5 Fall Beers Actually Worth the Hype

Oct 24, 2017
3 min read

Here's a controversial opinion: I'm really over pumpkin spice lattes.

However, in the golden age of craft beer, there is a delicious alternative for those of us looking to toast the beautiful fall we're having here in Toronto.

I've put together my top 5 picks for fall themed beers, with a little help from the Beer Buddy app.* All beers featured are brewed locally in Canada.

Side effects may include: desperate need to carve a pumpkin, coming up with the greatest Halloween costume, or purchasing every turtleneck sweater available online.

In no particular order...

1. Amsterdam Brewing Company: Autumn Hop Harvest Ale

Likely the most versatile beer of the bunch, this harvest ale is beyond smooth.

With a lovely autumnal golden hue, these 473 ml deliver nicely balanced hops, with a crisp effervescence, that finish with a hint of tropical flavours.

Described by the brewers as their "freshest seasonal beer" "using natural raw hops plucked right off the vine," I know this is a beer I will be reaching for all season long.

IBU: 60

Alcohol Percentage: 5.6%

Beer Buddy Overall Score: 87%

Beer Buddy APA Score: 91%

2. Muskoka Brewery: Harvest Ale

This second harvest ale is just a little hoppier than the first. Equally smooth and crisp, you would really only notice the added hop in a side by side taste test.

As the brewery's first venture into seasonal beers, it cannot be overstated that this brew has matured well over the years. They describe their ale as having "subtle grassy character reminiscent of the freshly cut harvest."

At 7% alcohol content, don't be fooled by it's smooth flavour - it packs a little more punch than the Amsterdam ale. Thankfully, this beers pairs beautifully with most food.

IBU: 65

Alcohol Percentage: 7%

Beer Buddy Overall Score: 90%

Beer Buddy APA Score: 94%

3. Great Lakes Brewery: Saison DuPump

Brewed with saison Dupont yeast, the combination of word play and bilingualism had me rooting for this beer before I even tasted it. Add to that it's delightful festive label, and its satisfying golden orange colour, I could not wait to give it a try.

Nicely effervescent, and with all the expected funkiness of a saison, I was pleased to find that the pumpkin flavour infused into this beer is just noticeable enough to be unique while also subtle enough not to be overpowering.

While maybe a little niche, as a fan of saison beers, I was really happy to discover this beer this fall!

IBU: N/A

Alcohol Percentage: 5.2%

Beer Buddy Overall Score: 82%

Beer Buddy Saison Score: 68%

4. St Ambroise: Pumpkin Ale

If you're looking for the an unapologetic pumpkin beer, look no further than this pumpkin ale from St-Ambroise. This light-bodied dark beer has all the spices of your favourite pumpkin pie without the sickly sweetness (and a fraction of the calories).

This beer returns every year when the leaves start to change, and with its "delicate malty character and hint of sweetness," remains incredibly easy to drink.

Due to its flavour, some might find it difficult to session but as a stand-alone beer, it is sure to satisfy your fall craving!

IBU: 18

Alcohol Percentage: 5%

Beer Buddy Overall Score: 71%

Beer Buddy Spice/Herb/Vegetable Score: 88%

5. Indie Alehouse: It's Wabbit Season Carrot Cake Ale

Back by popular demand, It's Wabbit Season is sweeter this year than it has been in the past... which is good news for anyone with a sweet tooth, looking for a delicious autumnal dessert beer.

Born from a collaboration with home brewers Jennifer and Taylor Shute in 2013, "It's Wabbit Season," has been recreated year after year with slightly evolving recipes.

Much like how it sounds, this fan favourite is brewed with actual carrots along with all the spices used in a carrot cake recipe, and every year I am amazed at its uncanny likeness to the dessert. Likely the least effervescent beer of the lot, I would recommend it served as a stand-alone drink, rather than with food.

IBU: N/A

Alcohol Percentage: 6.8%

Beer Buddy Overall Score: 80%

Beer Buddy Spice/Herb/Vegetable Score: 91%

Did I miss any of your favourites? Let me know in the comments!

Remember to drink responsibly, abide by your local drinking age, and may the spirit of the season be with you.

*This post is not sponsored, but as a die hard fan of the app I thought I'd give them a shout out. For more info, check out their website: http://www.beerbuddyapp.com/