As the cool breeze of autumn sweeps across the UK, craft beer lovers turn to seasonal brews that reflect the richness of the season. From malt-forward ales to refreshing sours, autumn offers an exciting range of styles perfect for savouring as the leaves fall. Here are some must-try beers this October.
1. British-Style Milds
Mild ales are a classic British autumn style, known for their smooth, malty flavours with notes of caramel and roasted grain. Traditionally lower in alcohol, they’re ideal for sipping on cooler evenings. These light but flavourful beers pair beautifully with comfort foods like a roast dinner or pie.
2. Oktoberfest-Style Beers
The arrival of autumn also means Oktoberfest, and that brings malt-forward, amber lagers to the table. While many UK breweries create their own Festbiers, PIG BEER is excited to offer SAUBER, our 4.9% ABV Kristallweizen. This light wheat beer has a clean, refreshing taste with hints of citrus, cloves and banana. It’s an invigorating brew, perfect for those who want something crisp and refreshing with a bit of spice to liven up their palate.
3. Spiced Autumn Ales
As the temperatures drop, spiced ales are a go-to. These beers are often infused with autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, creating a warming experience. They pair beautifully with classic British desserts such as sticky toffee pudding or apple crumble.
4. Harvest Ales
Harvest ales are brewed to celebrate the bounty of the season, often with freshly picked British hops. They have a rich malt body with earthy, floral hop notes, perfect for pairing with roasted meats or autumn vegetables.
5. Fruit-Infused Sours
Autumn fruits like apples and blackberries lend themselves beautifully to tart sours, offering a bright contrast to the richer ales of the season. These refreshing beers are excellent palate cleansers and pair well with cheese boards or light meals.
6. Green Hop Beers
Autumn is also the season for green hop beers, brewed with freshly picked hops straight from the bine. These beers have a unique, fresh hop character that’s earthy and herbal, with a vibrant bitterness not found in traditionally dried hops. Green hop beers are a UK favorite this time of year, offering a taste of the hop harvest in its purest form. Look out for these limited-edition brews at your local brewery—they pair perfectly with pub classics like fish and chips or a ploughman’s lunch.
Whether you’re enjoying the deep, malty richness of a harvest ale or the refreshing tang of a sour, autumn is a perfect time to explore seasonal beers. Visit PIG BEER or your local pub and indulge in these unique brews while they last. Cheers!
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