFO (UnFiltered Offering) Pumpkin is an unfiltered pumpkin ale that combines Pacific Northwest hops, spices, barley and pumpkin to create a cloudy orange brew that is sweet and earthy. It is 5.9% ABV and drinks easily with a sweet finish and aftertaste. I recommend pairing it with desert, or with anything off the grill.

It’s certainly not a comprehensive list, but it’ll get you to where you want to be. Some of these are heavy hitters, and others are perfect for your guests who are little gun-shy about the whole craft beer and pumpkins thing. I’ve also given you some informal tasting notes with which you can plan your menu. You’re welcome.

And happy Hallowe’en.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!!!