Top Beers for Halloween: Brews to Raise Your Spirits
Oct 12, 2023
James Lipari
Halloween isn't just about costumes, candy, and spooky tales. For many adults, it's also a time to enjoy some chillingly good brews.
As the nights grow longer and the air gets cooler, there's nothing like sipping on a seasonal beer to get into the Halloween spirit. Here's a list of top beers that are perfect for your Halloween festivities:
- Pumpkin Ales: No Halloween beer list would be complete without mentioning pumpkin ales. Breweries from all over have their take on this autumnal favorite. Look for brews like
Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale or
Southern Tier's Pumking for a taste of fall in a glass.
- Stone Ghost Hammer IPA: This beer is as haunting as it sounds. With a name inspired by the mysterious sounds of the brewery at night, this IPA offers a light, floral aroma with a burst of hop-driven flavors.
- The Lost Abbey's Witch's Wit: A pale wheat ale with a touch of grapefruit zest, coriander, and dried orange slice. It's a refreshing choice for those who want something lighter but still thematic.
- New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin Ale: Named after the legendary headless horseman, this ale combines malted barley, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It's a delightful mix of sweet and spicy.
- Rogue Dead Guy Ale: This Maibock-style ale has a robust malt profile and a deceivingly smooth finish. The eerie, skeletal label design also makes it a perfect fit for Halloween night.
- Elysian Dark Knife: A seasonal Schwarzbier, or German Black Lager. It's brewed with pumpkin seeds, giving it a unique twist on the traditional dark lager.
- Ommegang's Game of Thrones: Three-Eyed Raven Dark Saison Ale: While not strictly Halloween-themed, the dark, brooding label and the mysterious aura of the Three-Eyed Raven make this beer a fitting choice for a night of frights.
- Magic Hat's Wilhelm Scream: This pumpkin ale boasts flavors of caramel and toffee, making it a sweet treat for the chilly October nights.
- Boulevard Brewing's Dark Truth Stout: With flavors of roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate, this stout is as dark as a moonless Halloween night.
- Midnight Sun's T.R.E.A.T: This imperial chocolate pumpkin porter is a real treat, indeed. Combining the rich flavors of cocoa, pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, it's like Halloween in a bottle.
Pairing Tips: Remember, the best way to enjoy these beers is with good company and some Halloween treats. Darker beers like stouts and porters pair wonderfully with chocolate candies, while the spicier pumpkin ales go great with caramel apples or cinnamon treats.
Conclusion: Whether you're hosting a Halloween party or just enjoying a quiet night in, these beers are sure to set the mood. So, light up that jack-o-lantern, put on your favorite scary movie, and crack open one of these chilling brews.
Cheers to a spooktacular Halloween! 🍻🎃 Why what? Book Your Boo brew tour today!
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?
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.
Hello fellow beer enthusiasts!
There are over 10 variants of this style!
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.)
