Beer

A 16 oz can of Abomination Brewing Company’s Forbidden Pumpkin Imperial Milkshake IPA with a spooky Halloween illustration featuring a masked figure holding a carved pumpkin, standing among a pile of pumpkins under a dark sky.

Review: Abomination Brewing Company Forbidden Pumpkin Imperial Milkshake IPA

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Abomination Brewing’s Forbidden Pumpkin is an Imperial Milkshake IPA that takes pumpkin beer in a very different direction. Pouring a cloudy, milky amber with a frothy white head, the beer announces itself with aromas of citrus, vanilla, and a hint of spice. It looks inviting enough, but the first sip immediately reveals its boldest trait: sweetness. The lactose and vanilla dominate from the start, creating a creamy body that feels more like dessert in a glass than a traditional IPA.

The pumpkin and spice notes, while advertised, are hard to find. Instead, bright citrus hops and sugary milk flavors push to the forefront, leaving the cinnamon and nutmeg buried in the background. For drinkers who lean toward drier or more balanced pumpkin beers, the sugary profile may be overwhelming. Personally, I found it difficult to get through more than a quarter of the glass before the sweetness wore me down.

That said, this beer has a clear audience. Fans of milkshake IPAs or those who enjoy sweeter, dessert-style beers will find Forbidden Pumpkin to be a unique seasonal indulgence. It’s smooth, creamy, and unabashedly sweet, with enough citrus hop bite to keep it from being completely one-dimensional. While it’s not for everyone—especially those looking for pumpkin to play the starring role—it’s a creative twist on the pumpkin beer genre that could rank highly for those with a sweet tooth.

Curious how this unique pumpkin beer stacks up against more traditional offerings? Check out our [Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked] to see where Forbidden Pumpkin lands.

  • Style: Pumpkin Imperial Milkshake IPA
  • ABV: 9.3%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Fall (Limited Release)
  • Brewer: Abomination Brewing Company, a nomadic craft brewery known for creative and experimental releases, often brewed in collaboration with host breweries. Their beers push style boundaries, from heavily hopped IPAs to bold stouts and fruited sours, earning them a reputation for adventurous brewing and unique flavor combinations.

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A 12oz can of Southern Tier Raspberry Shine Summer Wheat Ale, photographed for a blog review on its aroma, flavor, and overall drinking experience.

Review of Raspberry Shine Summer Wheat Ale by Southern Tier

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Southern Tier’s Raspberry Shine Summer Wheat Ale greets you with a pleasant aroma of fresh raspberries, setting an inviting tone. Each sip provides mild raspberry flavor, slightly reminiscent of candy but without becoming overly sweet or artificial. Although there’s a touch of syrupiness, it doesn’t dominate or weigh the beer down.

The ale finds balance between vibrant raspberry notes and its wheat malt base, making it a nice choice for relaxed summer sipping. Its subtle bitterness in the finish is noticeable but mild enough not to distract from the fruity profile, even though it prevents the beer from being as crisp and refreshing as some may prefer.

Overall, Raspberry Shine offers an easy-drinking experience, best suited for those who appreciate fruity wheat beers on a hot day. While it might not top my favorites list, it’s certainly enjoyable and worth trying if raspberries are your thing.

  • Style: Summer Wheat Ale
  • ABV: 4.6%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Summer (limited release)
  • Brewer: Southern Tier Brewing Company, founded in 2002 in Lakewood, New York, is known for its wide range of innovative ales and lagers, including seasonal specialties and experimental releases. The brewery takes pride in balancing bold flavors with approachable drinkability, offering beers that appeal to both craft enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

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12oz bottle of Abita Strawberry Lager with a red label featuring strawberries, brewed with real Louisiana strawberries.

Abita Strawberry Lager Review

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I first tried Abita Brewing Company’s Strawberry Lager years ago and thought it was just okay. At the time, I even liked another strawberry beer more. But beer can change over time, so I decided to give it another shot. I’m glad I did—this one is much better than I remember.

Brewed with juicy, ripe Louisiana strawberries picked at their peak, this crisp lager immediately hits you with the aroma of real strawberry as soon as it’s poured. The flavor is sweet but balanced, with enough strawberry to stand out while still letting the light gold lager, made with pilsner and wheat malts and Tradition hops, shine through. There’s no artificial aftertaste—just a clean, refreshing finish that makes it easy to go back for another sip.

One of the best things about Abita Strawberry Lager is that it’s available year-round. That means whether it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you can enjoy its bright fruit character and crisp, easy-drinking nature anytime. If you’re looking for a fruit beer that actually tastes like fresh fruit and is refreshing from start to finish, this one’s worth picking up.

  • Style: Fruit Lager
  • ABV: 4.2 %
  • IBUs: 13
  • Seasonal: Year-round
  • Brewer: Abita Brewing Company, located in Abita Springs, Louisiana, crafts its beers using pristine artesian water drawn from deep local wells. Known for producing full-flavored, easy-drinking ales and lagers, the brewery also makes small-batch sodas, root beer, and hop water—all brewed to reflect the Louisiana way of life.









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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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Can of St. Bernardus Watou Tokyo Belgian Wit Ale with Japanese-inspired artwork depicting nightlife in Tokyo.

St. Bernardus Tokyo Wit Review—A Belgian Witbier with a Tokyo Twist

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St. Bernardus Tokyo Wit is a solid Belgian witbier offering a straightforward yet pleasing experience. It pours beautifully with a cloudy, golden hue capped by a thick white head, providing a visual treat before the first sip. On the nose, gentle aromas of citrus and coriander come forward, complemented by subtle hints of clove and a floral undertone, adding depth without overpowering the senses.

Taste-wise, St. Bernardus Tokyo Wit delivers a smooth, refreshing profile highlighted by a mild wheat base. Citrus notes are balanced by a gentle spice, creating a harmonious flavor that’s enjoyable sip after sip. While the carbonation feels somewhat muted—giving the beer a flat sensation—it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall drinking experience.

The beer finishes with a pleasant dryness, coupled with a lingering, subtle bitterness that cleanses the palate without overstaying its welcome. While it might not reinvent the style, its nuanced flavor profile makes it a great option for anyone looking for a reliably tasty witbier. Easy-drinking yet layered enough to keep things interesting, this beer might just earn a regular spot in your rotation.

  • Style: Witbier
  • ABV: 6.0 %
  • IBUs: 15
  • Available: Year-Round
  • Brewer: Brouwerij St. Bernardus, Watou, Belgium

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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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