If you’re as obsessed with menswear and gear as us, you know that we’re all about making those seasonal transitions to step up your wardrobe and your life accordingly, and that comes to a head this time of year. Moving from summer into fall brings out a “few of our favorite things,” you might say, from rugged leather boots to waxed trucker jackets, henleys and flannel shirts. There’s something to else to add to that equation, though: The best beers to drink this fall. If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: You should be switching out your beer rotation accordingly as the seasons change, but rest assured, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it.
That’s why we put together what we think is an essential list of 10 beers you should try this fall, from OG craft brewers and industry titans to smaller outfits brewing beer with plenty of grit and toughness in mind (in the brewing process, not in the beer itself, mind you). These fall-appropriate beers mimic the tones of the season: They’re darker in color, they’re richer in taste, they feature plenty of drinkability without skimping on flavor, and they’re a welcome addition alongside your favorite flannel shirt and rugged leather boots. Stock up on your new favorite beers for fall, then get ready to raise a glass — we’ll be right there with you.
Samuel Adams Octoberfest
It seems that when the weather starts to turn particularly crisp and blustery, there’s not a more enjoyable beer year in and year out than Sam Adams Octoberfest. A hallmark of the lauded brewery, itself a pioneer in the beer space, Oktoberfest offers up plenty to love from the rich amber color to the tried-and-true brewing process that results in a mighty fine beer every time.
Anchor Brewing Anchor Porter
Among the titans of craft beer and pioneers of the industry, Anchor Brewing continues to rise above the rest with its commitment to its own history, heritage and quality brewing process. Anchor Brewing’s Porter might not be quite as well known as its yearly Christmas Ale, but we think that should change for your beer fridge this fall. Flavors like toffee and coffee shine, and the rich black color and creamy head mean this beer could very well serve as your after-dinner dessert all on its own (in the best way possible).
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
Dogfish Head has never quite compromised its mission of producing “off-centered ales,” and we mean that in the best way possible. In the case of its Punkin Ale, that means incorporating pumpkin, brown sugar and spice into a rich, warming beer, one that’s becoming a hallmark of the season. If you prefer Dogfish Head’s IPA styles through the rest of the year, consider giving this pumpkin ale a shot.
Bronx Brewery Das Bronx Oktoberfest-Style Lager
Take the train on up to The Bronx (or track down this beer in a store near you), and be rewarded for your efforts as you reap the tasty benefits of an Oktoberfest-style lager. It’s the closest thing to being in Germany, and the fact that you can get it in NYC after hopping off the subway is pretty neat. And hey, it doesn’t hurt that it’s got a catchy name in addition to an even better flavor.
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale is nearly the stuff of legend, at least among longtime craft beer lovers, renowned for its consistency and its no-frills approach in the process of updating the German Maibock style. A frequent award winner, it’s a classic fall beer, with an ABV that’s not too high (a rather approachable 6.8 percent) — it’s the kind of beer you bring to a bonfire and enjoy on a crisp night.
Funky Buddha Bonita Applebum Brown Ale
Funky Buddha takes an off-kilter approach to brewing this fall beer and we think that’s more than worthy of a toast. To wit: The Bonita Applebum Brown Ale isn’t just your regular brown ale — it’s made with apples, vanilla and cinnamon in a nod to the best flavors for fall. We’ll have at least one of those … who’s with us?
Ballast Point Mocha Marlin Porter
Whenever we get our hands on some Ballast Point Sculpin IPA, we can’t get enough, and so it should follow that the Mocha Marlin Porter should be similarly true to Ballast Point’s heritage of quality and uncompromising flavor. And in this case, those flavors are mighty enjoyable for fall, ranging from sweet mocha to vanilla. That sounds like an excellent sipper on a cold fall night by the fire.
Perrin Brewing Black Ale
Head to Michigan’s West coast, right near famed Beer City U.S.A. (that’d be Grand Rapids) to pick up some Perrin Brewing Black Ale — or at least, do so in spirit this fall. The brewery calls this beer “counterintuitive,” and that definitely seems to make sense on paper. Semi-sweet chocolate notes run counter to its easy-to-drink nature and crisp finish, which means that this beer, to us, is an ideal one to enjoy for marathon football viewing sessions this fall.
Revolution Brewing Eugene Porter
Don’t wait until the depths of winter to enjoy a great porter. Revolution Brewing’s Eugene Porter would seem to be just the ticket. Best enjoyed near Lake Michigan or at the Chicago brewery itself, the Eugene Porter uses Belgian specialty malts to deliver a dark porter with what the brewery calls a “distinct intense, chocolate essence.” As with our other picks for the 10 beers you should try this fall, well, we just can’t wait to get our hands on this one.
Founders Brewing Dirty Bastard Scotch Style Ale
If you want a beer that won’t back down when it comes to rich fall flavor, a beer that’s become a fan favorite for its bold and uncompromising quality, then you want the Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale from Founders Brewing. A Beer City U.S.A. staple through the years, this Scotch ale really does feature hints of peat and smoke, and although it’s available 365 days a year, we think it’s best enjoyed in the crisp fall months.
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