By Noah Bissell | Co-Founder

There’s a specific moment when summer finally fades—that first crisp afternoon when the leaves turn and you can pull on a sweater. In that moment, you’re probably not reaching for a light summery lager. You’re looking for a beer that matches the mood: comforting, rich, and flavorful. That feeling is exactly what brewers aim to capture in their seasonal offerings. These beers are designed for cozy patios, bonfires, and celebrating the harvest. From malty lagers to bold IPAs, there is a wide range of fall beer styles perfect for embracing the season. Let’s find the right one for your next autumn day.

Key Takeaways

• Fall beer marks a seasonal shift: It’s less about a strict style and more about moving from light summer beers to fuller, malt-forward beers with notes of caramel, spice, or roasted malts.
• Get the most from your beer with smart pairings and serving: These richer styles complement autumn foods like roasted squash, braised meats, and heartier salads. Serve them slightly cooler than room temperature to fully appreciate their aromas and flavors.
• Find the best seasonal brews at the source: Your local brewery is the top spot for fresh fall beers, so check their release schedule and visit the taproom to try a variety of styles like Oktoberfest lagers, stouts, and spiced ales.

What Makes a Beer a “Fall Beer”?

After a summer of light, refreshing brews, there’s nothing quite like that first full-bodied beer of autumn. But what exactly makes a beer a “fall beer”? It’s less of a strict style category and more of a feeling—a transition. These beers embrace the cooler days ahead with warming malt notes and subtle spices. They’re the perfect companion for crisp afternoons, backyard bonfires, or gatherings with friends. Generally, fall beers are defined by a few key characteristics that set them apart from their summer counterparts.

They’re Fuller and Malty

The most noticeable shift from summer to fall beers is in body and flavor. We move away from ultra-light, crisp brews and into beers that are richer, malt-forward, and slightly warming. Think of a satisfying caramel or toasty finish that invites another sip. Styles like Festbier, for example, offer a smooth malt backbone with subtle hop balance, making them comforting yet easy to enjoy. It’s all about finding that perfect balance that feels cozy as the leaves turn. You can explore our beer list to see what we have on tap that fits the bill.

Packed with Seasonal Flavors

Fall is a season of harvest, and its beers reflect that with bold, earthy flavors. You’ll often find notes of toasted malt, nutmeg, cinnamon, or pumpkin, with subtle hop balance to complement. Brewers use specific malt blends and yeast strains to bring out these characteristics. You might taste the caramel sweetness of a Festbier, the spiced complexity of a seasonal ale, or the roasted warmth of a brown ale. These flavors are designed to pair beautifully with the heartier foods we crave as the weather cools. It’s the kind of beer that tastes just right alongside the heartier dishes from our Kitchen.

A Welcome Break from Summer Lagers

Don’t get us wrong, summer ales are delightful. But when the days shorten and temperatures drop, our palates crave a change. Fall beers provide that welcome departure. They tend to be darker, ranging from amber to deep mahogany, signaling the transition to cozy evenings. Interestingly, this doesn’t always mean a higher alcohol content. Many traditional fall styles maintain drinkability while offering richer flavor profiles. It’s about celebrating variety and the idea that there’s a perfect beer for every moment. Seasonal transitions are a huge part of that philosophy.

Popular Fall Beer Styles to Look For

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, the beer world shifts from light summer sips to richer, malt-forward brews. Brewers play with roasted malts, spiced additions, and robust yeast strains to create beers that are flavorful, warming, and satisfying. From traditional German Festbiers to modern American takes on spiced ales, there’s a perfect fall beer for every palate. Keep an eye out for these on our preorder page and at your favorite local spots.

Festbier and Oktoberfest

If you’ve ever enjoyed a beer during a crisp fall evening, there’s a good chance it was a Festbier. This German style is malt-forward, golden-amber in color, and smooth in body. It’s known for its subtle toasty sweetness and clean finish. American versions often play with additional malts or light hops to round out the flavor. Many brewers also add subtle spices, complementing the malt and giving a comforting depth. It’s a style that feels both traditional and perfect for modern fall palates.

