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These locally brewed ales from breweries across the First State contain fall’s signature flavors like cinnamon, spice and pumpkin.
By Sydney Kerelo and Cam A. Johnson
Autumn is the season of leaves changing, freshly cut grass and morning dew lingering in the air. It’s also the smell of pumpkin spice filling the coffee shops to instantly make a person feel nostalgic.
While pumpkin spice lattes are already a staple for the fall, pumpkin-infused beer is picking up speed. Locally, Delaware breweries are leaning into the season, and many have released their own pumpkin-infused ales just in time for autumn.
Here’s your cheat sheet to some of the smoothest, tastiest pumpkin beers in Delaware.
Big Oyster Brewery, Shuckin’ Pumpkin Ale
1007 Kings Hwy., Lewes; 644-2621
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The popular beach-based brewery features Shuckin’ Pumpkin Ale, which instantly reminds you of fall with a pronounced caramel flavor and dark notes. Shuckin Pumpkin Ale has flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, with a 5.6% ABV.
Blue Earl Brewing Co., Ain’t Superstitious
210 Artisan Drove, Smyrna; 653-2337
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Blue Earl Brewing Company is re-releasing its imperial pumpkin ale and yam beer, Ain’t Superstitious. This seasonal favorite offers notes of cinnamon, maple syrup, nutmeg and spice and has a 8% ABV and 15 IBU.
Crooked Hammock Brewery, Jav-O-Lantern
36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes; 644-7837
316 Auto Park Drive, Middletown; 601-7837
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This brewery features a smoked pumpkin coffee ale—Jav-O-Lantern. Packed with a real pumpkin that is smoked over cherrywood, Jav-O-Lantern is a 7.4% ABV and a 17 IBU. Individuals who enjoy the notes of sweet smoke, spice and roasted coffee will love this drink.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale
6 Cannery Village Center, Milton; 1-888-8dogfish
320 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 226-BREW
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The Punkin Ale is a full-bodied brown ale made with pumpkin meat, brown sugar and spices. It is the perfect ale for individuals who are looking to stay warm during the cooler weather. Punkin Ale has a 7.0% ABV and a 28 IBU. Originally released in 1995, this yearly special is only available from August to November.
Fordham and Dominion, Spiced Harvest Ale
1284 McD Dr., Dover; 678-4810
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This ale is a light amber color and is spiced with cinnamon, ginger, clove, allspice and pumpkin. The Spiced Harvest Ale has a 6.5% ABV and 20 IBU and is available in 12 oz. bottles or on draft.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Pumpkin Ale
147 East Main St., Newark; 266-9000
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This regional brewpub chain offers its seasonal Pumpkin Ale, a drink that screams fall and Halloween spirit with its haunted packaging. With spices, real pumpkin and hints of vanilla bean, individuals who try this are in store for a real treat. Pumpkin Ale is available on tap inside the pub and in a four-pack to take home. This ale has an ABV of 5.5% and an IBU of 30.