Thirty years ago, Sam Calagione submitted his pumpkin beer into a local cooking contest. The brew took home first prize, and Dogfish Head has been brewing its beloved Punkin Ale every year since.
Each year since 1994, demand has grown for pumpkin-flavored brews, and Delaware breweries have continued to answer the call. From rich porters to refreshing ales, breweries across the First State offer up their own take on the ever-popular pumpkin beer.
Here’s your cheat sheet to some of the smoothest, tastiest pumpkin beers in Delaware.
Big Oyster Brewery, Shuckin’ Pumpkin Ale
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.
1007 Kings Highway, Lewes | 644-2621
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Volunteer Brewing Co., Just a Small Town Gourd
The Middletown brewery releases its autumn brew every year, to the delight of its pumpkin-loving patrons. It’s brewed with 100 pounds of roasted buckskin pumpkins from nearby Filasky’s Produce and Farm Market. At 5.9% ABV, the brew is light and refreshing, with artisan pumpkin pie spice and fresh pumpkin flavor.
116 West Main Street, Middletown | 464-0822
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Crooked Hammock Brewery, Jav-O-Lantern
Looking for a pumpkin beer with a little extra buzz? Crooked Hammock features a smoked pumpkin coffee ale—Jav-O-Lantern. Packed with a real pumpkin that is smoked over cherrywood, Jav-O-Lantern sits at a 7.4% ABV and 17 IBU. Anyone who enjoys notes of sweet smoke, spice and roasted coffee will love this brew, which is available on tap in Middletown and Lewes.
36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes | 644-7837
316 Auto Park Drive, Middletown | 601-7837
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Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale
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 rests at a 7% ABV and 28 IBU. Originally released in 1995, this yearly special is only available from August to November. This year, Dogfish Head celebrates 30 years of Punkin Ale, which won its first award in 1994, a year before the first official release.
6 Cannery Village Center, Milton; 1-888-8dogfish
320 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach; 226-BREW
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Twisted Irons Craft Brewing Co., Sex & Candy Corn
Twisted Irons pumpkin ale is a beautifully colored amber with all the traditional fall spices and some pumpkin. The resulting ale is warming and comforting with a 6.5% ABV. Every sip contains mouthwatering notes of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin that keep pumpkin lovers coming back for more.
303 Ruthar Drive, Newark | 294-1056
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Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Pumpkin Ale
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.
147 East Main Street, Newark | 266-9000
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Related: Enjoy Pumpkin Pie, Pastries and More at These Delaware Eateries
