The pumpkin spice latte isn’t the only iconic fall beverage. Pumpkin beer, a beer that tastes like pumpkin spice, also makes its debut in restaurants in autumn—and Americans love it. In fact, pumpkin beer and other seasonal beers make up 15-25% of the craft beer market. That’s a lot of people seeking out unique, festive flavors for their beer each year. As soon as September rolls around, restaurants start getting asked when pumpkin ales will hit the taps, and customers are always sad to see the season end. However, the arrival of Christmas ales as the weather cools offers something just as exciting to look forward to.
If you’ve never tried pumpkin beer, you may be wondering how it’s made to taste like pumpkin, or if it even tastes good. Let’s dive into the craft of making pumpkin beer first and explore some of the most popular brands to see how they differ in flavor.
How is Pumpkin Beer Made?
Pumpkin beer is brewed like other beers but with a special twist—pumpkin! Traditionally, brewers add real pumpkin into the mash, which is the first stage of brewing, where grain is steeped in hot water. Some brewers use pumpkin puree or concentrate, while others add pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove during fermentation for that iconic fall flavor. Whether the beer is brewed with real pumpkin or simply the spices, each batch of pumpkin beer offers a distinctive taste that varies based on the brewing method.
When Was Pumpkin Beer Invented?
The first mention of pumpkin beer dates back to the 18th century when early colonists used pumpkin as a fermentable sugar source in place of traditional grains. Pumpkins were plentiful, while malt was harder to come by, making it a practical choice for brewing beer.
However, the pumpkin beer we know and love today didn’t really take off until the 1980s. Buffalo Bill’s Brewery in Hayward, California, is often credited with bringing pumpkin beer back to the modern craft beer scene when they brewed a beer inspired by George Washington’s recipe. Since then, it has grown into a beloved fall tradition for beer enthusiasts.
What Does Pumpkin Beer Taste Like?
Pumpkin beer flavors can vary, but the most common profile is a warm, spicy taste reminiscent of pumpkin pie. You’ll often find notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice blending with the malty sweetness of the beer itself. Some brewers go for a more subtle pumpkin flavor, letting the beer’s hops and malts shine through with just a hint of spice, while others create bold, dessert-like brews with intense pumpkin and spice flavors.
The body of the beer can also range from light and crisp to rich and creamy, depending on the style. Many pumpkin beers lean toward the ale side, but there are lagers and even stouts infused with pumpkin and spice, offering an array of choices for different palates. Whether you like your beer sweet, spicy, or with a touch of earthy pumpkin, there’s likely a pumpkin beer that will suit your taste.
Cheers to Pumpkins and Beer!
Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or new to the world of pumpkin beers, autumn is the perfect time to try something new. With its unique blend of spices, pumpkin beer offers a festive twist on traditional brews that is hard to resist. From light and refreshing to bold and warming, there’s a pumpkin beer out there for everyone to enjoy. So, this fall, raise a glass and toast to the flavors of the season!
