Pumpkin spice can be a polarizing topic. While the term may exude cozy, wholesome vibes, the countdown to Starbucks’ annual Pumpkin Spice Latte release (in August, no less) has become the subject of memes. And some beer traditionalists scoff at its place on tap at local breweries. Different strokes for different folks, we say. There’s also a middle ground of people who enjoy a pumpkin beer and coffee or five starting in mid-September or early October. Whether you fit that bill or toast to all things pumpkin beginning in August (or not at all), the release of fall-flavored beers is, at the very least, a rite of passage. Major brands may dominate grocery store displays, but the East End is brewing with perfect picks, full of notes of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon and local spice.
These are the East End’s best pumpkin beers from Greenport and Montauk to Riverhead.
Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., 234 Carpenter St., Greenport, 631-477-1100
Beer: Leaf Pile
With apologies to the aforementioned Starbucks PSL, the annual release of Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.’s Leaf Pile Ale is the true sign of the autumn times. Perhaps a beneficiary of the name (that doesn’t technically include pumpkin), but more likely, a solid tradition of great taste, Leaf Pile draws people from all over. A team effort with Copiague brewery Root and Branch Brewing, this year’s edition boasts brown sugar, creamy vanilla (courtesy of Madagascar vanilla beans), graham crackers and a touch of cocoa.
Kidd Squid Brewing Co., 11 Spring St., Sag Harbor, 631-500-0533
Beer: Pump Daddy
The prolific turn-out of seasonal and one-off beers from Kidd Squid if a fun fest that occurs all year long, but we really dig when they release this spicy seasonal sipper. At 6.2% abv, it’s got some oomph, but this hazy IPA-style brew takes a trek to the tropical side, with pleasing notes of passion fruit and a fun lip-smacking custardy pumpkin pie finish that might be a nice end to the big turkey meal in a few weeks.
North Fork Brewing Company, 24 E 2nd St Suite A, Riverhead, 631-591-1191
Beer: Butternut the Hutt
Plot twist: This one actually doesn’t include pumpkin. Instead, North Fork Brewing’s fall flavors come from butternut squash. In a local twist, the squash is sourced from nearby Schmitt’s Farm in Riverhead. The team hand-roasts Schmitt’s squash from the previous year and freezes it so it’s ready to hit taps and cans in mid-August, making it an anticipated brew for those ready to swap shorts for sweaters.
Long Ireland Beer Company, 817 Pulaski St, Riverhead, 631-403-4303
Beers: Pumpkin Ale and Oktoberfest
Long Ireland Beer Company goes all-in for fall with a pair of limited-edition brews, at least one that even those who lean more traditional can toast with. The medium-bodied Pumpkin Ale is a “delightful tribute to the harvest season,” Kevin Leonard, head brewer of Long Ireland Beer Company said. You’ll taste warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, which blend seamlessly with the natural sweetness of the real pumpkin. The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pie hits fall on the nose, and Leonard loves it with butternut squash soup and Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. On the other hand, the smooth, full-bodied, amber-hued Oktoberfest is a “celebration of traditional brewing techniques, offering a rich, malty sweetness balanced by a gentle hop bitterness,” Leonard says. Naturally, it pairs perfectly with bratwurst. Speaking of tradition, the brews are all served in a quintessential pub-style tasting room with a wooden bar and laidback attitude.
Montauk Brewing, 62 South Erie Ave., Montauk, 631-668-8471
Beer: Pumpkin Ale
Thinner crowds and foliage create a more scenic route than usual, making fall the perfect time to get to The End. A cup of pumpkin beer awaits in the Montauk Brewing tasting room on South Erie Avenue. (Grocery stores also carry it if Montauk is a bridge too far as life’s pace quickens each fall). Whether fall is a busy season or not, the Pumpkin Ale is an approachable brew with subtle hops and a smooth finish. You’ll taste cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin, brown sugar and a slight bitterness for a balanced that hits all the right notes.
Westhampton Beach Brewing Company, 220 Roger’s Way Ste. I, Westhampton Beach, 631-998-0800
Beer: Hampton Pumpkin
The amber ale boasts a medium body and a fall-in-a-glass taste. Nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon blend seamlessly for a beverage that works by the fireplace or at the beach on one of the year’s final balmy afternoons. Perhaps the most important piece? The tasting room staff generously applies the quintessential cinnamon rim to the cup, bringing out the best in the seasonal brew.
Long Island Farm Brewery, 663 Wading River Rd, Manorville, 631-909-1864
Beers: Pickin’ Pumpkins and Oktoberfest
Situated next to the always-hopping Waterdrinker Farm, Long Island Farm Brewery is an ideal stop to toast tulips in the spring and pumpkins come fall. The brewery has a pair of fall brews on tap this time of year. The appropriately named Pickin’ Pumpkins is brewed with the expected pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and vanilla (“What else do we need to say?” reads the website). Meanwhile, Oktoberfest is clean, crisp, slightly bitter and rich in malt.
Twin Fork Beer Co., 807 Raynor Ave, Riverhead, 631-209-4233
Beer: Harvest Notes
The name of this brewery isn’t the only double entendre associated with it. Founded by twin brothers Dan and Pete Chekijian in 2014, each beer’s name pays tribute to the duo’s musical roots. Harvest Notes is no exception. It truly is a masterpiece for tastebuds. The hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger allow the cozy season to take center stage.
