Given a bit more crispness in the air and subtle changes in foliage, the impending Fall season means a new cornucopia of flavors and profiles amongst local breweries’ offerings. Earthier, richer tones and notes to everything from lagers, ambers, marzens and porters to pilsners means that the lighter crisper fare of Spring and Summer are being left behind as we move full speed ahead into the holiday months and new year. With that in mind, we’ve accumulated a collection of some of our favorites, hoping you’ll curl up next to a campfire or under a blanket with a comforting beverage in hand. 

Big Metal (Dopelbock, 10.5% ABV) – Wren House Brewing
Wren House is known for experimenting with different styles and techniques, but with this oak lagered Doppelbock, it’s about traditional as you can go. A collaboration with local O.H.S.O.  Brewing, it took a 4-month conditioning rest in Lagrimas de Oro oak barrels that came from Superstition Meadery. The body and carb are significantly robust and exceptional in quality. Big malty notes are balanced by wonderfully enjoyable sweetness that combines raisin puree and rich, farm fresh cream. 2125 N. 24th St., Phoenix AZ; wrenhousebrewing.com // @wrenhousebrewing

Coffee & Pecan (Stout, 9.6%) – Walter Station Brewing
As the name would (and does) imply, this roasty, toasty concoction is brewed with a select amount of specialty English malts for a big, bold aroma and flavor. Working in conjunction with roasted coffee beans from Press Coffee and fresh pecans from Green Valley Orchards, two local and celebrated small businesses. They even toast the pecans on-site to ensure the perfect amount of roasted flavor. Potentially with a flamethrower, we don’t know. We’re not the fire chief or their lawyer. 4056 E. Washington, Phoenix, AZ; walterstation.beer // @walterstationaz

Alewife’s Pumpkin Pie (Märzen, 5.8%) – Desert Monks Brewing
All hail and rejoice, the 2021 Great American Beer Fest silver medal winning feature from this Gilbert Town Square mainstay is back. The result of five friends and former Intel co-workers, the brewery apparently went through about 3,000 names before settling on its moniker. You can taste that rigorous and methodical attention to detail in its various selections, and this offering is no different. Subtle yet distinctive vanilla and cinnamon notes swirl around pumpkin puree combined with Munich, 2-Row and Vienna malts. You wouldn’t be faulted if you wanted to top it all off with a dollop of whipped cream, but most likely would be ejected from the premises. It’s perfect as is. 1094 S Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ; desertmonksbrewing.com // @desertmonksbrewing

False Promises Apricot (DDH IPA, 6.2%) – Fate Brewing
A hazy brewed with Chinook, CTZ, and Citra hops, this hazy boi is finished with over a pound per gallon of apricot puree. Soft and balanced body with intense aromas of fresh citrus, ripe apricot and pine. However, this is a limited can release, so get your hands on it while you can and supplies last. 1312 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ; fatebrewing.com // @fatebrewingaz

Pumpkin Porter (Porter, 5.1%) – Four Peaks Brewing
Not quite like the pumpkin spice lattes that invade the season (not mentioning the corporate conglomerate who has leashed that concoction upon the world, for fear of getting sued), this frightfully tasty porter combines all the things that make a great homemade pumpkin pie: nutmeg, allspice, ground clove, graham cracker, a touch of ginger, and (of course) pumpkin. Enjoy a pint and you’ll learn why beer fans eagerly await its annual arrival already know: it’s not truly Fall until that first sip of Pumpkin Porter. 1340 E 8th St #104, Tempe, AZ; fourpeaks.com // @fourpeaksbrew