Best Fall Beers
Fall has arrived and with it, all of the best fall beers of the season. If there’s one good thing about the weather becoming a little cooler, it’s these beers that keep us warm. We wanted to know what our industry experts drink in the fall, so we surveyed them to get a jumpstart on stocking our fridge.
What’s your favorite beer to drink during the fall?
Jason Kallini – Key Account Manager Anheuser-Busch
Amber ales and lagers; not a single favorite brand, but Blue Point Toasted Lager, Red/Rye IPAs, and Oktoberfest-style Marzens
These beers have a rich malt body, with notes of caramel, toasted bread crust, rye, and a sweet middle from the malt. Usually, there’s a crisp, floral, earthy, or resinous pine finish. Pair these styles with oysters, cured seafood (ceviche, etc.), and roast dishes like pork, turkey, and roasted veggies. These beers are best enjoyed while grilling, or at Thanksgiving dinner.
Bryan Farbisz – Boston Beer Company National Account Manager
Sam Adams Octoberfest
Sam Octoberfest is a smooth malty reddish-brown lager with caramel & toffee notes. Pair it with pretzel bites, sausages, burgers, or ribs. This beer is best while watching football with pretzels and good mustard.
Ken Henricks -President of Alter Brewing
Hell Hazed Over from Alter Brewing
At 8.1% ABV, this is a Double NE Style IPA with incredible passion fruit and citrus aromas. It’s definitely hard to believe from the flavor profile this beer clocks in at 8.1%. Delicious! Pair with foods high in fat like burgers, steaks, red meat, or anything spicy. This beer is best while doing anything that doesn’t require you to operate a motorized vehicle.
Amy Probasco – Mixologist – Beam Suntory
Amber Ales: New Belgium Fat Tire, Bell’s Amber, Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale, and Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale
These beers are not as heavy as stouts/porters but have more body and complexity than a Pilsner. They are high in maltiness, with caramel and fruit notes. Amber Ales are typically toasty and full of flavor but remain clean, refreshing, and light enough to drink more than one of them. Pair with all things fall for the tailgate season! Grilled meats, burgers, sausages, BBQ chicken, and pizza. They also go amazingly well with cheddar cheese. These beers are best while watching fall football and perfect for tailgating, grilling, backyard BBQs, hayrides, and pumpkin carving.
Tibby Price – Key Account Manager – Goose Island
Goose Island Oktoberfest
An easy-drinking German lager with sweet caramel malt notes. Pair with anything, but especially burgers. This beer is best while doing anything active and watching sports.
Bridget Dunham – Senior National Account Manager – Beam Suntory
Modelo but I’m really enjoying the Bud Light Seltzers-Strawberry
Rich, comforting, and a great mouthfeel for the Modelo. Refreshing and energizing for the BLS. Pair with burgers & sandwiches. Both are best while watching sports and being with friends outside.
What new beer are you excited about this fall, 2020?
Jason Kallini – Key Account Manager Anheuser-Busch
Devil’s Backbone Munchen on Hops collaboration with Spaten. But for something available in Illinois, Spaten Optimator doppelbock
Bryan Farbisz – Boston Beer Company National Account Manager
Truly Strawberry Lemonade
Ken Henricks -President of Alter Brewing
The return of Swedda Wedda – Alter Brewing’s seasonal oatmeal stout
Amy Probasco – Mixologist – Beam Suntory
I love trying all of the fall/winter spiced Ales that I can. I’m looking forward to a few different varieties but am always excited for the release of Great Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest and Christmas Ale
So there you have it, a guide to the best fall beers from the experts. What’s on your list of best fall beers? Let us know on social media. You can also view more beverage-related topics on our blog. Happy fridge-stocking!