With the leaves changing and October fast approaching, fall beers are also here. These drinks are generally brewed darker and spicier than the average day-to-day beer. Though different, these dark brews are only available for a limited period of time each year, so don’t wait until it’s too late, head on down to your local pub and try one today.

Sam Adams Octoberfest

What would fall be without its signature beer? This amber treat is light enough that beer drinkers who generally enjoy lighter beers will also favor this beverage to take them into the winter months. According to the Samuel Adams website, Octoberfest is brewed using five different types of malted barley similar to the Bavarian tradition. This beer is not just for casually sipping; pair it with ribs or pork tenderloin for an even bigger taste.

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale

Available for two glorious months, this pumpkin-flavored, dessert-like beer is a lighter fall batch. This brew combines tastes of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg, making for a rich and nutty flavor. Line the rim of your glass with cinnamon and sugar for an even tastier treat.

Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale

As one of the oldest styles of American beers, Harvest Pumpkin Ale is a New England fall classic. Unlike most ales, this autumn favorite is a deep amber color. What makes this beer so unique and flavorful is the fact that each barrel is brewed with over 11 pounds of pumpkins. Makers also add pumpkin pie spices to give the drink a spicy flavor.

Dogfish Punkin Ale

Smooth and dark is a great way to describe this goodie. Made with both pumpkin and brown sugar, this pint is a great combination of sweet and spicy to enjoy on an Indian summer day.

Dogfish Indian Brown Ale

A hybrid of Scotch ale, an I.P.A. and an American brown, this blend is the best of all worlds. Hoppy and malty, this ale mixes flavors of orange, toffee and chocolate. While not overpowering, this beer is not for someone who is unaccustomed to a strongly flavored brew. With its rich and interesting flavor, this treat is a beer that is for savoring, not chugging.

Buffalo Bill’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Apparently those of us living in the 21st century are not the only people in history who have enjoyed the rich flavors of pumpkin beer. Our forefather George Washington also brewed pumpkin ales to celebrate the fall spirit. Over the years, Buffalo Bill’s Brewery in California has perfected this recipe and turned it into its own Imperial Pumpkin Ale. This beer is surely imperial to the others on the list as it is only marketed in a 22-ounce bottle. However, due to the mixture of roasted pumpkins, brown sugar and spices, the flavor makes it an easy bottle to knock back.

Rogue Dead Guy Ale

With a name that is perfect to take you into the Halloween season, this beer is honey in color and hearty in taste. Brewed originally in the early 1990s as a celebration for the Mayan Day of the Dead, the beer quickly developed a strong liking among Grateful Dead fans. Whether you’re a Deadhead, someone who enjoys ancient religions or just someone who enjoys quality ale, Rogue’s Dead Guy is definitely one to try.

Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Among the more popular names among beer companies, the traditional brew is again not only for drinking but also for complementing soups and meat dishes. With a taste that mimics pumpkin pie, this is light, smooth and goes down easy for beer lovers or the occasional drinker.

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales La Parcela # 1 Pumpkin Ale
With the brewery named after the pumpkin itself, why wouldn’t this beer be added to the list? Similarly to every other pumpkin ale, this beer is brewed with pumpkins and spices, but the makers also add in some cacao to soften the flavor.

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Fuego del Otono

Another fall beer from the jolliest brewers on the list and the name of it is literally “Autumn Fire,” so what better way to warm up on a brisk fall night? Blending caramel and fruity tones, this unexpected taste makes for a leisurely drinkable beer.

Ashley Berger can be reached at [email protected].