Look. We love our PSL as much as the next basic Boulderite. But there’s so much more to the taste of fall than pumpkin spice everything. Fall flavors can be fun, spicy, warming, malty, comforting and rich. Local microbreweries know this and tap (literally) into it every autumn.
Here’s a peek at some of fall 2018’s best seasonal drinks.
Boulder Beer’s Festbier Helles-Style Lager
Do fall German style with Boulder Beer’s fall Festbier. The Festbier Helles-Style Lager brings a brighter, crisp flavor to fall’s often dark and heavy tastes. Helles in German means “bright,” which Boulder Beer says describes its golden-colored lager. Expect low hops and a smooth flavor. Hello, Oktoberfest. Bring out the Lederhosen. Available on draft or in six-pack cans.
Boulder Beer’s Harvest 18 Fresh-Hopped Peach Pale Ale
Boulder Beer’s other fall brew brings a different spin on fall flava, in extremely limited availability. Harvest 18 is Boulder Beer’s newest pale ale, crafted in celebration of the 2018 (hence the 18) harvest season. As the name states, this beer is fresh-hopped, which means it’s made with fresh-off-the-bine (i.e. within 24 hours of harvest) wet hops, leading to a more “complete hop flavor and aroma” due to the oils that normally evaporate out when drying. The end result: hops that are fruity and citrusy and fresh. Adding to the lightness is peach puree added in. We love the idea of bringing a little freshness and novelty to the season.
Avery Brewing’s Line-Up
Avery Brewing has such a great lineup of fall beers that we can’t decide. The solution: Order a few flights to sample them all with friends. Here’s a peek at the selection for 2018:
- The Kaiser, an imperial Oktoberfest lager, available in six-pack cans and on tap at the brewery.
- Chai High, a brown ale mixed with local chai spices, on tap at the brewery.
- Old Jubilation, English strong ale, available in six-packs and on tap.
- Fall Day IPA, an IPA brewed with spruce tips, on tap at the brewery after Oct. 8.
- Tweak, bourbon barrel-aged coffee stout, available in 12-ounce bottles and on tap.
- Sweater Party, an English ale with mulling spices, on tap after Nov. 3.
- Sandy Claws, a Bourbon barrel-aged stout with peppermint and chocolate, available in 12-ounce bottles and on tap mid-November.
Asher’s Cafe Kolsch
Can’t decide between a relaxing drink and an energizing one? Try some coffee with your beer. This kolsch from Asher is infused with fair-trade, organic cold brew coffee from Ampersand Coffee Roasters, located in Gunbarrel.
Asher’s The Ginger Bomb or Tart Cherry Ale
Asher has two more great seasonals with unique infusions.
Ginger is one of the king flavors of fall, and it’s made its way into Asher’s brew. The seasonal Ginger Bomb beer is brewed with 10 pounds of freshly pureed, organic ginger root.
For a brand new seasonal, taste the Lola Tart Cherry Ale, which was brewed with 400 pounds of Colorado-grown tart cherries.
Asher’s Green Monstah Strong Ale
Here’s a beer just for Halloween. Asher’s Green Monstah Strong Ale will be released in a small batch on Oct. 18, for Asher’s Monstah Mash Halloween/Costume Party. In true monster style, this is a bigger beer, at 10 percent alcohol by volume.
As the brewery describes it, “With a legacy as rich as the brew itself, the Green Monstah boasts bold caramel malt flavors and a smooth, warming finish. Cozy up to this beer on a chilly fall day and it will surely cuddle back.”
Upslope’s Pumpkin Ale
For all you die-hard pumpkin spice drinkers, there’s Upslope Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale. This farm-to-brewery beer was created by adding local, organic, baby bear pumpkins to malt and hops. Then, brewers add a special blend of six different spices. It even smells like fall, with hints of pumpkin pie. Upslope recommends drinking this limited-release beer with traditional Thanksgiving delights: apple crisp, grilled ham and roasted veggies.
Can’t even with the pumpkin stuff? Upslope has a tasty Blood Orange Saison instead for you.
Wibby’s Double Dunkel
Wibby Brewing’s Moondoor Dunkel is a classic fall and winter beverage, but it’s a year-round offering. For a seasonal beer only available during the fall, check out Wibby’s Double Dunkel.
“It is similar to our Moondoor Dunkel in that we brew it with actual cacao nibs but it is brewed with twice as much chocolate malt and then lagered on both Madagascar vanilla beans, as well as additional cacao nibs,” says Ted Risk, co-founder. “It is a hearty combination of chocolate, vanilla and roast that leaves our faithful Wibsters anticipating its re-release on Oct. 17 with grand excitement.”
The Double Dunkel clocks in at 7.5 percent alcohol.
Beyond Boulder, Beyond Beer
Looking for some seasonal drinks beyond beer in Boulder? Head to Denver to sip on these:
Tea & T at LOW Country Kitchen
Here’s a fall twist on a ginny drink. The Tea & T is made with house-made, chamomile-infused and barrel-aged gin. Add that to Q Indian tonic water and bruléed lemon, and the Tea & T is the cure to whatever ails you this fall. Find it at LOW Country Kitchen, 1575 Boulder St., Unit A, Denver.
Fireside Black & Blue Smash at Range
Range, 918 17th St., Denver, is known for its craft cocktails. For the fall, try the Fireside, made with muddled blackberries and blueberries paired with Fireside Bourbon. It’s a little bit sweet and a little smokey.
Bear Hunter’s Tea at The Fort
Tea-lovers, here’s a cocktail for you. Blend hot black tea with Barenjaeger honey spirits from Germany. Find this drink in Morrison at The Fort, 19192 Colo. 8. Enjoy it after dinner by the outdoor fire pit overlooking Denver.
