Michigan Drinks: Pumpkin Beers

One thing I have been wanting to explore and blog about is Michigan made beer, wine and spirits. So periodically, I will be having fun tastings and blogging about my discoveries.

I don’t claim to know a ton about beer and wine, so you won’t find me commenting a ton on the “hoppy notes” of beer or the “body” of wine. I simply am a girl with eclectic taste buds, an open mind, and a passion for Michigan. Supporting Michigan companies {and toasting to them} is an easy way I like to help our economy 😉

For this installment, I chose two pumpkin beers to test because let’s be honest, pumpkin-inspired coffee and candles are nice and all, but pumpkin beer is where it’s at this season! The two I tested are available state-wide at Meijer stores and beyond.

ARCADIA ALES’ JAW-JACKER {Made in Battle Creek}

Description: “This spiced amber-wheat ale is our celebration of the arrival of Autumn. Using the finest malted barley and little wheat for mouthfeel, Jaw-Jacker displays a brilliant orange-amber color, despite the absence of pumpkin in the recipe. The addition of cinnamon, all-spice and nutmeg (in the exact proportions of our brewer’s Grandmother’s pumpkin pie recipe) creates a refreshingly spicy, season brew.”

Alcohol by Volume {ABV}: 6 percent

Taste: I love that this beer isn’t afraid of flavor and it actually tastes like fall to me. With that said, since it doesn’t actually include pumpkin in the recipe, maybe it isn’t quite fair to call it a pumpkin ale. If you enjoy the taste of spice and cinnamon in your beer, this is for you. Personally, I love the flavor it has, but it’s not for everyone. My husband, who is not into sweets at all, wasn’t a huge fan. I do think pairing this with a fall-inspired treat will bring out its best.

NEW HOLLAND BREWING COMPANY’S ICHABOD {Made in Holland}

Description: “Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. A rewarding complement to many dishes, Ichabod pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert.”

Alcohol by Volume {ABV}: 5.2 percent

Taste: Despite using pumpkin in the formula, this wasn’t quite as fall tasting to me as the Jaw-Jacker. I loved the taste at the first sip, but found I didn’t dig the aftertaste as much, as it seemed to almost turn bitter. If you enjoy an ale that has just a bit of pumpkin, but not an over-powering flavor, this one may be for you. I found it to be fairly similar to Oktoberfest brews I have tasted. My husband preferred this one over the Jaw-Jacker.

NOTE: I tried both of these in bottles. I highly suggest trying on draft instead because I do think it makes a huge difference in flavor.

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Other notable pumpkin beers I’ve tried that were new to me this year are Griffin Claw Brewing Company’s Screamin’ Pumpkin {Birmingham, Mich.} and Eternity Brewing’s Pumpkin Pie Porter {Howell, Mich.}. Both were seriously excellent in my opinion, but I feel like that is just the difference you can experience from draft versus a bottle.

Overall, I invite you to take the Michigan pumpkin beer challenge! Supporting these Michigan made pumpkin brews is the perfect way to celebrate fall and Halloween.

Cheers!

What are your favorite Michigan pumpkin beers?