Seasonal brews

I've noticed that the pumpkin beer has returned for the fall at my local brew pub. Any other mixed drinks or seasonal ales that suggest the changing of the seasons to you?

Spet is the start of the brewing season for my local independant brewer Robinson's to make Old Tom. - an 8% winter ale, normally only served in halves.

Way to thick, heavy and sweet for me, I prefer hoppier brews.

The only seasonal I pay attention to is Sam Adams' Oktoberfest. Yummy.

I'm not sure if it is a seasonal flavor, but I've just tried Angry Orchard's Elderflower Hard Cider. It's their hard apple with a little elderflower, so it has a floral taste that finishes with apple. I'm not crazy about it, but it is a light, sweet flavor.

Woodchuck makes seasonal variety ciders, too. I really like the Summer blend with blueberries which is on the market now. Very refreshing, very well balanced between tart and sweet. (I like a dry cider, but not too tart.)

I tried their Autumn varietal, but it was way to heavy on the cinnamon and spices. I like cinnamon a lot, but the only way I could drink it was by cutting it with sparkling apple juice or ginger ale.

Good to know about the Woodchuck blueberry. I'd probably like that one. My Autumn choice is usually the Sam Adams Pumpkin, but I discovered Wausset Pecan Ale last year and really liked it.

And this sounds weird, but my husband's friend is currently making a delicious homebrew of vanilla peach beer.

I've discovered a new favorite-Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale. It's much lighter and smoother than the Sam Adams.