Brewers’ Favorites for Fall

Where INSIDERS SHARE THEIR OPINIONS

Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout, 8.5% ABV, Odell Brewing Company

Odell Brewing is an underrated brewery that’s spent the last couple of decades making fantastic beer up in Fort Fun. But Lugene Milk Chocolate Stout really sticks out. Lugene is one of those beers that amazes me because I simply don’t know how to make it. You don’t end up with a beer this delicious and balanced by throwing in sugar and chocolate and hoping for glory. You can tell they put some serious work into this. It’s a microcosm of what Odell does so damn well — combining an excellent quality control program with the willingness to experiment. Tie those things together and you end up with liquid black gold. 

Andy Parker, Chief Barrel Herder, Avery Brewing Co

 

Blind Sherpa Stout, 6.5% ABV, Alpine Dog Brewing Co. 

As stouts go, the Blind Sherpa from Alpine Dog Brewing Company is above the curve. The beauty of this beer is in the balance. Flavors of sweet chocolate, roasted malt, and rich coffee interplay with a mild hop bitterness to create a wonderful experience for the palate. The above-average carbonation level creates a smooth, creamy mouth-feel reminiscent of hot chocolate. At 6.5% ABV, the alcohol gives enough warmth for cold fall nights, yet is low enough to let you enjoy more than one. This beer has become one of my go-to favorites.

Max Filter, Head Brewer, Renegade Brewing Co.

 

Tropic King Barrel Aged Imperial Saison, 8.3% ABV, Funkwerks

Currently, one of my favorite beers to drink, when available, is Funkwerks’ Whisky King, a barrel-aged imperial saison. The beer has many of the recognizable traits of Funkwerks’ saison portfolio — a light palate of fruit and spice, subtle sweetness and creamy mouthfeel — but this one takes it a step further. The barrel-aging process adds a layer of caramel and vanilla that really rounds out the sweetness and makes the beer smooth. A very subtle oak character sneaks through in the finish to add a slight tannic acidity, which balances the sweetness and reminds you that it came from a really nice cask. 

Brandon Capps, Founder/Brew Captain, New Image Brewing

 

Pump[KY]n Bourbon Barrel-Aged Pumpkin Porter, 15% ABV, Avery Brewing

I have been currently enjoying a seasonal ale from Avery Brewing, Pump[KY]n. It is a porter brewed with pumpkin and spices, and aged in bourbon barrels. I typically do not favor bourbon barrel-aged beers, but this one has a smooth sweet bourbon flavor that complements the pumpkin. The beer has a warming alcohol finish that you would expect with a 15% ABV beer. It is a great seasonal porter worth having on a cold night.

Paul Kemp, Head Brewer, South Park Brewing

 

First Cast IPA, 6% ABV, Elevation Brewing Co. 

I absolutely love this beer. In a day and age where each brewery is trying to out-bludgeon the next one with hop bombs (which I am also OK with) it is a refreshing discovery. It is very hop forward, but follows up with a beautifully smooth malt character. At 6% ABV and only 60 IBUs, it’s not trying to implode your face. It is what I want in a “Session IPA”, which by my personal definition, is any IPA I want to drink for long sessions, regardless of alcohol content. Cheers to the Elevation Brew Crew. They nailed it on this one. 

Randy Schnose, Head Brewer/Hoperations Manager,
Riff Raff Brewing Co. 

 

Tangerine Cream, 5.2% ABV, Station 26 Brewing  

This beer is great because it balances a simple and refreshing lighter style ale base with a bright, fruity, citrus overtone; then rounds out the combination with rich, savory vanilla bean decadence. I can put several back without being weighed down and still appreciate its inviting complexity. The best part of all, it tastes like orange creamsicle pops! 

Shannon Madruga, Head Brewer, Elk Mountain Brewing

 

- Compiled by Dylan Hochstedler