Tis the season for gathering outside, huddling around the flame and enjoying a dark brew

By David Young

As winter quickly approaches, it's time to light those fire pits and grab a local brew. Enjoying a craft beer around a warm fire this season is one of the most Colorado experiences you can have, and local breweries are contributing to the vibe with their own fire pits.

We’ve highlighted some Colorado breweries that not only make a great fall brew, but also pair that with a nice fire pit on their respective patios.

So, whether you are bringing a six-pack home to enjoy around your own fire pit or heading out to a local brewery to get toasty, here are 10 fall Colorado brews that pair best with a fire. And feel free to let us know what you are drinking around the fire this fall.

Cerberus Brewing Company - Cerberus Johnny Marrzen

Colorado Springs

Head south this fall to check out the Marzen lager created by this Colorado Springs brewery. The malt and bready notes so associated with Oktoberfest are perfect for a smoky fire pit session. At 5.9% ABV, this Marzen is perfect for a long afternoon of sipping.

Gilded Goat Brewing Company - Bourbon Barrel Festbier

Fort Collins

This brewery in the Choice City has a fire pit as well as overhead heaters to keep you nice and toasty while enjoying a pint or two. Their Bourbon Barrel Festbier is also sure to warm you up. Aged in Talnua Distillery bourbon barrels, this Festbier clocks in at 7.4% ABV.

Golden City Brewery - The Geologist

Golden

We love a good doppelbock this time of year, and Golden City Brewing delivers with The Geologist. Cheekily dubbed Golden’s second-largest brewery, Golden City’s The Geologist, clocks in at 9% ABV. This malty brew is made for cool, crisp fall evenings. Paired with a patio fire and a warm sweater, you are good to go.

Holidaily Brewing Co. - Patchy Waters Pumpkin Ale

Golden

Pumpkin is popular this time of year – we could have made a list of just pumpkin brews to drink by the fire. But if you just have an opportunity to try one pumpkin beer, the Patchy Waters Pumpkin Ale is a nice choice. This smooth pumpkin ale is gluten-free and uses real organic pumpkin and fall spices. If it’s sold out, their Fat Randy’s IPA is a nice alternative, as the ski label will get you in the mood for even colder weather.

Littleton Brew Co. - Pumpkin Hex Lager

Littleton

If a pumpkin spice latte is your speed this season, then the Pumpkin Hex Lager is likely your fire pit brew of choice. The Littleton brewery has an inviting patio space, complete with a fire pit that is a great place to raise a glass with a friend. The Pumpkin Hex Lager is made using Colorado Cascade hops, imparting a rich, sweet spice flavor.

New Terrain Brewing Co. - Tmave Pivo Czech-Style Dark Lager

Golden

Dark nights lit by a warm fire call for a dark beer. The New Terrain Tmave Pivo Czech-Style Dark Lager fits the bill nicely. The rich dark brew is full of malt and has a paradoxical light body. The result is an easy-drinking, 5.1% ABV beer that is only available at the brewery.

Odell Brewing Co. - Isolation Ale

Denver & Fort Collins

Odell has two locations with patios featuring fire pits: its home base in Fort Collins and the 30th and Larimer Street location in Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood. Annual favorite Isolation Ale is the ideal seasonal release that goes great with a fire pit. The winter warmer is made using traditional malts from England, giving it the toasted biscuit signature taste.

Sanitas Brewing Company - Munich Lager

Boulder

A Munich Lager is always in season this time of year. Full of bready, hearty malts balanced by light hop notes, the Sanitas traditional German-style dark lager is a great choice to drink next to the fire. You’ll have to hurry because Sanitas is closing its three locations by Dec. 20.

Strange Craft Beer Company - Dr. Strangelove Barleywine

Denver

Few things say fall like a big burly barleywine. Strange Craft’s Dr. Strangelove Barleywine is the brewery's first attempt at creating a big beer that is still nice and drinkable. Complete with a high ABV, yet still light, the brew is full of toffee and dried fruit notes, matching the three pounds of hops used in every barrel. It will warm your insides while the fire warms your outside.

Wibby Brewing - Moondoor Dunkel

Longmont

Supple and crisp could describe the season or the beer, which is why Wibby’s Moondoor Dunkel dark lager makes for a great fall fire beer. A silver medal GABF winner in 2017, this medium-bodied brew has hints of chocolate and is best enjoyed by the fire pit at the Longmont brewery.