Local Fall Brews

On Wednesday's show I was lucky enough to sample some of Western New York's best Fall Brews. Now I am traditionally a boring beer drinker, I like to keep it safe. Miller Lite, maybe a Blue, and occasionally I will dabble in a Blueberry Beer of some sort. I've never been one to do the Fall brew thing, but that has now changed. We had the owners of Tap House Pub & Grill - Jen Kepperd and Jarod Miller - give me an education (and a nice tasting) of what the Fall could be like if you let your taste buds enjoy it!

The Taste! with Jen Kepperd, Jarod Miller, and Tony P

I sampled a total of 6 beers, and although they were all of the Fall variety, they were all very different in taste.

Jack-O-Shandy

First up was the Jack-O-Shandy from the Traveler Beer Company. Now technically they are not really local (brewed in VT), but this brew made with real pumpkin tasted like I was eating a piece of pumpkin pie. It was light, sweet and only 4.4% ABV. Great day drinking and/or dessert beer, and all around crowd pleaser.

Mac Bubba Scotch Ale

Next up, Craft Brewers (Honeoye Falls, NY) Mac Bubba Scotch Ale. This one was stronger than the last at 6.5% ABV, and had a smokey flavor to it. I tasted some malty, and caramel notes, and this would go great with smoked meats, strong cheeses and can be used as a braising ale or in a soup.

Hamburg Oktoberfest

My hometown hero Hamburg Oktoberfest was next on the list and didn't disappoint. Now maybe I am biased because I am from there, but this beer was a little more hoppy, easy drinking, and at 5.7% ABV it makes for an excellent stand alone beer. Hamburg hit a home run with this one.

Ellicottville Brewing Company's Fall Festival Lager

No Fall beer list would be complete without EBC making an appearance. The Ellicottville Brewing Company's Fall Festival Lager had a German beer feel and taste, using German hops, Munich malts and at 5.6% ABV this golden beer hits the mark.

Vanilla Cappuccino Pumpkin Ale

I was then lucky enough to taste Resurgence Brewing Company's (Buffalo, NY) Vanilla Cappuccino Pumpkin Ale. Long story short, it tasted just like it sounds, and it was amazing. At 6.2% ABV this one is tasty and will make you tipsy.

Pumking by Southern Tier Brewing

The final beer was the Pumking by Southern Tier Brewing (Lakewood, NY). Now this beer was dangerous. For being 8.6% ABV, this deep copper pumpkin delight did not seem as strong as it is. It definitely tasted stronger then the previous brews, but I could see myself drinking 3 of these with ease and then having LOTS of fun. What's the point if you don't have fun, right?

Beer Cups for Mini Beer Pong

Thank you Jen and Jarod for expanding my Fall Beer menu! I already loved the season, now I get to drink it to! Which one was my favorite? Can I answer ALL?! The problem with picking is that they are dependent on what you are doing. If I have to choose, the Jack-O-Shandy was the tastiest. I only had a taste so maybe it is too sweet to drink a bunch, but at least now I have a reason to find out!