3 “Easy to Drink” Beers That Practically Scream Fall

Fall is here, and so I’m wishing a wonderful Spooky Season and/or Prime Pumpkin Spice Latte Time to all who celebrate. It’s time for sweaters, scary movies, pumpkin carving and, yes, beer drinking. I used to hate fall because it meant the school year was beginning, but now I love it for the autumnal colors, cozy sweaters, walks in the woods, and visiting as many idyllic New England towns as I can. 

This kind of weather also calls for a specific time of beer. In summer, I want crisp and refreshing, the kinds of beers that go well with lobster rolls and sunshine. Once the weather cools and the leaves change, my palate craves something a little different — I want malty, I want caramel, and I want spice (pumpkin or otherwise). 

If you seek out similar things, I think you’ll find some bangers in this little list of my favorite fall beers. Also, calling out an Honorable Mention right now with Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead Ale. Call me basic, haters, but I love a PSL and this beer satisfies that craving (minus the caffeination). 

I will never stop singing the praises of Allagash. Where its white ale is my summer pick, Curieux’s all I crave in the fall. It’s been brewing since 2004, which means it’s finally old enough to drink itself. It’s also one of Allagash’s signature barrel-aged beers. 

The Maine-based brewery takes its Tripel, a Belgian-style golden ale, and ages it for just shy of two months in bourbon barrels. The resulting beer tastes slightly sweet, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and, naturally, bourbon. It’s bottled in 750ml bottles, which are great for sharing with a couple people, but you can always buy four- or six-packs of 12-ounce bottles. 

With an ABV of 10.2%, you might expect it to be a little harsh, but it’s smooth as can be. The mild sweetness always makes me want to pair it with desserts, like an apple cider donut or a spice cake. 

Buy: Allagash Curieux, $17.99 for 4 (12-ounce) bottles at Total Wine

It probably won’t surprise some of you to see this beer on the list — it shows up on a LOT of best of lists, and is one of the two main styles of beer served at Oktoberfest in Munich (Paulaner is, of course, a Munich-based brewery so this also tends to be one of the top-sellers at Oktoberfest). Märzen beers, to me, feel more like fall than the German lager-styles, which tend to be hoppier and lighter. 

Paulaner’s Oktoberfest Märzen is darker, more malt-forward, with really bready flavors. It’s malty and slightly sweet, with toffee notes. Just thinking about drinking one of these gives me an odd craving for a caramel apple.

Like the Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen, this beer packs a malty punch. This American Amber Ale gives me all the malt I want, but balances it with a hoppy finish with notes of citrus and pine. It feels like all of my favorite elements of autumn in New England mixed in one glass — caramel, toffee, toast, nuttiness, paired with a hint of spice, earthiness, pine, and citrus peel. 

Think warm toast with a smear of caramel, a breath of fall air (pine trees and the earthiness of fallen leaves), and someone in the near distance is mulling some wine or cider with spices and citrus peel. It’s aptly named — you could drink it any day, wrapped in any fabric, of course, but it’s begging to be downed by someone on a Friday, after work, swaddled in soft, cozy flannel. 

Buy: Harpoon Flannel Friday, $12.49 for 6 (12-ounce) bottles at Total Wine

What’s your favorite fall beer? Tell us about it in the comments below.