Pumpkin Ales Growing in Popularity

Craft brewers have been making pumpkin ales for a long time in the United States. While many other specialty brews are European-based, America’s surplus of the classic gourd makes the now-popular seasonal ale a staple in area liquor stores.

“Pumpkin ales have definitely gotten more popular in the craft beer department,” Adam Schleier, who works in the beer department, . “People are getting away from macro breweries, like Samuel Adams, for instance, and are trying more microbrews now.”

Pumpkin ales have become the most seasonally awaited beer on the market today, Schleier said, because the quality and quantity of the brews has increased and improved.

Some of these ales, like Fegley’s Devious Imperial Pumpkin, which is produced in Allentown, Pa., sold out at Gary’s three to four days after it was put on shelves.

At , assistant manager Travis Della Volpe finds that, still, more customers buy pumpkin ales made by Blue Moon and Samuel Adams more than the craft brew pumpkin ales like Post Road and Smuttynose.

“People trust a brand name and they continue to buy it,” Della Volpe said.

The popularity of other pumpkin-based products has contributed to the rise of pumpkin ale, according to people in the industry.

“You can’t go into a grocery store without finding a pumpkin product,” said Meghan Fraser, marketing coordinator of F.X. Brewing Company.

Fraser said brewers don’t know how an ale will taste until after it is made, so each year, brewers to perfect their formula to make it tastier and more appealing to a greater audience.

Pumpkin Ales Sold in Wayne

Southern Tier “Pumpking” at Gary’s: Schleier said this ale tastes like “liquid pumpkin pie with a graham cracker finish.” Since graham crackers can’t actually be brewed with the ale, how Southern Tier makes this brew is a coveted secret among craft brewers, Schleier said.

Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale at Bottle King: Bottle King’s most popular pumpkin ale. It is heavy on the spices with subtle hints of fruit and has a good carbonation. Brewed in California. ABV: 5.2 percent.

Dog Fish Head “Punkin” at Gary’s and Bottle King: It is a standard, full-bodied pumpkin ale that has hints of pumpkin, spices, and brown sugar. Brewed in Delaware. ABV: 7 percent.

Wayerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale at Gary’s: This ale is hearty and spicier than many of its seasonal counterparts. It has hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. A bolder choice for people who prefer more medium-bodied ales. ABV: 8 percent. Brewed in Pennsylvania.

Post Road Pumpkin Ale at Bottle King or Gary’s: This ale has a dark color, is a bit lighter than others, and has a caramel flavor to it. ABV: 5 percent. Brewed in Brooklyn.