Crack open these 6 harvest-inspired brews this fall

Ichabod Pumpkin Ale
Photo: New Holland Brewing Company

Ichabod

Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’s beloved character Ichabod Crane is honored just in time for Halloween with New Holland Brewing Company’s pumpkin ale. Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg, pairing well with seasonal foods like root vegetables and poultry. The flavors will summon images of the headless horseman, making it a great autumn must-try.  

New Holland Brewing Co.
66 E. 8th St., Holland
616-355-6422 (Holland Brewpub)
newhollandbrew.com


Big Lake Brewing
Photo: Big Lake Brewing

Octobier 

From Big Lake Brewing in Holland, Octobier is a German-based, Oktoberfest-Style Marzen and is the perfect brew to sip on while celebrating Oktoberfest and the roots of great traditional beer. Flavors of rich malt, toffee and caramel come through with the help of hops, malt and yeast directly sourced from Germany. Only brewed once a year, Octobier releases in late September.

Big Lake Brewing
13 W. 7th St., Holland
616-796-8888
biglakebrewing.com


Spiced Apple Hard Seltzer
Photo: Odd Side Ales

Spiced Apple Hard Seltzer

Typically, seltzers are thought of as a spring and summer beverage. After gaining success with the introduction of their hard seltzers in April, Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven continues the trend with the introduction of their new flavor, Spiced Apple. This seltzer will have bold and forward notes of red and green apples with a subtle taste of cinnamon and nutmeg on the back end. Spiced Apple mirrors the smell and taste of the fall harvest season. 

Odd Side Ales
41 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
616-936-7326
oddsideales.com

Year Round Brown, Grand Armory Brewing

Photo: Grand Armory Brewing Company

Year Round Brown

Just as its name implies, Year Round Brown is available in every season. Located in Grand Haven, Grand Armory Brewing produces the American brown ale, which includes ingredients and flavors that will remind drinkers of the sights, smells and tastes of the fall and winter seasons. Accented with chocolate malts and Fuggle and Columbus hops, Year Round Brown’s smooth, refreshing finish along with the warmness of the chocolate malts will have you wanting to cozy up near a bonfire while enjoying a fall sunset. 

Grand Armory Brewing
17 S. 2nd St., Grand Haven
616-414-7822
grandarmorybrewing.com

Oogity Boogity, Guardian Brewing Company
Photo: Guardian Brewing Company

Oogity Boogity

Oogity Boogity is just as fun and seasonal as it sounds; brewed by Saugatuck’s Guardian Brewing Company every October, Oogity Boogity was first brewed to be a beer tasting like candy corn. The beer is a honey, vanilla-cream ale made with local honey from Sleeping Bear Farms in Beulah, and Mexican vanilla beans. The honey and vanilla aromas blend with a creamy, medium mouthfeel — making this beer easy (maybe too easy) to drink by the pint. 

Guardian Brewing Company
3657 63rd St., Saugatuck
269-543-2238
guardianbrewingco.com

Totally Roasted, Vander Mill
Photo: Vander Mill

Totally Roasted

What would fall be without a Michigan-made cider to sip on? Vander Mill’s Totally Roasted hard cider is the company’s No. 1 brand and contains the quintessential fall flavors. This gluten-free, semi-dry cider has a bright, yet warming finish. Flavors of cinnamon, pecan and vanilla will submerge taste buds into thoughts and memories of autumn festivities. Totally Roasted is available at both the Spring Lake and Grand Rapids locations. 

Vander Mill
14921 Cleveland St., Spring Lake
616-842-4337 (Spring Lake)
vandermill.com