Brick and Barrel's Bitter Chief IPA: For those disheartened Tribe fans, this hoppy IPA ($5) with notes of citrus will help dull the pain of a lackluster season without knocking you out. "The cleanliness and crispness of it makes you want to keep drinking," says brewer and co-owner Karl Spiesman. "It's got a big body, but without it being so big that it makes you feel full." 1844 Columbus Road, Cleveland, 216-331-3308,brickandbarrelbrewing.com
The Cleveland Brewery's Lake View Cemetery Pumpkin Ale This spooky-inspired seasonal ale ($6) starts with 20 pounds of Patterson's Fruit Farm pumpkins and uses five malts and an array of spices for a malty fall beer. "There is a great balance between the malt and the spices," says co-owner and brewer John Fuduric. "The spices are there, but it's not wham in your face." 777 E. 185th St., Cleveland, 216-534-6992, theclevelandbrewery.com
Portside Distillery's Rusalka Vanilla Stout With just the right amount of Madagascar vanilla bean extract to make it creamy, this stout ($5) improves on a popular combo usually found in porters. "Stouts are normally a little more bitter," says co-owner and director of operations Matthew Zappernick. "They have a stronger roast than the porter and that plays better off the vanilla." 983 Front Ave., Cleveland, 216-586-6633, portsidedistillery.com
