“The Beers of Fall,” OR “A Great Time To Beer Alive!”

“Oh, the times, they are a chaaaangin’!” Bob Dylan had it right, but we can apply his sentiment to the wonderful world of craft beer today…on more than one level. The leaves are turning; the hot, arid air and hazy skies are becoming clear, bright and blue and our craft beer selection is following suit.

Gone, soon, will be the lighter, thirst quenchers of Summer. In our glasses, we’ll replace them with brighter, more colorful and robust Fall lagers and ales. And our selection, right now, is greater than at any other time in craft beer’s history.

Call it the Craft Beer Renaissance. Call it a connoisseur “awakening.” Call it whatever you’d like, but certainly take advantage of it.  When choosing craft beer for your table or glass this time of year, consider all your choices and the variety of styles availed to us now, unlike any time before.  And the life of a “Beer Sommelier” has never been more exciting!

We’re now thinking about beer in a whole new way; as the complex, versatile beverage it is.  It’s as perfect a match with braised lamb chops, as it is with Thai Curry or Buffalo chicken wings. And don’t even get me started on the sublime pairings of a Belgian Blonde Ale with artisanal cheese, or a Russian Imperial Stout with bittersweet chocolate!

The beers of Fall (the German lagers such as Oktoberfests, at least), are really brewed months earlier…traditionally in March (Märzen). The word “lager” actually means “to store” in German. And that’s exactly what happens after these beers are brewed…they’re cold-stored for months, so that they can finish fermenting over the Summer. Then, all the yeast falls out and they become clear, crisp and malty…just in time for Fall.

This time of year, we also look forward to the slightly heavier, warming qualities of those beers that are purposely made stronger and richer; the exact qualities we cherish, while sitting by that first fire of the season. Or maybe after burgers, but before roasting marshmallows, at the cool-weathered camping trip you’ve been planning for weeks.

When updating your beer lists and draft selections for Fall, consider these style choices. Some are year-‘round and some should be hitting the shelves soon, but they all whisper “autumn” to my ear and palate:

• Spiced/Pumpkin Beers: What could be more reminiscent of carving that pumpkin, when you were a kid…or taking that first bite of pumpkin pie, with family all huddled around? Amber colored and malty, these beers have hints of spices, like clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Consider one with your dessert this season.

• Oktoberfest Lagers: The preeminent style for the fall season. You know it’s Fall, when a huge, 1L mug of crisp, clear, copper-hued goodness is placed before you. A true “session” beer, this lightly sweet and effervescent lager is meant to be drunk while sitting with friends, telling stories of the season. Or more likely, blowing off some steam from a tough week! Great with pork chops, roasted turkey, scalloped potatoes, or light sausages.

• Weizenbocks: Rich, dark and fruity, these wheat ales are just strong enough to stand up to those chilly fall evenings. They’re not so strong, though, that you can’t enjoy more than one. Hints of apple, banana and bready yeast make this one a perfect match with many cheeses. Try it with Brie or Camembert…yum!

• Scottish/Scotch Ales: Maltier than most beer styles, Scottish Ales are usually dark and can be quite strong…when brewed as a “Wee Heavy.” But all versions of this beer are just about devoid of hops, as they historically have never grown in Scotland. Some characteristics you can expect from this style are dark fruits, some roast and nuttiness, and possibly a hint of peat and smoke. This style pairs notoriously well with many chocolates. It’s sweet, malty (and occasionally chocolaty) backbone, and absence of hops, are perfectly suited to the creamy, sweetness of many chocolates. Pass on the fruit-flavored chocolates, though, as they may throw off the balance between these two.

We’re extremely fortunate. Many intricate styles, like these, were once only available from their countries of origin, or if you happened to befriend a home-brewer. Because of this “craft beer revolution,” we’re availed to all these wonderful, obscure and complex beers, locally. If your distributor doesn’t carry a beer, brewery or line of beers that you’d like to offer, just ask. They’ll not only respect your expanding knowledge of the craft, but the fact that they won’t have to read your mind, in order to bring you the best they have to offer. Viva la Revolution!!

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