Pumpkin

Photograph of a 16oz can of Leaf Pile Pie Ale, a pumpkin ale collaboration between Greenport Harbor Brewing Company and Root + Branch, featuring a clean white label with orange lettering and an illustrated pie graphic.

Leaf Pile Pie by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company Reviewed

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Leaf Pile Pie Ale is Greenport Harbor Brewing Company’s richer, pastry-inspired twist on their popular Leaf Pile Pumpkin Ale. While the brewery calls it “pastry-style,” it drinks far more balanced than the dessert-heavy reputation the phrase usually brings. The spice hits first—warm cinnamon and autumn spice notes—followed by a touch of graham cracker and vanilla that softens the edges without turning the beer syrupy or overly sweet. At 8.5% ABV, it stays surprisingly smooth, with no alcohol bite fighting its way through.

What makes Leaf Pile Pie interesting is the way it walks the line between classic pumpkin ale and the brewery’s attempt at a richer, fall-dessert version of their flagship seasonal. For me, it lands just north of middle-of-the-road: the flavors are clean, the profile is steady, and although I wouldn’t call it a true pastry beer, it’s still a pleasant, slightly elevated take on the original. If you want to know how this one stacks up against dozens of others this season, check where it ranks in our Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale (Pastry-inspired variant)
  • ABV: 8.5%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Fall (Limited Release)
  • Brewer: Brewed by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in collaboration with Root + Branch Brewing. Based in Long Island, NY, Greenport Harbor is known for its balanced, approachable styles—especially its long-running fall favorite, Leaf Pile Pumpkin Ale. This “Leaf Pile Pie” variant is their richer, dessert-leaning interpretation, incorporating vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and other autumnal ingredients while still keeping the overall profile cleaner and less sugary than typical pastry ales.

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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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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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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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Bottle of Prairie Artisan Ales' Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout standing on a white background, showcasing its intricate Halloween-themed label with pumpkin and spooky decorations.

Indulge Your Senses: A Review of Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout

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Prairie Artisan Ales’ Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout is a truly decadent experience, and it earns its spot high on my pumpkin beer rankings. This isn’t your average fall seasonal; it’s a luxurious sipper meant to be savored. The beer pours an opaque black, hinting at the richness within. The aroma is an intoxicating blend of bourbon, pumpkin, coffee, vanilla, maple, and pumpkin pie spice, all layered over a base of roasted malt. It’s like sticking your nose in a freshly baked pumpkin pie spiked with a shot of espresso.

A bottle of Prairie Artisan Ales’ Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout next to a glass filled with the beer, showcasing its nearly flat pour and minimal head on a white countertop.

On the palate, those aromas translate into a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The bourbon barrel aging adds warmth and depth, while the coffee and roasted malt provide a grounding bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The pumpkin and spice notes are definitely present, but they don’t overwhelm, playing harmoniously with the other elements. This is a full-bodied stout with a velvety texture and a long, lingering finish. While it might be a bit too intense for an everyday beer, it’s absolutely perfect for those occasions when you’re looking to indulge in something truly special.

  • Style: Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
  • ABV: 13.9 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Prairie Artisan Ales, based in Oklahoma, is a craft brewery.

Read our blog post “A Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” to find out where Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout by Prairie Artisan Ales ranks in our top pumpkin beers list.

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16 oz can of Dorchester Brewing Company’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale on a white background, featuring vibrant and playful artwork with cartoon pumpkin and pie illustrations.

Sweet Simplicity: Reviewing Dorchester Brewing’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale

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Dorchester Brewing Company’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale offers a notably light and sweet take on the pumpkin ale genre. This brew pours with an essence reminiscent of a subtle autumn dessert rather than a bold seasonal ale. The pumpkin and spice flavors you might expect are understated, contributing to an overall impression of mildness that some may find too close to being diluted. The sweetness is present, yet it doesn’t fully compensate for the subdued pumpkin character.

On a positive note, Pie Fight! does finish smoothly without any lingering bitterness, which is a pleasant departure from many other spiced craft ales. The aroma hints at pumpkin pie spices and a touch of pie crust, evoking a sense of fall’s comfort but not overpowering the senses. The mouthfeel is light, akin to a soft malt cider, making it quite drinkable despite its lack of complexity.

While Dorchester Brewing aims for a pumpkin-spiced pie in a glass, balancing it with the maltiness of an amber ale and a custom spice blend, the execution leans more towards simplicity. This ale might appeal to those seeking a milder pumpkin ale experience without the robust earthy or vanilla nuances that add depth to other seasonal offerings. For anyone looking for an easy-drinking autumn beer that nods to the season without overwhelming the palate, Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale could be a refreshing choice. Check out where it ranks in our Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked list for more insights.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 5.3 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Dorchester Brewing Company, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a craft brewery.

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