There’s nothing I love in fall like a nice, tall glass of beer. Actually, I like that any time of the year. But, still, there’s something special about autumn.
Maybe it’s because it balances the fun, outdoors freedom of summer with the cosy, rustic relaxation of winter. Maybe it’s because fall is when all the tastiest foods—pumpkin pie, apple cider, sweet potatoes—are in season. Or maybe it’s just because of the imminent celebration of every beer fan’s favourite thirst-quenching holiday, Oktoberfest.
Whatever it is, autumn is the perfect time to head down to your favourite beer store in Savannah, GA, and grab yourself a case. Here are my picks for the five best beers to try this fall.
Maple Bacon Coffee Porter – Funky Buddha Brewery
Honestly, if the titular flavours of this 6.4% ABV porter don’t have your mouth watering already, I don’t know what to tell you. As dark and full-bodied as you’d expect, Funky Buddha Brewery’s Maple Bacon Coffee Porter is an artery-hardening greasy-spoon breakfast in a glass. Then again, with creamy hints of toffee and salted caramel, maybe it makes a better dessert. Either way, this rich mahogany-coloured beverage is ideal for a chilly night next to a roaring fire, with someone special sharing your blanket.
The Kaiser – Avery Brewing Company
Can’t make it out to Oktoberfest? Avery Brewing Company has an alternative. Their Oktoberfest-style offering, The Kaiser, practically throws a party on your tongue. Big, bold, bright, and bubbly this coppery 8% ABV lager hits you with a smooth, toasty malt before following it up with some spicy, earthy hops. It’s thick. It’s boozy. And it goes great with a soft pretzel or some Brats. And, heck, even if you do make it to Oktoberfest, you should still try The Kaiser. But just like the event in question, pace yourself or else you’re liable to lose your lederhosen.
Apple Cider Donut Silhouette – Hudson Valley Brewery
Autumn without apple cider is like a doughnut without a hole. Fortunately, some mad genius came along and combined both those things, giving the world one of the most delicious snack foods in existence: the apple cider doughnut. Then some even madder genius came along and said “Hey, let’s put this in a 5% ABV sour pale ale. That genius is clearly employed by Hudson Valley Brewery, and the company has wisely put his superior intellect to work making their Apple Cider Donut Silhouette tart, crisp, and altogether delicious.
Double Sunshine – Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Just because the days are getting shorter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little sunshine. Go big or go home, right? Double Sunshine, from Lawson’s Finest Liquids, is a hard-hitting 8% ABV IPA with a deep gold colour and a bitter burn, just like its name implies. Once you get past the bite, though, you’ll enjoy a taste of the county fair, with bold fruity notes of orange creamsicle and honeydew melon, along with a spot of brown sugar. Brewed with domestic hops, this rustic ale perfectly captures the sensation of watching the leaves turn rusty.
Punkuccino – Elysian Brewing Company
Some folks don’t like pumpkin-flavoured beer. In fact, some folks don’t like pumpkin-flavoured anything. But, hey, some folks don’t like fun or joy or puppy dogs, either. For the rest of us, there’s Punkuccino from the Elysian Brewing Company. The grinning jack-o-lantern on the label tells you the most important thing you need to know about this beer: it’s just plain fun! With 6% ABV and flavour profile that blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and (surprise, surprise) pumpkin pie with rich, dark-roast coffee, consider this the adult beverage enthusiast’s alternative to Starbucks’ famous pumpkin spice latte.
