By Caitlyn Holroyd
High on the list of reasons I love Fall (right up there with cozy sweaters, crisp air, and butternut squash soup) is pumpkin ale. I love pumpkin in just about every form, but beer is by far my most favourite and although I’m no beer connoisseur, I’ve tried my fair share of pumpkin beers and would like to convert you all into pumpkin beer drinkers. Here’s my list for the best pumpkin-flavoured ales worth sipping all Autumn long.
Great Lakes Brewery Pumpkin Ale
My go-to beer for Fall, Great Lake’s pumpkin ale is crisp and spicy, with a healthy amount of pumpkin added directly into the brew. $4.95 for 650 mL (LCBO).
Nightmare on Mill Street Pumpkin Ale
When it comes to seasonal beers, Mill Street knows their stuff. Their Lemon Tea Beer was a huge hit this past summer and naturally, their Fall beer is equally as satisfying (and has one of the coolest beer names ever). Slightly more spicy than pumpkiny with a pie-crust finish.
St-Ambroise Pumpkin Ale
St. Ambroise’s pumpkin ale has one of the best aromas, smelling of baking spices, ginger, sweet malt, and pumpkin. Medium-bodied, well-balanced, and dry in taste. $9.95 for 4×341 mL (LCBO).
Grand River Brewing Highballer Pumpkin Ale
Sold in an adorable bottle, this beer from Cambridge, Ont. is orange with a white frothy top and smells of pumpkin pie, cinnamon, and vanilla. A tad more fruity than pumpkiny with a bitter finish. $3.50 for 500 mL (LCBO).