IPAs and Double IPAs

IPAs and Double IPAs showcase bold hop character and a complex interplay of bitterness, citrus, and tropical fruit notes. They range from crisp and aromatic to rich and full-bodied, with Double IPAs offering an extra layer of malt sweetness to balance the hops. These invigorating beer styles are perfect for hop lovers, delivering intensity and flavor that make them ideal for enjoying on a crisp autumn evening.

Summer → Fall Lagers

While ales dominate the fall scene, lagers hold their own. German-style Festbiers or darker Märzen lagers offer a smooth, malty body with a clean finish. They’re substantial enough for chilly evenings yet still drinkable for daytime enjoyment. Many breweries release crisp fall lagers alongside bolder amber ales. Look for fall lagers that emphasize rich malt character with subtle hop balance.

Belgian-style Amber and Brown Ales

These ales bring deeper caramel and toffee notes, sometimes blended with hints of dried fruit or mild spices. They provide warmth without overwhelming the palate, making them versatile for pairing with a variety of fall dishes.

Pumpkin or Spice-forward Beers

These seasonal favorites use pumpkin or warming spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. They pair perfectly with autumnal foods and desserts, offering a full sensory experience that embodies the season.

The Anatomy of a Fall Beer

Ever wonder what gives a fall beer its signature character? Brewers intentionally select malts, hops, and yeast to evoke autumn in a glass. They often use richer malts for depth, subtle hops for balance, and yeast strains that highlight malt sweetness. The goal is a harmonious, drinkable beer that pairs beautifully with cooler days and cozy evenings. Each style—from a caramel Festbier to a spiced ale—tells a story of the harvest and the transition from warm to cool. This craftsmanship defines the anatomy of a great fall beer.

Fresh Malts and Bold Flavors

Fall beers rely on roasted, caramel, and specialty malts to create a warming, satisfying body. These malts form the backbone, allowing spices, hops, and yeast to shine without being overwhelmed. It’s a deliberate move away from lightness toward richness, setting the stage for a comforting beer.

Aromas of Caramel, Spice, and Earth

Aroma is key, and fall beers are aromatic, evoking harvest and hearth. Think caramel, baked bread, roasted nuts, and gentle spice. These scents are a welcome contrast to summer’s bright, floral notes. The result is a beer that smells as warming as it tastes, with a profile (where appropriate) that captures the essence of the season. Explore these in our lineup of Bissell Brothers beers.

Malt-driven Complexity

Malt imparts rich flavors and body, balancing the bitterness of hops. Specialty malts can create notes of caramel, toffee, biscuit, or roasted grains that enhance warming aromas and depth. Brewers carefully layer malts to achieve complexity, giving autumn beers their satisfying richness and character. This focus on malt expression contributes to nuanced, satisfying fall beers.

Sessionable and Enjoyable

Many fall beers maintain a moderate ABV, making them approachable for gatherings, bonfires, and long weekends. They’re rich enough to feel seasonal yet crafted for enjoyment over multiple pours.

Pairing Food with Fall Beers

Fall beers shine with seasonal dishes. The goal of beer and food pairing is to enhance both the beer and the food. Robust maltiness pairs beautifully with roasted meats, autumn vegetables, and cheese. Consult our Bissell Brothers Kitchen menu for inspiration.

Roasted Vegetables and Hearty Salads

Amber ales, Festbiers, or spiced ales complement roasted squash, root vegetables, and fall greens. Carbonation and malt balance accentuate flavors without overpowering.

Grilled Meats and Poultry

Maibock analogs, amber lagers, and spiced ales stand up to roasted or grilled proteins, creating a warming, balanced pairing.

Fresh Seafood and Shellfish

Even in fall, lighter ales or spiced Saisons complement seafood. Check the our seasonal beers in our lineup that might fit the bill.

