The Best Beers to Sip This September
Sep 01, 2023
James Lipari
Ah, September! The month when the scorching heat of summer begins to mellow, leaves start to show hints of autumnal colors, and our tastes naturally shift towards richer, more robust flavors.
Ah, September! The month when the scorching heat of summer begins to mellow, leaves start to show hints of autumnal colors, and our tastes naturally shift towards richer, more robust flavors. While crisp summer lagers and tangy wheat beers have their moments in the sun, September invites a palette of beers that bridge the gap between summer refreshment and autumn warmth. Here’s our list of the best beers to indulge in as the seasons transition:
- Oktoberfest/Märzen: Originating from Bavaria, these beers are brewed in March and left to mature through the summer. Come September, they’re a perfect blend of malty sweetness with a clean, dry finish. Notable picks include Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest and Samuel Adams OctoberFest.
- Brown Ales: As we edge towards cooler days, the malty, caramel, and chocolate notes of brown ales feel just right. Try Newcastle Brown Ale or Brooklyn Brown Ale for a delightful malty experience.
- Pumpkin Ales: No list for September would be complete without this. Infused with the flavors of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, pumpkin ales epitomize fall in a glass. Dogfish Head Punkin Ale and Southern Tier Pumking are top contenders in this category.
- Saison/Farmhouse Ales: While traditionally a summer beer, the spicy and fruity notes of saisons make them excellent for early fall. A personal favorite is Saison Dupont, but there are many local breweries producing exemplary saisons that are worth exploring.
- Fresh Hop Ales: September is the time for hop harvest, and many breweries take advantage of the fresh hops to create aromatic and flavorful ales. They’re vibrant, grassy, and incredibly aromatic. Keep an eye out for local breweries releasing these limited edition beers.
- Barleywines: These are for those chilly September nights. Rich, strong, and filled with notes of dark fruit, toffee, and sometimes a hint of alcohol warmth, barleywines are perfect for sipping slowly. Anchor Old Foghorn and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot are excellent choices.
- Amber Ales: Straddling the line between the lightness of summer and the depth of fall, amber ales offer toasty malt flavors combined with a moderate hop bitterness. Try Alaskan Amber or Bell's Amber Ale for a well-balanced experience.
Pairing with September Fare:
Pair these beers with classic September foods: Oktoberfest beers with bratwurst and sauerkraut, pumpkin ales with cinnamon-roasted nuts or pumpkin pies, and brown ales with roasted vegetables.
September offers a kaleidoscope of flavors when it comes to beer. It’s a month of transition, and the beers perfectly reflect the evolving landscape and mood. So, next time you’re out on a cool September evening, consider reaching for one of these brews, and toast to the beauty of transition and change.
Cheers to September and its symphony of flavors! 🍻
Exploring Austin's Craft Beer Scene: A Group Guide to Brew Bus Tours
As the wedding day approaches, it’s tradition for friends to gather and celebrate the groom's final days of bachelorhood. And what better way to do so than by indulging in a wine or beer tour in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas?
Halloween isn't just about costumes, candy, and spooky tales. For many adults, it's also a time to enjoy some chillingly good brews.
Hello fellow beer enthusiasts!
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As any self-respecting Austinite will tell you, the spirit of Texas's capital city can be found in two iconic places: a bustling barbecue pit and a cozy craft brewery. You're about to embark on a culinary tour of Austin, where mouthwatering BBQ and distinctive craft beers form the heart of a gastronomic love story as bold and robust as the city itself. 1. Franklin Barbecue and Austin Beerworks We'll begin our tour at the world-renowned Franklin Barbecue, a place where the uninitiated quickly become converts of the Texan BBQ philosophy: low and slow. Franklin's tender brisket, smoked to perfection over post oak wood, melts in your mouth. Pair this BBQ marvel with a cold pint from Austin Beerworks. We recommend the Fire Eagle American IPA. With its bold, hoppy flavor and a slight caramel finish, it complements Franklin's brisket beautifully, cutting through the richness and providing a refreshing contrast. 2. La Barbecue and Lazarus Brewing Next up is La Barbecue, where the smoky allure of Central Texas-style BBQ meets a culinary twist. The El Sancho sandwich—brisket or pulled pork enveloped in a soft bun—is a crowd favorite. After you've secured your sandwich, take a trip to Lazarus, an award winning brewery with a love for innovation. Try their 40 Days and 40 Nights, an American IPA with a mix of tropical fruit, citrus, and floral notes. The bright, hop-forward beer pairs well with the El Sancho, providing a tangy counterpoint to the savory meats. 3. Micklethwait Craft Meats and Zilker Brewing Company Micklethwait Craft Meats delivers a unique BBQ experience with their succulent beef ribs and homemade sausage. Their commitment to quality, coupled with inventive side dishes, makes for a memorable meal. When it comes to the brew, Zilker Brewing Company is our chosen companion. Their Marco IPA, with its juicy, citrusy profile and slightly bitter finish, balances the fatty goodness of Micklethwait's beef ribs while enhancing the spicy notes of the sausage. 4. Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ and Jester King Brewery Finally, let's head south to Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ, where the fusion of Texas BBQ and Mexican cuisine creates magic. The Real Deal Holyfield taco—a divine combo of brisket, bacon, and egg—is a must-try. Pair this unique fare with a visit to the nearby Jester King Brewery. Known for their farmhouse ales, Jester King offers the perfect companion in Le Petit Prince Farmhouse Table Beer. With its subtle malty sweetness and a hint of spicy yeast character, this beer enhances the flavors of the Real Deal Holyfield without overpowering them. Austin's BBQ and beer scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. The beauty lies in the symbiotic relationship between the rich, smoky flavors of Texas BBQ and the broad spectrum of craft beers the city's breweries offer. So, why wait? Let Austin's craft brews and succulent BBQ transport you on a gastronomic journey you won't soon forget! (Note: Always enjoy alcohol responsibly and be aware of your limits. Drink local, eat local, and support local.)
