Fall is officially here because pumpkin beer is in the houseee. Don’t fight it, just enjoy all the pumpkin-y goodness headed our way. We have brought in two types this year, one from Spencer Brewery and one from Two Roads Brewing Co. 

Spencer Brewery, the first Trappist brewery in the USA, was founded in 2013 at St. Joseph’s Abbey after a monk took an interest in making beer. He and some of his brothers went on a two year data-gathering mission (I would have liked to be on that mission as a helpful taste tester) throughout Europe to learn Trappist brewing techniques, visiting some of the world famous breweries that have been making beer since the 1800s. They returned to Spencer, MA ready to brew! One of their newer creations, Monkster Mash, is one of our favorite pumpkin beers of the season. It is subtle with a delicate touch of spicing, nowhere near the scented candle variety that also appears this time of year. 

Our other pumpkin beer is from Two Roads Brewery Co., based in Stratford, CT. They make Roadsmary’s Baby (love these names BTW), a rum barrel aged pumpkin ale that is a bit more intense than Monkster Mash. With the brewers tossing in warming spices and the rum barrels adding rich vanilla, oaky flavors, they have basically created a cozy blanket in beer form. In fact, it would be great on a chilly fall afternoon, just like a snuggly cover.

And as I’m sitting in that golden light with my fizzy, cold pumpkin beer, I’ll definitely want a snack, as always. I’ll start with a good wedge of Der Alpen Kase, a firm cow’s milk cheese from Goot Essa in Pennsylvania that tastes of beef broth and cashews. Mycella Blue, a buttery and salty blue from Denmark, is a delightful pairing with the Roadsmary’s Baby. If you’re in a cheddar mood, try the current staff favorite: juicy, tangy Pitchfork Cheddar. The Monkster Mash mellows the grassiness of the cheese, making it more caramelly. YUM. 

For side munchies, grab some Effie’s Oatcakes for a delicious balance of savory and sweet, Marcona almonds if you want something addictively salty, and Klara’s Chocolate and Sea Salt Shortbread if you’re in the mood for COOKIES! I think cookies and brownies and beer is an underused pairing, so you really must try it! Happy pumpkin beer, everyone!

For the love of cheese and fall things, 

Kiri

P.S. I’m trying to learn more about beer, so I’ve been listening to some beer podcasts. A couple I’ve tried are very much for the “in” crowd in craft brewing, so I miss a lot of what they’re talking about, and just feel confused. Thus, one of my favorites has been Drinking Partners with comedians Ed Bailey and Day Bracey because it’s like I’m listening to two of my funniest friends, who happen to know beer, shoot the breeze. I especially enjoyed episode 233 (the good stuff starts at like 8/9 mins) with one of the US’s few black female brewers, Hannah Ferguson. Just so ya know, Ed and Day don’t hold back, so it is explicit. And hilarious.

http://epicastnetwork.com/drinking-partners-233-hannah-ferguson-mordern-methods-brewing-company