The Best Fall Beers for Your Next Event

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the leaves begin to turn golden, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a great selection of fall beers. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bonfire, a harvest festival, or a cozy indoor gathering, choosing the right beers can set the perfect tone for your event. Fall is the season of rich flavors, warm spices, and hearty brews, and we’ve rounded up some of the best seasonal beers to consider for your next celebration. 

1. Pumpkin Ales: The Quintessential Fall Beer

When you think of fall, you think pumpkin everything! Pumpkin ales are the perfect embodiment of autumn flavors, with subtle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, balanced by a malty sweetness. 

• Top Pick: Southern Tier Pumking 

This imperial pumpkin ale is rich and smooth with bold spices, a touch of vanilla, and a malty backbone that makes it a standout. Pumking pairs beautifully with fall desserts like apple pie or pumpkin spice cake. 

• Serving Tip: Offer pumpkin ales as a dessert beer or a signature drink for the night. 

1. Oktoberfest Marzens: A Toast to Tradition 

Oktoberfest beers, or Marzens, are a celebration of fall traditions, with their roots in Germany. These beers are malty, slightly sweet, and easy to drink, making them perfect for large gatherings where guests will want to sip all evening. 

• Top Pick: Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen 

With a smooth, malty character and a slightly toasty finish, this classic beer is a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with soft pretzels, bratwurst, or even roasted vegetables for authentic Oktoberfest feel. 

• Serving Tip: Set up a DIY pretzel and mustard bar to complement the beer! 

1. Brown Ales: A Warm, Nutty Embrace 

As the weather cools, brown ales provide a comforting, rich beer experience. With hints of caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts, brown ales are a perfect match for autumn’s hearty dishes. 

• Top Pick: Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale 

This English-style brown ale is smooth and balanced, with nutty flavors that are not too overpowering. It’s an ideal choice for pairing with roasted meats, grilled sausages, and smoky dishes. 

• Serving Tip: Try offering a flight of brown ales for guests to sample the variations in flavor. 

1. Amber Ales: Smooth and Malty 

Amber ales offer a balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, with caramel notes and a medium body that suits a variety of palates. These beers are approachable and versatile, perfect for pairing with a wide range of appetizers and entrees. 

• Top Pick: Bell’s Amber Ale 

This American amber ale is known for its deep malt character, balanced by a slight hop finish. It pairs well with comfort foods like burgers, pizza, or grilled chicken. 

• Serving Tip: Amber ales are perfect for your main course. Offer them with hearty fall-inspired food like a harvest grain salad or grilled pork. 

1. Porters and Stouts: Dark, Rich, and Full of Flavor

For those who love rich, dark beers, fall is the perfect season to bring out porters and stouts. These beers offer door roasted flavors, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and even a hint of smoke, making them an indulgent choice for cooler nights. 

• Top Pick: Founders Porter

This robust porter is silky smooth with flavors of chocolate and caramel, finishing with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s perfect for sipping next to a fire pit or pairing with dark chocolate or s’mores. 

• Serving Tip: Including cider as a refreshing palate cleanser between heavier beers or dishes. 

1. Ciders: A Fruity Twist 

While not technically a beer, hard ciders are a great addition to your fall beer lineup. Ciders offer a refreshing, fruity alternative that still captures the essence of the season, often with flavors of apple, pear, and even spices like cinnamon and cloves. 

• Top Pick: Angry Orchard Crisp Apple 

With its bright apple flavor and refreshing finish, Angry Orchard’s classic cider is perfect for guests looking for a lighter, gluten-free option. It pairs wonderfully with cheeses, fruit platters, or fall-themed charcuterie boards. 

• Serving Tip: Include cider as a refreshing palate cleanser between heavier beers or dishes. 

Final Tips for Your Fall Beer Event: 

• Offer a Variety: Guests will appreciate a range of flavors. Include lighter options like ciders or amber ales alongside more robust choices like porters or pumpkin ales. 
• Pair with Seasonal Foods: Plan your menu around the beer, include fall classics like butternut squash soup, grilled sausages, and warm apple pie. 
• Serve at the Right Temperature: Remember that darker beers like stouts and porters are best served slightly warmer (around 50-55oF), while lighter beers should be kept colder. 
• Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Decorate with fall foliage, light a fire, and create a warm, welcoming environment that will have your guests lingering long into the evening. 

No matter the type of event you’re planning this fall, the right beer selection can elevate your gathering from good to unforgettable. So, grab some of these seasonal brews, pair them with your favorite fall treats, and enjoy the rich flavors of autumn! 

If you missed any of our past posts, you can read them here, and don’t forget to look out for next week's blog post; Tailgating Made Easy with a Mobile Bar.   

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