I thoroughly enjoy indulging in pumpkin brews on chilly fall days, preferably wrapped in a chic jacket and warm scarf while gazing at bright orange leaves. Pumpkin beer is just so comforting, festive, and delicious! When I lived on the east coast I discovered Weyerbacker Imperial Pumpkin Ale and quickly grew obsessed with its perfect balance of pumpkin, spices, and full bodied-ale flavor. When fall rolled around this year I set out to find my beloved, yet was heartbroken to learn it is not sold on the west coast. Devastation! Feeling slightly defeated I attempted to find a suitable replacement. I foraged through several craft beer stores in Anchorage (La Bodega had the best selection) to procure a variety of pumpkin beers and create the ultimate at-home Saturday night pumpkin beer tasting extravaganza. (Plus, there is not much else to do after the babe goes to bed and our babysitter is out of town.) Nate and I had such fun tasting the different varieties, comparing notes, and eventually determining an accessible and suitable replacement for my sweet pumpkin ale favorite.

{Pumpkin butter: naturally the perfect compliment to pumpkin beer tasting.}

Out of the ten pumpkin beers we tried, below is the verdict of our favorites. Cheers!

10. Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale

9. Southern Tier Brewing Company Warlock

8. Rogue Farms Pumpkin Patch Ale

7. Midnight Sun Brewing Company Trickster Pumpkin Ale

6. Elysian Brewing Company Dark O’ The Moon

5. Midnight Sun Brewing Company T.R.E.A.T. Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter

4. Two Beers Brewing Company Pumpkin Spice Ale

3. Southern Tier Brewing Company Imperial Pumking

2. Elysian Brewing Company Night Owl Pumpkin Ale: my pick for a true pumpkin beer.

1. Elysian Brewing Company Punkuccino Coffee Pumpkin Ale: overall top pick for being downright decadent and delicious!