06 Oct A (Very) Short History on the Rise of Pumpkin Beer
By Sarah Burns for Indiana On Tap
The season of the pumpkin is upon us! Pumpkin Spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin scones, and my favorite–pumpkin beer festivals (Specifically, the Pumpkin Beer Fest at Union Jack Pub in Indy on October 8th)! Some people despise the time when pumpkin flavored products take over the shelves, but I embrace it. I love pumpkin flavored things, especially pumpkin beers.
Pumpkin beer came about in the early colonial period. It was not due to the flavor it gave but the availability of it. Pumpkin is a native plant to North America and quite easy to grow. Good malts, on the other hand, were not. Therefore, the meat in the pumpkins took place of the malts for some time.
Popularity of pumpkin beers started to die down in the early 19th century due to several factors. One of those factors was that quality malts became easier to find. The view of pumpkins also changed from a staple in the new country’s household to something a bit more rustic.
Buffalo Billy’s Brewery is the brewery responsible for bringing the pumpkin beers back into popularity. Thank you Buffalo Bill’s! Now there are more than 400 different pumpkin beers to choose from. Many of Indiana’s breweries make a pumpkin beer. Some of my favorites to check out are Bier Brwery’s Pumpkin, Flat 12’s Flat Jack, and Quaff ON!’s Put a Fork In It.
As I’ve said, I love pumpkin beers but not everyone shares that sentiment. I really thought when I went out into the field, (aka the breweries), that I would find people were polarized one way or the other but people didn’t respond in that way. I either got, “I like them,” “They’re OK,” or “I’ve never had one (which shocked me).”
If you’ve never tried a pumpkin beer, I suggest that you try several before you make up your mind about your feelings towards this unique beer style. Some taste more spiced than others, some have a hint of pumpkin flavor, and some taste like straight pumpkin puree. A great way to try several of these beers is to attend one of the best festivals in Indiana highlighting this beer style. The Pumpkin Beer Fest I mentioned earlier is now in its 4th year. There will be over 40 pumpkin beers available for tasting. Certainly you can find at least a few to love with so many options—I know I will!
I’d love to know your position on pumpkin beer. Love em? Hate em? What’s your favorite Indiana pumpkin beer?
No Comments