As summer seasons fade with the coming of autumn, Seattle brewers have an entirely different repertoire in store for the cooler nights and shorter days distinct to fall. A season of change, spliced between hot summer days spent relaxing on the Sound and the cold, snowy, “roasting chestnuts on an open fire” days of winter, fall serves as a transitional month for not only temperature drops and waning daylight, but for brew masters keen on solidifying their stature by creating the best fall beers unique to the region.
Here, we list five of Seattle’s own breweries that have made an impression in the past, and continue to inspire future generations of brewers all over the country:
Nothing says “fall is here” like the divisive annual rebirth of pumpkin spiced lattes. For Elysian Brewing, however, swap out the “latte” for “beer” and you truly know fall has arrived. Each fall, Elysian creates nearly 12 different pumpkin inspired beers. With a dozen varieties of pumpkin beer, some more approachable than others, there’s sure to be a brew you’ll love.
The most approachable and distinguished of the varieties has to be their Night Owl Pumpkin Ale. Weighing in at 5.9 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and with a beautiful deep orange pour, this beer is available only from August through October. While most grocery stores will have it (in both 12 ounce and 22 ounce bottles), the best way to enjoy this beer and its cohorts is on top at Elysian Brewing’s flagship brewpub on Capital Hill.
Fremont Brewing Company had an idea: create a new variety of IPAs featuring solely Washington organic hops. From this simple vision, Cowiche Canyon Organic Hop Lab #1 came to life. Full of sweet fragrances on the nose resembling a light fruity aroma and even dashes of pineapple, once tasted this fall specialty leaves a distinct, slightly sweet, slightly dry flavor on your palate. All together, from nose to palate and then some, the unmistakable character of this beer resides with its floral and citrus enhanced hops flavor.
Simply put, any hops lover will relish this beer. Weighing in at 6.2 percent ABV, Cowiche Canyon Organic Hop Lab #1 can be found in bottles and cans at better beer retailers throughout the Pacific Northwest. But for a truly authentic, hops-embellished tasting, try heading to Fremont Brewing’s taproom – the Urban Beer Garden – where it will remain on tap from September through November.
Maritime Pacific Brewing Company
This family-owned brewery, in operation since 1990 in the Ballard district of Seattle, pumps out handcrafted ales and lagers year-round while offering unique specialty seasonal beers – allowing any beer lover endless opportunities to enjoy an ever-changing list of taps to refresh your spirit, no matter the season. In 1997, the Company opened a taproom named the “Jolly Roger” in honor of their most popular holiday brew. It is at this taproom where you will find the perfect seasonal fall pint, brewed right next door at Maritime Pacific Brewing Company. While their Jolly Roger beer is aptly named for winter holidays, their Windfest seasonal Oktoberfest Lager is the perfect choice for those who crave Pilsner, Munich, and Carastan grains and a respectable ABV of 6.5 percent for their fall beer cravings.
While this brewery and taproom are technically just outside Seattle in the Snoqualmie, it’s yearly beloved autumn seasonal “Harvest Moon” can be found throughout Seattle at better beer bars and especially at the Barking Dog Alehouse in Ballard. A smooth and modest 5.3 percent ABV created by combining traditional German Festbier with the omnipresent Northwest ale, the sparkling and refreshing profile of this beer will see you through the transition from summer to fall seamlessly.
Located in Edmonds, 180 West Dayton Street, American Brewing Company is another brewpub located outside of Seattle. Yet, the best place to enjoy their seasonal fall beer – the Brave American Brown Ale – is on tap at the Brave Horse Tavern. This brown ale brought home the sought-after bronze medal from the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado in September 2011, and for good cause.
As an interpretation of traditional English brown ales merged with hop influences of the Pacific Northwest, American Brown Ale is full of rich, toasted caramel overtones balanced with just a hint of citrus to refresh your palate. On tap at Brave Horse Tavern through the end of October, this is one seasonal delight you have to try.
Whether you’re in Seattle and searching for the best brews for the fall season, or searching for a Realtor to guide you through the expansive food and drink scene (and housing market, of course), we’re here to help.
Though we do love and take great pride in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest’s specialty and near endless options for beer and cider flavor profiles, we love even more the ability to help you find your ideal home. Get in touch with us and we look forward to helping you navigate your way through the real-estate market to find exactly what you’re looking for.