Seasonal Sips: The Best Fall Beers to Try in 2025

As the leaves turn amber and the air takes on that crisp, wood-smoked chill, beer lovers know one truth: fall is peak sipping season. Whether you’re a pumpkin-spice loyalist, a Märzen traditionalist, or a fan of malty brown ales, autumn brings some of the most anticipated limited-release brews of the year. And 2025 promises an especially exciting lineup. Breweries across the U.S. are doubling down on seasonal creativity—revamping classics, experimenting with new spices, and giving long-loved styles a modern twist.

To help you stock your fridge for fall gatherings, tailgates, pumpkin-patch visits, or nights by the firepit, we’ve rounded up the best fall beers to try in 2025, complete with tasting notes, brewery highlights, and pairing suggestions.

Why Fall Beers Hit Different

Fall beer styles are defined by deeper malt profiles, warm spice notes, and the kind of comforting flavors that mirror the season: roasted nuts, baked bread, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted grain, and even campfire smoke. These beers are made to be savored—slower, richer, fuller.

And while IPAs rule summer, autumn belongs to the malt lovers.

1. Pumpkin Ales Worth Sipping in 2025

Shipyard Brewing — Pumpkinhead 2025 Edition

Style: Pumpkin Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Tasting Notes: Cinnamon sugar, pumpkin pie filling, crisp wheat finish

Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead remains a fall staple, and the 2025 edition features a slightly enhanced spice profile with a cleaner finish. The nose is all autumn—nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweet pumpkin—while the body stays light and refreshing. It’s a gateway pumpkin beer for people who prefer balanced spice rather than dessert-like sweetness.

Pair It With: Apple-cider donuts, roasted turkey sliders, caramel popcorn
Why It Made the List: Tradition + just-updated-enough flavor.

Dogfish Head — Punkin Ale 2025

Style: Brown Ale with Pumpkin
ABV: 7.0%
Tasting Notes: Toasted brown sugar, baked pumpkin, allspice, vanilla

Dogfish Head’s seasonal release is consistently one of the best pumpkin ales on the market, and 2025’s batch is no exception. With warm malt depth and a satisfying full body, this beer straddles the line between dessert and campfire companion.

Pair It With: Smoked gouda, maple-glazed pork chops, pecan pie
Brewery Highlight: Punkin Ale has been released annually since 1995—celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025.

Southern Tier Brewing — Pumking Imperial Ale

Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
ABV: 8.6%
Tasting Notes: Vanilla frosting, graham cracker crust, roasted pumpkin

Often described as “liquid pumpkin pie,” Pumking is bold, sweet, and unapologetically spiced. Southern Tier has tweaked the 2025 formula slightly for smoother drinkability, while maintaining its legendary richness.

Pair It With: Campfire s’mores, cinnamon-spiced nuts, sharp cheddar
Best For: Fans of decadent, dessert-forward beers.

2. Oktoberfest & Märzen Lagers: Malty Classics Made for Fall

Oktoberfest lagers remain the heart of fall drinking. Märzens and Festbiers are smooth, toasty, balanced, and endlessly drinkable—a perfect pairing for sweaters and pretzels alike.

Ayinger — Oktober Fest-Märzen

Style: Märzen Lager
ABV: 5.8%
Tasting Notes: Toasted bread, caramel malt, light floral hops

Ayinger continues to set the global standard for Märzen lagers. The 2025 batch is masterfully balanced, offering a slightly stronger toasted-bread aroma and a smoother malt finish.

Pair It With: Bratwurst, pretzels with beer cheese, roasted chicken
Why It’s a Must-Try: This is textbook Märzen—authentic, elegant, and timeless.

Sierra Nevada — Oktoberfest 2025 Collaboration

Style: Festbier Lager
ABV: 6.0%
Tasting Notes: Honey malt, floral hop zing, crisp golden body

Sierra Nevada continues its tradition of partnering with German breweries for its annual Oktoberfest release. The 2025 collaboration (brewery partner to be announced early summer) is expected to amplify floral hop aromas and highlight a more golden Festbier-style profile—a lighter, brighter take on Oktoberfest.

Pair It With: Roast pork, spaetzle, garlic-herb potatoes
Best For: Drinkers who want something easy and refreshing without sacrificing malt complexity.

Samuel Adams — Oktoberfest 2025

Style: Märzen Lager
ABV: 5.3%
Tasting Notes: Sweet caramel, toffee, biscuit malt

A widely available, consistently smooth Oktoberfest option. Sam Adams’ 2025 recipe leans slightly sweeter with an emphasis on caramel and toasted malt.

