Truth: I am not a blogger. I am a beer drinker. In fact, over the past three years, I have somehow tried over 2,000 different craft beers. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well, recovery will have to wait because beer is my passion. What does that mean to you, casual blog reader? I am practically guaranteeing that one of the beers listed below you will at a very minimum like. Most likely, one of these seven beers will start a love affair with pumpkin that you have only faintly known in an all-too-overhyped coffee beverage.
I am privileged to live in a state that consistently leads the way in the craft beer industry. As such, my strongest recommendations reflect Colorado breweries that have impeccable reputations for awesomeness. For those of you living outside distribution areas, I have made sure to include some very solid beers that are available in bigger markets.
Pumpkin Beers from Colorado
For those of you local in Colorado Springs, at last check, Veterans Wine & Liquor had all these specialty pumpkin beers in stock. They are my go to for all Craft Beers because the selection is always top notch, and the owners and staff at Veterans are great people.
Coaltrain Wine & Spirits is also a great stop if you are looking for a large selection of beers.
If you are outside of Colorado Springs, but still in Colorado, chances are high that you can find these beers in your local liquor store. We have such an incredible craft beer scene in CO.
Eddyline Brewing :: Pumpkin Patch Ale (5.5% ABV)
- Tasting Notes :: “A Tallboy of Pumpkin Pie” Full, hazy body that perfectly matches the creaminess of this beer. Amazing pumpkin and cinnamon flavor with a sweet finish. If you can’t be with your family this Thanksgiving, this beer is a close second. You can almost taste the whipped cream on this pumpkin pie.
- Pumpkin Pie Rating :: One hot-out-of-the-oven, perfectly cooked pumpkin pie with whipped cream on top!
- Tasting Notes :: Copper in color. Clarity is excellent. An earthy allspice characteristic. Subtle sweetness will allow for multiple pours. Perfect Trick or Treat walking beer. Just enough booze to pair well with a hearty chili.
- Trick-or-Treat Rating :: 3.5 out of 5 pillowcases of Halloween Candy
- Tasting Notes :: Nutmeg. Lots of nutmeg. Color resembles cloudy honey. Slightly boozy. Like going from tempura to sashimi, this pumpkin beer crosses the threshold from casual pumpkin to tipsy pumpkin. This is the down vest to the flannel shirt while out trick or treating in the cold.
- Rating :: 3 out of 5 Headless Horsemen
- Tasting Notes :: Indescribable. Color of burnt caramel. Clarity is excellent. Shut the front door – this is 17.5%? To call this beer boozy is an understatement. Have you ever woken up regretting what you drank the night before? This is not one of those beers.
- Rum Barrel Rating :: 5 out of 5 (I wish I could give this beer a 10 out of 5 – that is how amazing it is)
Pumpkin Beers Available in Most Markets
Samuel Adams :: 20 Pounds of Pumpkin (5.7% ABV)
- Tasting Notes :: A little bit of nutmeg on the nose. Thin body. Great rich amber color. Clarity was excellent. As with any Sam Adams beer, this one is light and easy to drink.
- Jack-o-lantern Rating :: 3 out of 4
- Tasting Notes :: Smells like and tastes like Caramel Corn. If bright was a flavor, it would describe this beer. Pumking is a beer you would sip while laying on a bear rug next to a crackling fire.
- Crackling Fire Rating :: 3 out of 5 toasty seats around the fire
- Tasting Notes :: Pumpkin plays peek-a-boo with the brandy barrel it was aged in. Warm vanilla and caramel flavor. Not as much pumpkin spice flavor but more a true pumpkin. Get out the robe and a cigar. This is our go to beer on cold, brisk camping nights in the mountains.
- Brandy Barrel Rating :: 4.5 out of 5
Do you have a favorite pumpkin beer that I did not include? Leave it in the comments below so I can try it and add it to my list of craft beers.
About the Guest Contributor
Ryan Jones
Father, Husband, Fire Captain, Pilot, Craft Beer Lover
Ryan is a loving and adventurous dad to two boys :: Landon (2009) and Kellan (2011). He is a loyal husband and enjoys date nights with his wife Tonya, Co-Owner of Colorado Springs Moms Blog. He loves that his wife will indulge in trying new foods and especially new craft beers. He is a dedicated Fire Captain who loves to learn and spend time with his crew. In his free time, he is passionate about flying planes and drinking craft beer (not at the same time of course!). His mission in life is to leave a legacy of happiness, adventure, longevity and most importantly to honor God in all that he does.
