Seasonal beers we’re sipping on this fall

So much beer, so little time. That’s a sentiment that rings especially true in San Diego in the fall. With bottle-shops stocking up on all those seasonal specialties and bars scrambling to find kegs of this seasons’ “unicorn-beers,” you have some craft-beer drinking to do.

Check out some of our favorite fall brews worthy of a taste this fall.

Ninkasi Brewing: Sleigh’r

Style: Alt Ale

ABV: 7.2%

This seasonal, Oregon brew is winter-themed all of the way down to the way it’s fermented. Alt ales are fermented with ale yeast at colder temperatures, meaning the taste comes out fresher than your standard ale. The deep, roast-y flavor with a dry finish is still quite crisp, yet provides that nutty taste we look for in an alt.

The Bruery: 8 Maids-a-milking

Style: Imperial Milk Stout

ABV: 11.5%

Yes, the name is also a line from the classic Christmas song, “12 Days of Christmas.” This beer is the eighth edition in the series of 12 from The Bruery. The sweet, malty stout has an overwhelmingly milk-chocolate flavor. It’s extra creamy, too, thanks to that lactose-addition.

Elysian Brewing: Punkuccino

Style: Pumpkin Ale

ABV: 5%

This brew is comfort in a pint glass. The specialty, seasonal beer is brewed with Stumptown coffee toddy, nutmeg and cinnamon. Pumpkin pie plus beer equals major yum if done as smoothly as Elysian does it.

Ballast Point: Bourbon Barrel Aged Sextant

Style: Oatmeal Stout

ABV: 5.5%

The earthy, velvety oatmeal stout is rich yet drinkable. The nitro-treatment on this gem is what makes it ridiculously smooth, while still retaining a dry, boozy quality.

Modern Times: Monster’s Park Imperial Stout

Style: Imperial Stout

ABV: 12%

Big, bold, dark and toasted. The Modern Times’ beer is a chocolate-y, coffee-based experience and a fall-to-Christmas staple in the making. Think hot chocolate cappuccino, but cold and for grown-ups.

Source: DiscoverSD