Sure, Oktoberfest has October in its name — but we’re all for celebrating a bit early. From German classics to new autumn-inspired variations, these local breweries are wasting no time in bringing the taste of fall to the table. Here’s 6 beers to enjoy all season long.
Fat Head’s Brewery’s Spooky Tooth Imperial Pumpkin Ale ($6.75)
No need to fear the Spooky Tooth — it’s a comforting fall delight featuring pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. “It has the aroma of pumpkin pie with maybe a little creaminess,” says brewmaster Matt Cole. No shortcuts are taken in the making of this imperial pumpkin ale. “It's probably our most demanding beer that we make, because there is a lot of handling of pumpkin product,” Cole says, “and we fresh-grind all of our spices.” 2481 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, 440-801-1001, fatheads.com/home.html
Platform Beer Co.’s Orchard Yammy ($6.48)
The Orchard Yammy is Platform Beer Co.’s newest variation of their Yammy Yammy sweet potato ale. This 7.9% ABV drink has caramel and apple flavoring, giving it a sweet, burnt sugar taste with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove. “It’s on the sweeter side,” says owner Paul Benner. “[It has] a touch of tart character from green apple, but very much in line with fall flavors.” Looking for more autumn-inspired drinks? Pick up a case of their Yammy Pack, which includes the traditional Yammy Yammy, Candied Pecan Yammy and of course, Orchard Yammy. Various locations, 216-202-1386, platformbeer.co
Sibling Revelry Brewing’s Ohio Native Oktoberfest ($6)
Sibling Revelry’s Ohio Native Festbier is a locally grown treat. “It's a traditional American-style Oktoberfest beer,” brewmaster Peter Velez says. But that’s not the only special thing about this drink. “What's different about it though, is that it's brewed with 100% Ohio-grown and Cleveland-malted barley.” The malts are sourced locally from Cleveland’s Haus Malts. Featuring four varieties of malted barley and European hops, this beer has a malty flavor with a clean finish. 29305 Clemens Road, Westlake, 440-471-8589, siblingrevelrybrewing.com
Saucy Brew Works’s Festbier ($10.99)
Saucy Brew Works’ Festbier is as German as it gets. The deep golden-colored beer has a blend of three German-grown hops and is naturally carbonated using a German process called spunding. The drink has malt flavors of bread crust, toffee and biscuit, with a hint of orange peel on the mid-palate before a crisp finish featuring malt backbone and noble hop sugariness. “We are honoring the traditions of Reinheitsgebot, which is this purity law where you can only add water, yeast, malt and hops,” says brewmaster Eric Anderson. “We try to honor the tradition in our own way in America.” 2885 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, saucybrewworks.com
Market Garden Brewery’s Franklin Castle Pumpkin Spice Ale ($6)
Named after Ohio City’s haunted castle, the Franklin Castle Pumpkin Spice Ale is brewed with cinnamon, shaved ginger, real vanilla beans and a touch of muscovado sugar. Market Garden uses real pumpkin smashed into the ferment for authentic fall flavors. This 7% ABV pumpkin spice ale pairs perfectly with the seasonal dishes on Market Garden’s menu. “It sings with all the flavors of autumn,” co-founder and owner Sam McNulty says. “It does have real pumpkin in it to give it that extra pumpkin-y flavor.” 1947 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-621-4000, marketgardenbrewery.com
Working Class Brewery’s Barman’s Oktoberfest ($6.50)
This smooth-drinking beer from Working Class Brewery is a light Oktoberfest lager with a 5.4% ABV and a malty, toasty flavor. The dark golden concoction is cold-fermented and aged for four to six weeks, making it cleaner and not as fruity as an ale. “It’s got a little spicy floral nose to it,” says brewer Richard Skains. Though it may be a traditional Oktoberfest beer, Skains likes to make the drink more unique with a Cleveland-themed label featuring the Kamm’s Corners Clock. 17448 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-417-8082, workingclassbrewery.com
