Pumpkin Beer Is Upon Us — Long Before Halloween

Halloween is still over a month away, but that’s not stopping some brewers from releasing pumpkin-flavored beer. It’s not uncommon for breweries — big and small — to offer seasonal brews like pumpkin during throughout the fall. What’s different about this year, however, is that we’re seeing pumpkin beer earlier than normal.

So, why are we seeing pumpkin beer on the shelves at such an unusual time of the year? Well, there are a couple of reasons which are likely playing a role in this phenomenon, one of which is the growing demand for this delicious variety of beer. Some people may turn their head at the thought of drinking a pumpkin-flavored variety of beer, but it’s actually a surprisingly delightful combination that’s perfect for the fall season. The semi-sweet pumpkin flavors compliment the natural hop flavors of beer to create a stunning combination that most people enjoy. So if you haven’t tried a pumpkin-flavored beer yet, pick up a sixer the next time you’re at the grocery store and give it a try!

Another reason why pumpkin beer is lining the shelves at such an unusual time of year is because of the growing popularity of craft beer. Craft beer is essentially any type of beer produced by a small, local brewery. Consumers are growing tired of drinking the same generic brews day after day, so they look towards craft breweries for innovative new varieties. Craft breweries fill this voided gap by offering consumers a wide variety of bold new brews, and analysts expect this trend to continue in the years to come.

Of course, fall season is the perfect time for pumpkin beer simply because this is when pumpkins are in season. Granted, we’re seeing them a little earlier in the year, but there’s just something fun associated with pumpkin beer during the fall. Drinking a pumpkin-flavored beer is a fun change from traditional, generic-flavored beers.

“They are more popular than ever, so you are going to see more of them, and thus they are going to be on the market when the brewers deem it’s time to start thinking about fall,” says Brewers Association Program Director Julia Herz. “There’s something very nostalgic and comforting to pumpkin beers, to me, above all other seasonals,” she addd.

Have you tried a pumpkin-infused beer yet? Let us know your thoughts on this bold flavor in the comments section below!