Food & Drink
A Guide to Our Favorite Fall Beers & Ciders
Discover the best fall beers and hard ciders available from across the craft brewing industry and great foods to pair with them
October 30, 2020
Fall is here and that means seasonal beers and ciders are back in stock! Alongside pumpkin spice everything, apple cider is among the most iconic fall flavors. Sometimes you’re in the mood for a pumpkin spice latte or other classic fall drinks. But sometimes you’re in the mood for a good brewski. Luckily for fall beer and cider fans, craft brewers have gone next level with their innovations on autumnal alcoholic beverages.
So let’s get on with it!
Downeast Pumpkin Blend Cider
Brewer: Downeast
Region: Massachusetts
ABV: 5.1%
Source: Downeast
Brewed using a blend of apple and pumpkin and finished with chai tea spices, Downeast Pumpkin Blend unfiltered cider brings authentic fall flavor to your palate. This is a great pumpkin spice cider that doesn’t go too sweet or try to overcompensate with cinnamon or other spices. A well-balanced brew.
Consider pairing with: Brazi Bites Cinnamon Churro Brazilian Cheese Bread
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Brewer: Rogue Ales
Region: Oregon
ABV: 6.8%
Source: Vinepair
First the badass label catches your eye. Then the rich, malty flavor of Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale captures your taste buds. Brewed as a German Maibock, the award-winning Dead Guy Ale has earned its place in our pint glass. Even more good news is that it’s available all year round. Check out the video below to get brewmaster John Maier’s perspective on this dramatically good ale.
Consider pairing with: Ham, Swiss cheese (Organic Valley Ham & Swiss Egg Bites, for example) or Mrs. Fields White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
Redd’s Wicked Apple Ale
Brewer: Redd’s Wicked
Region: Wisconsin
ABV: 8%
Source: Redd’s Wicked
Weighing in at an 8% ABV, Redd’s Wicked Apple Ale is a potent and tasty offering. Redd’s Wicked Apple brings outstanding balance without going too sweet or too dry and delivers a crisp, refreshing finish.
Consider pairing with: Cranberry Walnut Salad, Sriracha Spice Sticky-Rice Chips or Nongshim Hot & Spicy Noodle Soup
Blake’s Hard Cider El Chavo
Brewer: Blake’s Hard Cider Co.
Region: Michigan
ABV: 6.5%
Source: Blake’s Hard Cider
A little sweetness and a little kick for those looking for something a little different with a lot of taste. El Chavo Mango & Habanero from Blake’s is a bold move among hard ciders. It doesn’t require much imagination to see how this could easily have gone awry. But Blake’s has proven its hard cider mastery by achieving the balance of sweet heat in El Chavo.
Consider pairing with: Spicy Buffalo Wings or Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pie
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
Brewer: Angry Orchard
Region: Ohio
ABV: 5%
You’ve probably heard of Angry Orchard’s Crisp Apple, their original hard cider. It’s safe to say that this naturally gluten-free hard cider is a classic for a reason. Cider with sass and class.
Get Angry Orchard Crisp Apple.
Consider pairing with: Pulled pork sandwich (get the Angry Orchard Pulled Pork recipe)
Shop This Recipe:
Pork shoulder
BBQ rub
New Belgium Voodoo Ranger IPA
Brewer: New Belgium
Region: Colorado
ABV: 7%
We still love a great IPA to carry some of that citrusy summer freshness into the cool fall months. Opening with the fruity citrus hops and closing with a malty toasted finish, Voodoo Ranger IPA is a great brew for the autumn transition from summer to winter.
Get your Voodoo Ranger IPA.
Consider pairing with: According to New Belgium, pair with spicy foods like Spicy Buffalo Wings, Sriracha Spice Sticky-Rice Chips or Nongshim Hot & Spicy Noodle Soup
Conshohocken Brewing Blood Money IPA
Brewer: Conshohocken Brewing Company
Region: Pennsylvania
ABV: 6.7%
Source: Conshohocken Brewing Company
Conshohocken (say that three times fast!) has crafted an IPA that manages to weave together the sweet juiciness of blood orange, the bright bitterness of hops and the substantial warmth and flavor of grains. A balanced and well-rounded brew that delivers a robust range of deliciousness.
Consider pairing with: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan (recipe), Sweet Sriracha Chicken Breast Skewers or compare the spice power of Takis vs. Cheetos
Do you have the Gopuff app yet? Download it from the Apple Store or Google Play to make ordering even easier.