Pair It With: Grilled sausages, pizza, soft pretzels
Perfect For: Large gatherings—approachable for all beer drinkers.

3. Fall Browns, Porters & Amber Ales

When pumpkin spice isn’t calling your name, fall’s other malt-forward styles deliver warmth and flavor without the seasonal fanfare.

Founders — Backwoods Brown 2025

Style: American Brown Ale
ABV: 6.1%
Tasting Notes: Roasted pecan, cocoa powder, caramel malt

Returning for 2025 as a limited fall release, Backwoods Brown showcases a nutty, slightly chocolatey malt sweetness with a clean finish. It’s a cozy, fireside beer that pairs beautifully with fall foods.

Pair It With: Chili, roasted root vegetables, pumpkin ravioli
Highlight: Founders has leaned more into nut-forward profiles this year, enhancing aroma and complexity.

Firestone Walker — Oaktober Maple Porter

Style: Maple Porter
ABV: 5.5%
Tasting Notes: Maple syrup, toasted oak, dark chocolate

This 2025 seasonal release brings comforting maple sweetness balanced by subtle oak and roasted malt. It’s dessert-like without becoming heavy.

Pair It With: Chocolate lava cake, aged gouda, maple-bacon grilled cheese
Why It’s Special: Firestone Walker’s barrel expertise shines—lending gentle oakiness to a classic porter.

New Belgium — Voodoo Ranger Amber Woods Special Release

Style: Amber Ale
ABV: 5.4%
Tasting Notes: Toasted caramel, piney hops, warm biscuit malt

New Belgium’s popular Voodoo Ranger line branches out with an amber-leaning fall release that balances hop brightness with malt warmth. It’s ideal for early-fall evenings when the weather is still transitioning.

Pair It With: BBQ wings, smoked almonds, sweet potato fries
Best Feature: A modern twist on a classic amber ale—perfect for hop fans seeking a fall transition beer.

4. Innovative Seasonal Brews for 2025

Breweries aren’t sticking to tradition—2025’s fall lineup shows creativity at its peak.

Great Lakes Brewing — Campfire Vienna Lager

Style: Vienna Lager
ABV: 5.2%
Tasting Notes: Toasted marshmallow aroma, light smoke, caramel malt

Inspired by chilly nights around the fire, this Vienna lager adds a touch of subtle smoke alongside rich toasty malt. It’s smooth, approachable, and nostalgic in all the right ways.

Pair It With: Campfire chili, BBQ pulled pork, s’mores dip
Why It’s Trending: Lightly smoked beers are making a comeback in 2025.

Bell’s Brewery — Harvest Spice Wheat

Style: Spiced Wheat Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Tasting Notes: Clove, orange peel, coriander, soft wheat body

For drinkers who prefer spice without pumpkin, this beer offers fall flavor with refreshing wheat smoothness. Think of it as a fall-themed Belgian witbier.

Pair It With: Roast duck, orange-glazed chicken, cranberry salad
Perfect For: Early fall weddings, brunch gatherings, leaf-peeping picnics.

5. Best Food Pairings for Fall Beers

Pairing fall beers with autumn foods elevates both the drink and the dish. Here’s a quick guide:

Pumpkin Ales

• • Pair with: roasted turkey, cinnamon desserts, sweet-and-salty snacks
  • Why: spice and sweetness match warm, comforting dishes.

Oktoberfest & Märzen Lagers

• • Pair with: sausages, pretzels, pork schnitzel, roasted chicken
  • Why: malty backbone complements salty, savory foods.

Brown Ales & Porters

• • Pair with: stews, chili, grilled meats, chocolate desserts
  • Why: roasted malts amplify rich, hearty meals.

Amber & Spiced Ales

• • Pair with: BBQ, fall salads, grilled vegetables
  • Why: balanced hops and malt provide versatility.

Final Pour: Fall 2025 Is One of the Best Seasons Yet

Fall is already the most flavorful beer season of the year, and 2025’s lineup proves that brewers are more inspired than ever. From traditional Märzens and classic pumpkin ales to creative maple porters and spiced wheat releases, there’s a beer for every palate and every autumn moment.

Whether you’re hosting a harvest-themed dinner, planning a cozy night by the fire, or stocking up for football season, these fall brews will help you taste the very best of what 2025 has to offer.

Cheers to cooler weather, warm flavors, and great beer—happy fall from The Beer Lodge! 🍂🍺