Halloween is the time of year where many adorn horrific, funny or sexy personas and party the night away, as a superhero, vampire or a sexy (insert noun here). The heat is gone, the weather is cooling and many people are gearing up for the holidays. A lot of different spices, smells and tastes come around at this of time of year, which is a change from light and zesty flavors of the hot summer months. When I think of the beers brewed for Halloween the line “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble” from Macbeth comes to mind. I have put together a list of spooky-brews to help you celebrate this unearthly of all holidays.

Wychwood Scarecrow Golden Ale - ABV 4.7%

This classic British Style Golden Ale (or Pale Ale) is made year round, but is a nice transition for the new craft beer drinker. The color is a radiant golden hue with a very thick head with little to no lacing. This brew promises to be a a classic British sytle ale, which should have a nice balance of  malted barley and hops. Unfortunately one gets a very thin golden ale that is “found wanting” more flavor,body and fuller after taste. This brew is great for the novice craft beer drinker who is used to light American Adjunct brews.

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin - ABV 8.0%

This “Pumpkin King” Imperial Ale sets the new standard for what a pumpkin ale should be. Most brews in this style are overly spicy, too “pumpkiny”, full of extract and are undrinkable. The brewers at Weyerbacher however figured out the correct spice to pumpkin ratio with just a touch of booziness to make this one of the most delicious brews around. This beer is perfect to drink during a cool fall night with a small slice of pie.

Coney Island Freaktoberfest -ABV 6.66%

If you are looking for a brew to set the mood at any respectable Hallows eve party, then look no further. This blood red lager version of a classic Oktoberfest was brewed using: 6 types of malts, 6 types of hops and at 6.66% ABV this brew is sure to conjure up the inner freak in all of us. The taste is hoppy upfront, followed by a slight  sweet, malty, berry flavor and has a nice dry finish.

Harpoon Classic Cider ABV- 4.1%

During the fall one reminisces of the fall carnival as a kid, dressed as a dragon eating candy and bobbing for apples. I’m usually not one for the sweeter brews, but this classic style cider,made with a blend of fresh locally grown New England apples, hits the spot. Unlike other ciders with traces of chemical off tastes and unnatural ingredients Harpoon’s Classic Cider, is a well rounded, light smooth tasting cider. Being not overly sweet and full of preservatives one could definitely have a few of these delicious treats.

Witches Brew Golden Triple ABV 9.3%

This incredibly light Golden Triple will “put a spell on you” with its tastes of grapefruit, sweet maltiness, classic Belgian Yeast and delicious grassy hop finish. Not only will everyone enjoy this delicious drinkable brew but you will only need a few glasses before the high ABV sneaks up and takes a hold or “bewitches” you. Not my typical choice for a Tripel but it is a great gateway brew to the Belgian scene and can be enjoyed by any palate.

All theses brews are not your typical fare and each is different in its own special way. From blood red lager to perfectly spiced pumpkin they will do the deed of tales of old and make Halloween pleasurable for every soul.

Cheers,

Thomas Barris

The Wild Cicerone