Cheese and Appetizer Boards

Amber or spiced ales balance tangy and creamy cheeses, while medium-bodied lagers pair well with nuts and autumnal spreads.

Serving Spring Beers the Right Way

You’ve tracked down the fall spring beer, and you’re ready to enjoy it. But wait! How you serve that beer can make a world of difference. Taking a few extra steps ensures that you’re getting the full experience the brewers intended, from the first aromatic sniff to the last refreshing sip. It’s not about being fussy; it’s about appreciating the craft that went into what’s in your glass. Here are a few simple tips to make sure your spring beers taste their absolute best, whether you’re relaxing on your porch or sharing with friends.

Serve at the Right Temperature

Temperature is a huge deal when it comes to beer. While you might be tempted to serve your spring ale ice-cold, extreme cold can actually numb your taste buds and hide the beer’s more delicate flavors and aromas. On the other hand, if it’s too warm, it can taste flat. Fall beers shine when they’re served cool, but not frigid. Aim for a temperature between 40-50°F. A simple way to hit this sweet spot is to pull your beer out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you plan to pour it. This small wait allows the beer to warm up just enough for its character to fully open up.

Pick the Perfect Glass

Does the shape of your glass really matter? Absolutely. The right glassware can direct aromas to your nose and present the beer in a way that highlights its color and carbonation. For many of the beers you’ll enjoy this fall, a Willi Becher pint glass is a fantastic choice. For crisp lagers and wheat ales, a dimpled mug will show off their beautiful color and help maintain a nice, foamy head. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s “beer clean”—completely free of any soap or grease that could ruin that perfect pour.

Host Your Own Spring Tasting

One of the best ways to explore new fallg beers is to share them. Hosting a small tasting is a fun, low-pressure way to try different styles with friends. You don’t need to be an expert to do it! Just grab a few different beers—maybe a zesty IPA, a floral lager, and a darker stout—and pour a small sample of each for your guests. Talk about what you smell and taste. Is it citrusy? Spicy? Sweet? It’s a great way to discover what you like. You can easily preorder a variety of styles for an easy pickup before your get-together.

Store Them Properly

How you store your beer before you drink it is just as important as how you serve it. The three main things to avoid are heat, light, and oxygen. Always store your beer in a cool, dark place—the fridge is your best bet. And make sure you store cans and bottles upright. This minimizes the surface area of the beer that’s exposed to the small amount of oxygen trapped inside, which helps prevent oxidation and stale flavors. Storing it upright also ensures that any yeast sediment settles at the bottom of the container, not on the side. Proper storage ensures your beer stays fresh from the moment you pick it up until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Where to Find the Best Spring Beers

Finding the perfect fall beer is an adventure, and half the fun is in the search. As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, breweries roll out their best seasonal offerings. Knowing where to look can help you discover new favorites and celebrate the season with the perfect pint in hand. From your neighborhood taproom to the local bottle shop, here’s how to track down the best brews this spring.

Start at Your Local Brewery

There’s no better place to find fresh, innovative spring beers than right at the source. Your local brewery is the heart of your community’s beer scene, and visiting the taproom gives you a chance to try beers you won’t find anywhere else. Brewers often use these spaces to experiment with seasonal ingredients and limited-edition releases. Plus, you can talk directly to the people who make the beer. Ask them what’s new, what they’re excited about, and what inspired their latest spring ale. Many craft breweries are also committed to sustainable practices and using locally sourced ingredients, so you’re supporting a whole ecosystem of local businesses with every sip.

Keep an Eye on Release Schedules

Fall beers are often brewed weeks in advance, so they’re ready to go as soon as the weather turns. To stay in the loop, follow your favorite breweries on social media or sign up for their newsletters. This is usually the first place they’ll announce new releases. Many breweries also post their tap lists and can release schedules online. Checking the current beer list before you head out can save you a trip and ensure you get to try that Festbier or seasonal IPA you’ve been eyeing. Planning ahead means you’ll never miss a limited-edition brew that’s only available for a few weeks.

