Frohe Oktoberfest! This month, we are celebrating the official arrival of fall with a brew that captures the best of the season in a single glass! Say hello to Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin—a full-bodied ale featuring sweet pumpkin pie notes perfectly balanced by a warming mix of cinnamon and nutmeg. It is the beer that officially kicks off the coziest season!

Tasting Notes

We put a five-beer flight to the test for Oktoberfest, and, after a tough competition, we made our “pour decision” with Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin.

It pours a deep amber with an inviting aroma of spiced pumpkin, vanilla, and a hint of molasses. What truly sold us was the balance: while you might first think of it as dessert-like, it is surprisingly not overly sweet. The blend of spices and an earthy pumpkin flavor is delicate, making it remarkably drinkable with a smooth, cozy finish.

ABV: 9.0% (A hearty brew, perfect for a crisp night!)

Style: Pumpkin Ale

The Perfect Pairing

Our immediate thought when tasting this beer was how well it would complement rich, savory flavors. It’s perfect for a fall-themed charcuterie board.

The beer’s sweetness and spice would beautifully cut through the richness of dairy and meats:

Themed Treat: Lean into the flavor-on-flavor experience by adding a little pumpkin butter to serve with your favorite crackers and bread.

Cheese: Focus on strong flavors. Try an aged Gouda for its crystalline sweetness, or a sharp Cheddar to complement the spices. A creamy, buttery Brie would also be excellent.

Meat: Choose robust, smoky, or salty flavors like prosciutto and spicy salami.

Fruit & Nuts: Add slices of fresh apple or an apple preserve, reminiscent of a pumpkin-apple pie. Garnish with roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a seasonal crunch.

The Contenders

Our sampling was in full swing, and these were the other tasty contenders that made our decision so hard:

• Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest: A classic, traditional Märzen style.
• Real Ale Brewing Oktoberfest: A smooth, local Texas take on the traditional lager.
• Dogfish Ale Punkin’ Ale: A brown ale brewed with pumpkin, brown sugar & spices.

🍺 Our almost-favorite: Texas Ale Project Oktoberfest: A locally brewed classic lager. The competition for this month’s top spot was fierce, and this beer was our almost-favorite!

Prost!