Brewers know that the change of season is upon us. With the days getting shorter and the weather getting cooler, try these seasonal craft beers as your beach blanket transitions to an afghan.
Long Trail Pumpkin Ale (Bridgewater Corners, Vt.): The newest release from our local brewer brethren from the west, this dark amber brew is made with three different malts, wheat, and three hop varieties. In a nod to New England history, the brewers use cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove to balance out the sweetness. 5.5% ABV
Redhook Pumpkin Porter (Portsmouth, N.H.): The latest edition of the Backyard Series from Redhook, this beer is available on draft only and comes at the perfect time of year. Dark, rich, roasty ale is made with locally malted barley, oats, and pumpkin puree. The late addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a dose of maple syrup will have you begging for another pint. 5.8% ABV
Kona Pipeline Porter (Kaulia-Kona, Hawaii): The perfect transition into fall from a brewery that laughs at cold weather. This enticing brew is smooth and dark with earthy notes in the nose. The beer is blended with Kona coffee grown locally on the island at Cornwell Estate. 5.3% ABV
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale (Milton, Del.): This full-bodied brown ale is brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg, organic brown sugar, and pumpkin. Originally brewed in recognition to the Punkin’ Chunkin (Delaware’s most respected sporting event, in which pumpkins are hurled in the air), it features a well-rounded sweetness balanced by subtle spice notes. 7.0% ABV