It’s October, which means it’s time to break out all of your basic bitch fall attire (gentlemen, you too), pumpkin decor, and sip on that pumpkin spice latte. But, it also means that some of the best seasonal beers of the year will start cropping up on tap. Sommelier, spirits expert, and director of Good Wine Good People Dan Belmont shares his top five picks for the best autumn beers to celebrate the death of summer.
“Every year, at the end of summer, there’s one day where the air smells a certain way—perhaps from the dead leaves rustling around—and a cool breeze catches you a bit underdressed. That’s the day to crack open one of these beers. From that day through Oktoberfest, football season, and Thanksgiving, these beautiful beers will carry you happily as we hurtle towards the inevitable winter,” says Belmont.
Von Trapp Brewing, Tmavé Pivo
“Tmavé Pivo literally means “Dark Beer” in Czech, it’s a style wildly overshadowed by the famed pilsners, but can really hit the spot when made well,” says Belmont. “And while it makes up for less than 3.5% of the Czech Republic’s production, you can look no further than Vermont to try a good one. Von Trapp nails it, collaborating here with Counter Weight Brewing of Cheshire, Connecticut for their ‘Stowe Style’ series. Big malt flavor, roasty and rich.”
Saison de Lis
“There’s a lot more to the St. Louis beer scene than just Anheuser-Busch! It’s also home to craft brewers at Perennial Artisan Ales, who make this killer Saison,” Belmont says. “It’s a Belgian style Saison brewed with chamomile flowers… and I dig it. The herbal tea vibes run throughout with a touch of baking spice, but the finish is clean and dry. Good times with an alpine cheese like Alp Blossom.”
Schlenkerla Marzen
“Ever have a smokebeer? If you did, you’d know,” says Belmont. “Smokebeer is brewed with smoked malt—and Schlenkerla, based in Bamberg, Germany, is the OG. It is seriously smoky – like the peated scotch of beers – but finishes dry and nutty. Fun to pair with—think sausages and sauerkraut; speck and dark bread with a good salted butter.”
Southern Tier Pumpking
“I couldn’t resist including a pumpkin beer on the list. I freely admit that some are terrible. I do not condone the reckless use of pumpkin spice in everything—keep it away from my coffee. But, ya know what? When the mood strikes, you can’t go wrong with the Southern Tier Pumpking,” Belmont says. “It’s an imperial ale at 8.6% ABV and, well, it tastes like a strong ale had sex with a pumpkin pie. Pair with your favorite hoodie and a backyard fire pit.”
DRINK LOCAL
“Perhaps it’s lazy to say that your local brewery is always in a ‘best five’ list but, to me, beer is all about community. Local craft brewers drive the beer scene just as much as the national and international brands. We should celebrate and support the former!” says Belmont. “Pop into your local and ask which of their beers is best enjoyed while ushering in the Autumn season!”
Do you also drink whiskey? Check out Belmont’s list of the The 10 Best Whiskeys You Should Try At Least Once.