Best Fall Beers from Our Industry Experts

Best Fall Beers

Fall has arrived and with it, all of the best fall beers of the season. If there’s one good thing about the weather becoming a little cooler, it’s these beers that keep us warm. We wanted to know what our industry experts drink in the fall, so we surveyed them to get a jumpstart on stocking our fridge.

 

What’s your favorite beer to drink during the fall?

Jason Kallini  – Key Account Manager Anheuser-Busch

Amber ales and lagers; not a single favorite brand, but Blue Point Toasted Lager, Red/Rye IPAs, and Oktoberfest-style Marzens

These beers have a rich malt body, with notes of caramel, toasted bread crust, rye, and a sweet middle from the malt. Usually, there’s a crisp, floral, earthy, or resinous pine finish. Pair these styles with oysters, cured seafood (ceviche, etc.), and roast dishes like pork, turkey, and roasted veggies. These beers are best enjoyed while grilling, or at Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Bryan Farbisz – Boston Beer Company National Account Manager

Sam Adams Octoberfest 

Sam Octoberfest is a smooth malty reddish-brown lager with caramel & toffee notes. Pair it with pretzel bites, sausages, burgers, or ribs. This beer is best while watching football with pretzels and good mustard.

 

Ken Henricks -President of Alter Brewing

Hell Hazed Over from Alter BrewingHell Hazed Over fall beer image

At 8.1% ABV, this is a Double NE Style IPA with incredible passion fruit and citrus aromas. It’s definitely hard to believe from the flavor profile this beer clocks in at 8.1%. Delicious! Pair with foods high in fat like burgers, steaks, red meat, or anything spicy. This beer is best while doing anything that doesn’t require you to operate a motorized vehicle.

 

Amy Probasco – Mixologist – Beam Suntory

Amber Ales: New Belgium Fat Tire, Bell’s Amber, Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale, and Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale

These beers are not as heavy as stouts/porters but have more body and complexity than a Pilsner. They are high in maltiness, with caramel and fruit notes. Amber Ales are typically toasty and full of flavor but remain clean, refreshing, and light enough to drink more than one of them. Pair with all things fall for the tailgate season! Grilled meats, burgers, sausages, BBQ chicken, and pizza. They also go amazingly well with cheddar cheese. These beers are best while watching fall football and perfect for tailgating, grilling, backyard BBQs, hayrides, and pumpkin carving.

 

Tibby Price – Key Account Manager – Goose Island

Goose Island Oktoberfest

An easy-drinking German lager with sweet caramel malt notes. Pair with anything, but especially burgers. This beer is best while doing anything active and watching sports.

 

Bridget Dunham – Senior National Account Manager – Beam Suntory

Modelo but I’m really enjoying the Bud Light Seltzers-Strawberrymodelo craft beer image

Rich, comforting, and a great mouthfeel for the Modelo. Refreshing and energizing for the BLS. Pair with burgers & sandwiches. Both are best while watching sports and being with friends outside.

 

What new beer are you excited about this fall, 2020?

Jason Kallini  – Key Account Manager Anheuser-Busch

Devil’s Backbone Munchen on Hops collaboration with Spaten. But for something available in Illinois, Spaten Optimator doppelbock

 

swedda weather fall beer image

Bryan Farbisz – Boston Beer Company National Account Manager

Truly Strawberry Lemonade

 

Ken Henricks -President of Alter Brewing

The return of Swedda Wedda – Alter Brewing’s seasonal oatmeal stout

 

Amy Probasco – Mixologist – Beam Suntory

I love trying all of the fall/winter spiced Ales that I can. I’m looking forward to a few different varieties but am always excited for the release of Great Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest and Christmas Ale

 

So there you have it, a guide to the best fall beers from the experts. What’s on your list of best fall beers? Let us know on social media. You can also view more beverage-related topics on our blog. Happy fridge-stocking!