Autumn Beer: 5 Baltimore Brews For Fall

The onset of autumn welcomes one of the most exciting times for a beer lover: the resurgence of fall beers. With spiced aromas and promise of pumpkin, every sip celebrates the crisp season. The abundance of brewers in the Baltimore area means there are several fall beers hailing from the region. Check out five of our favorites.

Brewer's Art Gruit: Taking a page from the ancient style of brewing, this new seasonal beer is made with herbs instead of the now more widely used hops. The resulting flavor is slightly bitter but has a rounded malty taste that promises to broaden your beer-drinking horizon (5.4 percent ABV).

DuClaw 31: This fall release from DuClaw's long list of seasonal brews is a standout. This medium bodied spiced Munich dunkel boasts a malty taste with a powerful spicy finish — full of cinnamon and nutmeg — that will catch you by surprise (5.7 percent ABV).

Flying Dog Dogtoberfest: The popular Märzen from the Frederick, M.D., brewery is brewed with 100 percent German ingredients and dressed up with great bottle art. The caramel flavoring adds a deliciously sweet finish that lends itself to a very successful pairing with spiced desserts. One word: yum (5.6 percent ABV).

Fordam Brewing Company Spiced Harvest Ale: The spiced smell of this medium amber-colored beer is quite strong in comparison to its counterparts. Expect notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a hint of pumpkin — perfect to pair with comfort food on a fall day (6.6 percent ABV).

Heavy Seas Great Pumpkin: With more prominent pumpkin characteristics, this deep red-orange ale from the Mutiny Fleet begs to be consumed in the crisp fall air. For an even richer take on this local concoction be sure to seek out the bourbon barrel-aged version, the Great'ER Pumpkin (8.5 percent ABV).

— Liz Rappaport, The Drink Nation

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