Fall beers are back on our shelves

Fall is a favorite time of year for fans of beer. The autumn favorites show up on delivery trucks beginning in late August. Many breweries offer seasonal selections that you can only find in fall. We thought we'd outline some of the favorites that our customers are always glad to see return  - almost as much as many of them are glad to see their kids back in school!

The beers that come back for their annual visit this time of year are a great transition from summer's lighter fare to the much heavier beer of winter, which we'll see in November, December and beyond. Autumn beers are typically German in style, and many are named for that famous German beer festival, Oktoberfest. We're already getting some of these as we write this in late August, but these won't be around more than about three months total. Line 'em up and try 'em all. Host a hops fest at home, or come to one of our free tastings for a sample.

Here's a look at what to expect on our shelves now and in the next two months:

- Samuel Adams Octoberfest, blends sweet caramel and toffee flavors with bitterness imparted by Bavarian Noble hops. 

- Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest, a Marzen-style beer that pays tribute to its German heritage.

- Widmer Okto Festival Ale has a mild floral character and crisp clean finish. 

- Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale is an amber ale with some of the seasonings most of us associate with pumpkin pie. 

- New Belgium Brewing Hoptober is a creamy beer, medium-bodied with citrus and fruit notes.

- Bell's Octoberfest Ale spends a full six weeks maturing before it is shipped. Some light caramel notes but not too sweet.

 -New Holland Brewing Ichabod Pumpkin Ale has real pumpkin brewed into it, with cinnamon and nutmeg.