As Summer comes to an end the time has come to retreat from the beer garden and welcome the Autumn months. And what better place to do that than in front of an open fire while waiting for a fix of proper pub grub – which after having been neglected for the past 7 months (because no one wants a stew in Summer) can get the appreciation it rightly deserves. But of course, to compliment these hearty meals, you’re going to need an appropriate beverage for accompaniment, which is where the Autumn ales – my personal favourite – come in. As the days get darker, so do the beers, and the pale ales give way to the deeper shades of ruby and copper; robust in body and mellow in taste. The complex flavours of spices, caramels, and hints of seasonal fruits are bound to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, as the temperature drops outside. So, if you are sad that Summer is over (or even if you’re not) here are 5 of our favourite Autumn ales to ease you into the new season.
Cheers!
Ruby Witch (Moorhouse’s)
Colour: Dark Ruby
Smell: Roasted, Spice, Tangerine
Taste: Coffee, Spice, Fruit
ABV: 4.6%
Bitter: 3.5/5
Sweet: 3/5
Hobgoblin (Wychwood Brewery)
Colour: Ruby
Smell: Toffee, Slight Citrus, Chocolate
Taste: Toffee, Dry, Biscuit
ABV: 4.5%
Bitter: 3/5
Sweet: 3/5
Tormit Heed (Firebrick Brewery)
Colour: Dark Amber
Smell: Toffee, Fruity, Malty
Taste: Toffee, Liquorice, Spice
ABV: 4.9%
Bitter: 3/5
Sweet: 3/5
Red Fox (Fuller’s)
Colour: Tawny
Smell: Sweet, Caramel, Fruit
Taste: Rich, Creamy, Toasted
ABV: 4.3%
Bitter: 2/5
Sweet: 4/5
Forest Hare (Bath Ales)
Colour: Copper Red
Smell: Hoppy, Zesty, Heady
Taste: Bitter, Fruity, Dry
ABV: 3.9%
Bitter: 3.5/5
Sweet: 2.5/5