Over the weekend I had the chance to sample some of the local breweries fall offerings.

Slyfox Oktoberfest

From Slyfox, an entry in the Oktoberfest category of brews. Their aptly named Oktoberfest poured copper/gold with about a 1/2″ head on it. It drank with a smoothness that is nice and the spice taste at the end was minimal, a design that I like in Oktoberfest styles. Nothing remarkable, but a good example of the style. I think it is well-rounded.

It was an enjoyable brew and when finished, I could have had a few more.

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale

On the same evening I opened my first Pumpkin Ale of the evening. Pumpkin’s are one of my favorites and it is the beginning of the fall/winter brewing to me. I am sure I will be corrected on that, but I think of them like going back to school and leaves changing color; it is autumn when they begin to arrive at the pub. This year’s offering from Weyerbacher has quite the description from their site:

This 8.0% ABV pumpkin ale is heartier, spicier, and more “caramelly” and “pumpkiny” than its faint brethren!
Perfect finisher on a cool autumn night, or match it up with a slice of pumpkin pie and fresh whipped cream.
If you don’t agree this is the mother of all pumpkin ales, then you just don’t like mothers!

I love my mother, so I guess I have to agree. Ok , just kidding - about the brew, not Mom. It is big, with a giant spice character. Bigger than any pumpkin ale I have had before. The spices - especially the cloves and nutmeg - are all over and big. I liked it but wished for some more pumpkin sweetness to match up. It was a bit imbalanced in my opinion as a result. The big ALC % gave a great warming feeling as you worked through it. That was very enjoyable.