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LIST: Where to find Fall-inspired, Oktoberfest beers in Northeast Ohio

Posted at 3:02 PM, Sep 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-21 12:04:54-04

Another season is upon Northeast Ohio and local breweries are gearing up for the cooler weather with batches of fall-inspired and Oktoberfest beer. From dark, smoky porters to caramelized-amber German-style beer, ignite your palette with these locally produced beers. 

Barrel Aged Imperial Smoked Porter | Great Lakes Brewery Co.

For those chillier fall nights, the rich oak and malt blend of the barrel age smoked porter is a take on a classic porter aged with oak smoked malt and sweet muscovado sugar. This smoky porter reveals the true Cleveland personality with style and grit. Bottles will be released for the first time ever on Saturday, September 23.

Oktoberfest Riverfest Beer | Collision Brewery

For a limited time only, the Riverfest beer will be reflective of the Oktoberfest spirit on the Cuyahoga River. The beer's non-hoppy, crisp taste toasts to the parties, and continued ones, happening along the river during the warm months. It debuts on the river come September 24.

Pumpkin Underverse Imperial Stout  | Masthead Brewery

The Oktoberfest beer, using German malts and hops, will make you like you're in classic German Hall. There's nothing fancy or special about the classic German lager, per say, and that's okay because it's a go-to choice during the fall festival season.

"Our goal was to create a really classic version of Oktoberfest—one that you would find in Munich Hall," said head brewer Mike Pelechaty whose favorite time to make beer is during the fall.

It's an untraditional take on the pumpkin-ale craze. The cinnamon together with the malt produces an anise-like flavor in the Pumpkin Underverse Imperial Stout. Notes of ginger, nutmeg and rum come through thanks to its aging in rum barrels.

Market Garden Brewery

Brewmasters consider it pumpkin pie in your mouth. It's called the Pumpkin Giant and its toasty and cinnamon notes are reminiscent of pumpkin pie crust. At a whopping ABV of 9.7%, the beer is only available at the restaurant and in 1-liter bottles at the production facility.

Another favorite is the Franklin Castle named after historic and eerie Franklin Castle in Ohio City. This pumpkin ale is on the more mellow side with a malty finish and hints of pumpkin coming in at the end.

Nano Brew

In honor of the 5th annual Parade of the Pumpkins, Nano Brew will be brewing pumpkin ales for five weeks with each week feature a new pumpkin-inspired ale.

  • September 29: Pumpkin Porter

To kick off the parade, this dark and strong porter is roasty and delicious. It's made with pumpkin and spiced with cinnamon, vanilla bean, cocoa nibs and all the spice found in a classic pumpkin pie.

  • October 6: Pumpkin Brown Ale

A twist on an English classic, this pumpkin ale merges malty notes with autumn spices like vanilla bean and cinnamon.

  • October 13: Honey Pumpkin

Generously sweet, this ale is brewed with using Ohio made honey. Its toasty malts and pumpkins make this beer a real treat.

  • October 20: Rye Pumpkin

Brewmasters used three different rye varieties making it a unique brew. The flavors of the slightly spicy rye pair well with cinnamon notes.

  • October 27: Imperial Chai Spice Pumpkin

For the last beer of the five weeks, this beer will have the pumpkin parade going out with a bang. Starting with an imperial pumpkin beer, a house blend of chai spices including cardamom, clove, cinnamon and lemongrass make this beer packed with flavor.

R. Shea Brewing | Akron, Ohio

Nothing like fall fires to kick off the season. The Nitros are back at R. Shea Brewing Company starting today. S'More Time will taste just as it sounds with toasty marshmallow and chocolate notes. The and the Polymer Caramel Espresso Stout use Akron's Nervous Dog espresso beans for a bold, spicy flavor.

Hofbrauhaus Cleveland

Can't forget the classic German "bier" house in Cleveland. Year-round you can get the German-style beer. The beers use original recipes handed down by the Duke of Bavaria, created nearly 400 years ago. Specialties like Maibock, Pilsner and Hefe Weizen Dunkel are just a few of the classics.

Tapped on August 2, the Oktoberfest beer is a malty, clean finish that celebrates the original German festival. Carrying a 6.3% ABV, this beer is the quintessential beer to kick off the fall season.

Festbier Oktoberfest | Saucy Brew Works

Saucy Brew Works coined Oktoberfest as the greatest beer holiday of all. This beer stays traditional with the soft malty flavors and a firm Noble hop punch for an additional kick. If Oktoberfest isn't your thing, try Dead Nuts Porter or Kristal Weiss.