Freakin’ Flights – Pumpkin Beers (2019)

Halloween has come and gone, and, guess what? It is still fall and it’s still pumpkin beer season. In my opinion, pumpkin beer season is over on Cyber Monday after, hopefully, all of the Thanksgiving leftovers have been consumed. I think that there is merit in the pumpkin beer, and I know there are people who disagree with me.

I’ve listened to people go on and on about how pumpkins, fruit, vegetables, and the like do not belong in beer whatsoever. I’ve heard the basic jokes about Pumpkin Spice Latte season and the stereotypical drinkers that enjoy them. I’ve even been referred to as a “soccer mom who ‘drinks’ beer” in the comment section of a beer festival review.

Overall, I like pumpkin beers, so here is a freakin’ flight of my favorite Michigan pumpkin beers from 2019 in increasing ABV.

Pumpkin Delight – Thornapple Brewing Co (Grand Rapids) – 4.5%

Thornapple Brewing Co‘s Pumpkin Delight is light and playful in taste. I enjoyed this one at the Michigan Brewer’s Guild Detroit Fall Beer Festival and thoroughly enjoyed it. I keep trying Thornapple Brewing Co’s brews at festivals and I’m starting to realize that it is a hidden gem in Grand Rapids that I need to check out soon!

Chunky Punky – Rustic Leaf Brewing Company (Waterford Twp) – 6%

Chunky Punky is a catchy name for a pumpkin beer. Rustic Leaf Brewing Company‘s is made with real pumpkins, all the spices, and a hint of vanilla to emulate whipped cream. The vanilla comes out in the end and is the difference maker to make this beer stand out among other pumpkin beers.

Pumpkin Bread Ale – Sherwood Brewing Company (Shelby Charter Twp) – 6.5%

Ranked number five on my list of the 20 Beers You Want to Try at the Detroit Fall Beer Festival (2019), Pumpkin Bread Ale from Sherwood Brewing Company tastes exactly how it sounds. This light hefe-like ale has a delicious balance of light spice and pumpkin. Gimme all the pumpkin bread!

All Agourd – Drafting Table Brewing Company (Wixom) – 7.5%

All Agourd! If you’re not on the pumpkin beer train by now, maybe something a little heavier is what you are looking to get into. All Agourd from Drafting Table Brewing Company is darker than your usual pumpkin beer yet still has the spices and pumpkin goodness needed for a solid pumpkin beer.

Pumpkin Chucker – Frankenmuth Brewery (Frankenmuth) – 8%

The final brew of 2019’s Freakin’ Flight on pumpkin beers is Pumpkin Chucker from Frankenmuth Brewery. I saw an ad for this one on Instagram and knew I had to get my hands on it for both the clever name and another pumpkin beer to drink. It’s smooth, malty, boozy, and full of the usual pumpkin pie flavors from spices and the local pumpkins from Saginaw.

What is your favorite pumpkin beer to enjoy during the fall? Let me know in the comments so I can try and find it this fall or be on the lookout next fall.

Cheers!