This harvest season fill up your glass with liquid gold– some pumpkin beer. It’s truly the only definition of seasonal beverages, enjoying natural spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and perhaps even some real sugar pie pumpkins.

Local breweries are offering their own take on Oktoberfest by introducing their version of fall-flavor favorites. Magnolia’s Barking Pumpkin, Buffalo Bill’s Harvest Moon, and Mavericks’ Harvest Pumpkin Ale, are all among Northern California brewery favorites.

To get that hearty flavor, many master brewers add the pumpkin in the mash, the mix of grains and hot water. It can also be included in the fermentation tanks for a bigger flavor kick. Most pumpkin beers are considered ales—the yeast ferments at a higher temperature, resulting in a yeasty flavor.  In addition, pumpkin brews aren’t very bitter yet deliver a malty and thick texture.

Quench your thirst for a brewski this weekend at the Oktoberfest by the Bay on Pier 48. The night session passes are sold out, but for $25 you can get a Saturday or Sunday day admission pass. Beer and wine costs an additional $6 a glass, but at least you’ll be surrounded by an authentic brew-drinking environment, nothing but Bavarian music and Trachten.

Photo Credit:Northwest Beer Guide

• Tag: bay area, beer, Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Beer