Ale

Side-by-side image of Ghostfish Lunar Harvest Pumpkin Ale and Departed Soles Ghosts of Pumpkins Passed gluten-free pumpkin beers.

Two Gluten Free Pumpkin Beers Worth Sipping This Fall

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If you’re in the market for a gluten free pumpkin beer that actually delivers on flavor, you’re not alone. Every fall, shelves are packed with pumpkin brews — but most are off-limits to gluten-sensitive drinkers. Fortunately, a few standouts are giving the gluten free beer category something to celebrate. Here are two that impressed us in our ongoing taste test.

These picks are part of our evolving roundup: A Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked. The number in the title might change, but the pursuit of great pumpkin beer never stops.

Ghosts of Pumpkins Passed – Departed Soles Brewing Co.
This rich copper-hued gluten free pumpkin beer opens with smooth sweetness before building into a satisfying blend of pumpkin and spice. At 4.5% ABV, it offers an easy-drinking experience without sacrificing character. Unlike many lower-ABV brews that fall flat, this one hits the mark — delivering balanced flavor and body without overwhelming the palate.

Lunar Harvest Pumpkin Ale – Ghostfish Brewing Co.
A Silver Medal winner in Sip Magazine’s 2021 Best of the Northwest, this Belgian-style gluten free beer brings the flavor. Brewed with pumpkin puree and a classic pie spice blend (think ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon), it’s smooth and gently spiced with a light sweetness. Though it leans toward lower carbonation, it still finishes clean and remains one of the most polished gluten free pumpkin beers we’ve tasted.

Want to see how these stack up against the rest?
Visit our Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked to see where these brews land — and which ones you should try next. The list is always growing, so check back for the latest sips and surprises.

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Bottle of Sam Adams Cherry Wheat beer standing on a white background for review.

Sam Adams Cherry Wheat reviewed

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Sam Adams Cherry Wheat is one of those beers that’s earned a permanent spot in my fridge. It brings together a few of my favorite things: the easy-drinking smoothness of a wheat ale, a touch of real fruit flavor, and a crisp, refreshing finish that hits the spot—especially on a hot day.

The first thing you notice is the bright cherry aroma that rises as soon as you tilt the glass. It’s fresh and inviting, thanks to the Michigan cherries they brew it with—noticeable, but never overpowering or too sweet. Underneath that cherry burst is a hint of honey that smooths everything out, pairing perfectly with the mild wheat backbone.

On the sip, it’s balanced just right. The cherry flavor shows up immediately but doesn’t overwhelm the beer. You still get that soft, velvety feel from the wheat, keeping it crisp and drinkable. There’s no sticky sweetness, no fake candy notes—just a clean, tart fruit note that fades into a smooth, easy finish.

What I like most is how this beer stays true to what it is. It’s not trying to wow you with big, bold hops or heavy malts—it’s simply refreshing, reliable, and built for warm days when you want something light with a touch of fruit to keep things interesting.

While it’s brewed year-round, Cherry Wheat really shines in the summer. It’s the kind of beer you can enjoy on the patio, after yard work, or when you just want to kick back with something that goes down easy. If you like wheat beers and fruit flavor without the syrupy edge, Sam Adams Cherry Wheat is always a good call.

  • Style: American Wheat Ale
  • ABV: 5.3 %
  • IBUs: 23
  • Seasonal: Year-round
  • Brewer: The Boston Beer Company, Boston, Massachusetts

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A can of Lost Coast Watermelon Wheat Ale with colorful cartoon label on white background

Review of Lost Coast Watermelon Wheat Ale

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Lost Coast Watermelon Wheat Ale is a refreshing brew that instantly delivers on its promise of clear watermelon flavor while staying true to its wheat beer roots. From the first sip, I thought, “This is good.” The beer features a fruity aroma that perfectly complements its crisp and light character. Free of bitter distractions, this ale offers a refreshing and enjoyable experience, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced fruit-infused wheat beer.

A full glass of Lost Coast Watermelon Wheat Ale with a thick, foamy head beside its bright red can

Brewed with a blend of wheat and crystal malts, and unfiltered for added depth, Lost Coast Watermelon Wheat maintains its integrity as a wheat beer while bringing a natural watermelon essence to the forefront. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for a light, fruity, and refreshing ale.

  • Style: Fruited Wheat Beer
  • ABV: 5.0 %
  • IBUs: 20
  • Available:  Seasonal
  • Brewer: Lost Coast Brewery, based in Eureka, California

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Two glasses on a table, left filled with Montauk Pumpkin Ale showing a darker hue and creamier head, right filled with Brooklyn Brewery Post Road Pumpkin Ale, lighter in color.

New York Pumpkin Ales Face-Off: Brooklyn Brewery vs. Montauk Brewing

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In the realm of New York State pumpkin ales, both Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale and Montauk Brewing Company’s Pumpkin Ale offer lighter takes on this seasonal favorite, each with its own unique flair.

Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale is marked by its lighter color and a head that vanishes quickly, offering a refreshing clarity in its presentation. It boasts a straightforward pumpkin flavor that headlines its profile, complemented by a subtle blend of spices. This makes it an exceptionally refreshing choice, perfect for those who appreciate a pumpkin ale that’s flavorful yet not overpowering. Its clean finish and balanced taste make it highly approachable and enjoyable.

Montauk Pumpkin Ale, while also on the lighter side, introduces a spicier kick and a notable hoppy character. It pours a little darker and features a creamier, more persistent head. Spices like nutmeg and earthy cinnamon are slightly more pronounced than in the Post Road, appealing to those who enjoy a spicier touch. However, it shares a similar lightness in body and flavor, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit of spice without the heaviness often associated with pumpkin ales. The finish here is slightly bitter, adding a distinct touch to its overall profile.

While both ales are crafted for those who prefer a milder pumpkin experience, Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale edges out slightly for those seeking a cleaner, more refreshing taste, whereas Montauk’s offering will appeal to those who enjoy a gentle spice presence with a hoppy note in their brew. Both are excellent choices for a light, enjoyable pumpkin ale experience.

Curious to see where each of these beers ranks among other contenders? Check out our “A Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked” to see how Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road and Montauk Brewing’s offerings compare to other top pumpkin ales this season.

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The product is a 16-ounce can of Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., which features orange packaging with white pumpkin illustrations against a white background.

Review of Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

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Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. is a solid choice for pumpkin beer lovers, though it doesn’t quite reach the top tier. This ale offers a mild sweetness balanced with a pleasant spice kick, featuring notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of candied yams. The warm pie crust finish rounds out the flavor profile nicely, and the 6.1% ABV provides a gentle warmth without overpowering the other elements.

While it might not be the most standout pumpkin ale on the market, it holds its own and sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. If you appreciate pumpkin beers, Gourdgeous Pumpkin is worth picking up. You can’t go wrong with a four-pack for the season. Are you curious to see where Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale ranks among the best pumpkin beers? Check out our Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked list for more insights.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 6.1 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., Waltham, Massachusetts-brewed, craft brewery

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