Fall Craft Beer Picks from a Certified Cicerone
Sep. 10, 2015
Crisp Autumn days, cooler nights, and the changing colors of foliage summon consumers' demand for heartier, richer beers. Fortunately we have a portfolio filled with seasonal cool weather options for a variety of consumer taste.
Fall seasonal beers are the number one selling SKU this time of year and rightfully so. According to IRI data, seasonal beer makes up 15% to 25% of the more than $19.6 billion in annual craft beer sales. The Brewers Association also notes that seasonals usually jockey with IPAs for the craft beer sales title, but typically jump ahead of the hoppy-driven style once pumpkin beer season comes around.
"In Minnesota, as we transition trough seasons and experience quick temperature changes, palates sway to beer styles that match the season. As the air cools, our customers ask for beer that is rich, robust, and complex with malt forward flavor in comparison to the lighter styles consumed during summer. Hop forward IPAs will continue to sell year round, yet this is the time of year we see seasonal German styles like Fest Biers and Marzens.
"Personally, this time of the year is a favorite. Harvest season not only brings many fruits and vegetables, but hops as well. Wet hop beers showcase a hop in its peak and purest form from the bine."
Whether your customers are looking for a sweet and satisfying Pumpkin ale or a rich and robust Porter, we have the brands you need to prepare for your customers' ever-changing requests. Below are a few of this year's seasonal highlights, but contact your Sales Consultant to explore our full craft beer portfolio.
Anchor Bigleaf Maple
Style: American Red Ale ABV: 6.0% IBUs: N/A
Bigleaf Maple’s malty complexity and coppery color come from a combination of two caramel malts, pale malt and a hint of maple syrup. Anchor used three additions of Nelson Sauvin hops in the brewkettle and a unique blend of Nelson Sauvin, Citra and Cascade for dry hopping.
Ballast Point Dead Ringer
Style: Marzenbier ABV: 5.5% IBUs: 26
Dead Ringer Oktoberfest lager is inspired by old-style Märzen brews customarily enjoyed during Bavaria’s world-famous beer festival. Thanks to an abundance of toasted malt and a lower hop bitterness, this dark reddish brown lager is loaded with sweet, caramel toffee flavors and aromas.
Boulevard Brewing Co - Funky Pumpkin Tart Ale
Style: Sour Ale ABV: 5.8% IBUs: 12
Boulevard’s first entry into the pumpkin market is an eccentric one. A pleasant tartness shines through this puckering pumpkin ale, with barrel aging providing a mellow roundness and Brettanomyces putting the "unk" in Funky.
Seattle Cider Pumpkin Spice
Style: Spiced Cider ABV: 6.9% Brix: 2.6
This semi-sweet cider is a blend of Granny Smith, Fuji, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Gala apples. Fermented with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, Seattle Cider Pumpkin Spice offers hints of the season's favorite spices followed by just a touch of pumpkin.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Oktoberfest
Style: Marzenbier ABV: 6.0% IBUs: 30
Brewed in collaboration with Brauhaus Riegele of Augsburg, Germany, Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest is an authentic Marzenbier that’s deep golden in color and rich with complex malt flavor from the use of traditional German Steffi barley.
Uinta Brewing Co. - Punk’n Harvest Pumpkin Ale
Style: Pumpkin Beer ABV: 5.0% IBUs: 10
This sessionable pumpkin ale is brewed with fresh pumpkin and seasonal spices. Malt and hops accented with roasted pumpkin and spices of the season. A subtle hint of vanilla and honey. Punk'n is a wonderful compliment to foods with nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove flavors.