Fall is that magical time of year when people break out their flannels, the leaves change color, and beer takes a turn toward deeply fruited and spicy brews. Seasonals are nothing new to the craft beer world, but every year there is a challenge to come up with something new or improve upon last year’s brew.
This year, some of the Hudson Valley’s finest brewing operations have outdone themselves and created a bevy of beers you’ll be happy to savor all through sweater weather.
Oktoberfest, Märzen Doppelbock
Clemson Bros. Brewery, Middletown & New Paltz
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It’s only fair we kick off our list with a beer which borrows its name from the season’s boozy holiday: Oktoberfest! This seasonal release from Clemson Bros. is sweet and dark, making it the perfect beverage to enjoy on a cozy autumn evening—whether you order the 5.7-percent ABV doppelbock on tap or in a can to-go. For pairing, the brewery recommends seared meats and zesty Mexican food.
Autumn Landscape, Festbier Lager
Industrial Arts Brewing Company, Garnerville
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Sip this Festbier lager and notice notes of honey and toasty biscuit, with subtle floral, herbal, and citrus hints that make it a “proper bouquet” of American hops. This fall beer is a truly local product—it’s made with malts from the Hudson Valley and hops sourced exclusively from New York.
Oktoberfest, Märzen
Mill House Brewing Company, Poughkeepsie
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Mill House’s Cucumber Blessings and Velvet Panda might be perennial favorites, but Oktoberfest is all you’ll want to drink this autumn. At 5.4-percent ABV, the Märzen lager is highly drinkable, with a malty sweetness that screams fall in the Hudson Valley. It’s available on draft or in cans, because you’re probably going to want to grab a pack to go after sampling it at the restaurant.
Pumpkin Ale, Ale
Brown’s Brewing Company, Troy
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One of the hallmarks of the fall season is pumpkins galore, and this seasonal pumpkin ale will surely satisfy your craving for fall flavors. At seven-percent ABV, this autumnal beer tastes like pumpkin pie in a pint, only smoother. While you’re there, you can also try Festbier and Oktoberfest, two classic Bavarian Oktoberfest drinks.
(No) Pumpkin, Hazy IPA
Sloop Brewing Company, East Fishkill
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We would be remiss not to mention this pour from Sloop Brewing Company, which thumbs its nose at seasonal beer trends. Rather than brew a pumpkin-flavored ale for fall, Sloop puts a spin on its beloved hazy IPA as a more subtle nod to the season. In Sloop’s own words: “No nutmeg. No coriander. No pine trees. Just beautifully hazy IPAs.” Sounds good to us!
Bones Shirt, Black Lager
Suarez Family Brewery, Hudson
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This brewer-owned and -operated “mom and pop” beer shop offers up this flavor-packed beverage, perfect for a picnic with friends or date night with a beer snob. Bones Shirt is both lean and hoppy, gracing the palate with rich notes of tobacco and jasmine/Earl Grey tea, plus a signature cocoa powder and pumpernickel malt profile. The 4.9-percent ABV country beer is available for delivery or pickup at the Hudson location—so if you take a day trip to the artsy riverside city, be sure to squeeze in a stop to the Suarez family.
Cauldrife, Wild Ale
Plan Bee Farm Brewery, Poughkeepsie
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This dark beer is a twist on the classic Barn Beer, with notes of roasted wheat to maximize the fall flavor. Pick up a bottle to go, or sip slowly on a glass while you take in the stunning fall foliage surrounding the 25-acre farm. In the spirit of the fall harvest season, many ingredients are grown directly onsite—and the rest sourced locally in New York State.
Dark Hollow, Chocolate Porter
West Kill Brewery, West Kill
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Don’t be fooled by the spooky name of this beer! Its taste is reminiscent of the velvety and sweet chocolate that makes us feel warm inside. However, the can’s design shares a vibe with its name; creepy-looking moths crowd a dimly lit lamp in front of a pitch-black backdrop. This porter keeps it local on the cocoa front, too, using cacao nibs from Catskills-based Fruition Chocolate Works for the aging process.
The Octo Pumpkin Ale, Ale
River Outpost Brewing Company, Peekskill
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With a name like Octo Pumpkin, this spiced pumpkin beer is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. Brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and pumpkin, this 6.2-percent ABV beer tastes like autumn in a glass. You can also take home this spooky drink in a can—but beware the black label with a carved pumpkin head and twisting tentacles!
Czech’rd Past, Pilsner
Chatham Brewing, Chatham
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This fall beer is a Bohemian-style pilsner, in case you’ve already had too much pumpkin spice this season. The can boasts classic Halloween thriller imagery, with a tattooed woman holding a gun inside a barbed wire border. Chatham Brewing says, “It’s best served cold, like revenge, it’s the choice to make when you can’t make any more mistakes.”
Related: Bake These Chocolate Stout Oatmeal Cookies for Beer Lovers