Support Your Local Beer Scene

Finding great spring beer is about more than just what’s in your glass; it’s about connecting with your community. When you buy from a local brewery, you’re supporting small business owners and the people they employ. Attend a brewery’s spring release party, visit their beer garden, or check out their events calendar for special programming. Engaging with your local beer scene helps it thrive and ensures there will be exciting new beers to try every season. It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow beer lovers and celebrate the creativity and passion that goes into every batch.

Host Your Own Fall Beer Event

Ready to share your love for spring beers with friends? Hosting your own event is a fantastic way to explore new flavors and enjoy the season. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard hangout or a more structured tasting, there are plenty of ways to create a memorable experience. You don’t have to be a beer expert to be a great host—all it takes is a little planning and a few great brews. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Plan an Outdoor Tasting

As the weather gets cooler, there’s nothing better than lighting up that fire pit and enjoying a few beers outdoors. An outdoor tasting is a simple yet fun way to gather your friends and sample a variety of fall styles. Grab a few different four-packs—think a crisp lager, a floral IPA, and a malty stout—so everyone can find a new favorite. You can easily preorder your beer for easy pickup. Set up a table, pour small samples of each beer, and let everyone share their thoughts. Add some simple snacks like pretzels or cheese to round out the experience.

Throw a Beer and Food Pairing Party

Take your get-together to the next level with a beer and food pairing party. The key is finding the right balance so that both the beer and the food enhance each other. Fall beers are perfect for this, as their richer profiles complement seasonal dishes beautifully. Remember that delicate dishes should be paired with lighter beers that won’t overpower the food’s flavor. For inspiration, check out the menu at the Bissell Brothers Kitchen to see how we offer dishes that work with our beers.

Organize a Get-Together at a Beer Garden

If you want all the fun of a fall beer event without the hassle of hosting, why not meet up at a beer garden? It’s the perfect setting for enjoying styles like Spooky Substance and other refreshing fall ales. You get a great atmosphere, a fantastic beer selection, and no cleanup. Here in Portland, you can gather your crew at The Garden, our 21+ space where you can relax and enjoy a fresh pint. It’s a great way to support a local spot while making it easy for everyone to join in. Just pick a date, send out a text, and you’re all set.

Celebrate a Seasonal Release

Fall is an exciting time for beer lovers because it’s when breweries roll out new and limited-edition brews. Yes A great way to celebrate the season is to plan a small event around a new beer release. Keep an eye on our events calendar and be the first to try our latest creations. You can make an occasion out of it by grabbing a four-pack of a brand-new release and having your friends over for the very first taste. It’s a fun way to stay connected to the local beer scene.

Related Articles

• Festbier | Bissell Brothers
• DDH “Spooky” Substance | Bissell Brothers
• Swish | Bissell Brothers
• Historic Fiction | Bissell Brothers
• Umbra | Bissell Brothers

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all fall beers dark and heavy?
Not at all! While fall introduces deeper colors and malt flavors, styles like Festbier remain golden and crisp. The spectrum ranges from bright lagers to dark ales.

I only drink IPAs. What’s a good fall option for me?
Try a Double IPA like Swish or it’s lower-ABV counterpart, Swish Silver. You’ll get all the bold hop character you love, but with a richer backbone that fits autumn perfectly.

How should I serve darker fall beers?
Let a darker beer like Umbra warm slightly out of the fridge before pouring. Serving at 50°F allows roasted, nutty, and caramel notes to emerge.

What’s the best food to pair with fall beer?
Roasted meats, root vegetables, and aged cheeses are excellent partners. A Historic Fiction with roast chicken or an Umbra with (or in!) beef stew are seasonal classics.

Where can I try seasonal releases?
Start at your local brewery taproom. Limited fall beers like DDH “Spooky” Substance often launch there first, and you can sample fresh pints while they last.