While pumpkin beers may be viewed by some as cute or tasty in the same view pumpkin spiced lattes are seen, there are some pumpkin beers that are anything but cute, but are most definitely tasty and big.

High ABV beers are perfect for the colder months as they help keep us warm and also help to stave off the complete boredom of being stuck inside for hours on end. Pumpkin beers are also great for cooler autumn evenings as the flavors are synonymous with this time of year. Thankfully, some brewers have decided to make delicious high ABV pumpkin beers.

These beers are full of wonderful pumpkin spice aromatics and flavors but also pack a larger than average ABV to help transition into the colder evenings. While these beers are most definitely delicious the high ABV may be too much for some, so take heed these beers are not for the faint of heart, but if you are brave enough to try them you will most definitely be rewarded.

1. Avery Brewing Company – Rumpkin: This rum barrel aged imperial pumpkin ale varies in ABV from year to year, but is always in the double digits and this year comes in at a whopping 18 percent ABV. This is a pumpkin beer perfect for sipping on a fall evening. The warming pumpkin spices, rum and sweet malt bill are perfectly balanced and make for a big beer that is surprisingly easy drinking, but be sure to take your time with this one.

2. Harpoon Brewery – Imperial Pumpkin: The pumpkin ale category encompasses a wide range of base beer styles and Harpoon decided to use an imperial stout base for their 10.5 percent ABV Imperial Pumpkin. Rich notes of chocolate, dried red fruits and coffee intermingle with a hefty dosing of pumpkin spices for a smooth and filling ale that goes perfect with an assortment of pumpkin desserts.

3. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Rum Pumpkin: How do you improve on a delicious and well brewed Pumpkin Saison? If you’re Hardywood, just age it in Caribbean rum barrels for a few months and you’ll a have delicious 10.5 percent ABV, incredibly smooth and complex pumpkin ale. Decadent flavors of molasses, brown sugar, spiced rum and pumpkin spice combine for a beer that is a wonderful drinking experience. After all, isn’t that what we look for in the fall season?

4. Heavy Seas Beers- Great’ER Pumpkin: This 10 percent ABV behemoth is aged in bourbon barrels giving it a deep flavor profile that enhances the sweet malts. Brown sugar and pumpkin spices are apparent throughout while the barrels impart notes of oak and vanilla to drive home this is not a light beer. This is a great beer to share with friends while watching a horror movie.

This list has some great beers to try for new and seasoned drinkers that will enhance the fall season. Keep in mind these beers should be enjoyed slowly and can even use a bit of warming up to fully unlock all the wonders that are trapped within.

Derek Warren is a beer fanatic, avid homebrewer and beer historian. Derek can be heard weekly on the Beer Geeks Radio Hour at noon on Sundays on WILK 103.1 FM with past episodes available on iTunes.

By Derek Warren

For Weekender

Rumpkin beer is one of many high alcohol by volume beers flavored with pumpkin spices.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_rumbarrels.jpgRumpkin beer is one of many high alcohol by volume beers flavored with pumpkin spices.