Sweater weather is here, the leaves are putting on a show and fall-themed beers are finally back on the menu. Gone are the light, fruity sours of warm summer days. Instead, you’ll soon see more hearty, pumpkin-flavored beers flowing from the taps at your favorite neighborhood taproom.
Omaha breweries are certainly honoring the new season with plenty of newly released brews. From ales to porters, here are some local, autumn-inspired beers that are the perfect accompaniment to any cool autumn day. Cheers!
Farnam House Brewing Company
Farnam House Oktoberfest | 5.5% ABV
Photo courtesy of Brian Collins via Farnam House Brewing Company
Every year when fall rolls around, you’ll see Oktoberfest brews popping up at breweries all over the city. One of our favorites in the Omaha area is the Farnam House Oktoberfest. A rich, yet soft profile, with malt flavors, toasted notes and a mild hop bitterness makes this a spectacular fall beer. Head over to the Blackstone District this season and order one for yourself— specifically in a Farnam House stein!
Infusion Brewing Company
Pumpkin Vanilla Bean Blonde | 4.8% ABV
Forget pumpkin spice lattes—pumpkin-flavored beer is where it’s at. Infusion Brewing took their classic Vanilla Bean Blonde and added a generous amount of smooth pumpkin goodness and a hint of spice. Light-bodied and packed full of fall cheer, this crisp, blonde ale is a delicious seasonal treat.
Pint Nine Brewing Company
Oso Cafe | 5.6% ABV
Coming in at a lighter 5.6% ABV, this drinkable brown ale is a soul-warming treat for colder months. Brewed with notes of lightly roasted coffee and hazelnut, Oso Cafe is a fantastic drink for new dark beer drinkers and pretty much anyone else who loves beer.
Zipline Brewing Company
Red IPA | 6.5% ABV
Graphic courtesy of Zipline Brewing Company
There’s nothing more fundamental to fall in Nebraska than football and nothing pairs better with football than beer! This year, Zipline Brewing is showing some Nebraska pride with a new seasonal brew—Red IPA, inspired by their Cornhusker roots. Featuring copious amounts of traditional “C” hops and capped off with an infusion of newer, citrusy varietals, this stunning scarlet beer will be a festive addition to any tailgate.
Nebraska Brewing Company
ToCoPo | 5.3% ABV
This brand new concoction from Nebraska Brewing Company is hitting the taps just in time for autumn! Featuring a 5.3% ABV, ToCoPo, or Toasted Coconut Porter, was crafted using 150 pounds of hand-toasted coconut. The tropical flavors of the coconut mix expertly with sweet and malty flavors to produce a delicious porter that pairs well with a football game, pumpkin picking, hay riding or practically any other fall activity.
Scriptown Brewing Company
Heilige Nämen (Fall Fest) | 5.2% ABV
Photo courtesy of Scriptown Brewing Company
Local favorite, Heilige Nämen, is once again on tap at Scriptown Brewing and we couldn’t be more excited! This Vienna-style lager features an elegant malt profile, using 2-row and several Weyermann malts. The entire profile is complemented by 24 delicate IBUs provided by German Perele, Hallertauer Tradition and Slovenians Styrian Goldings hops. When you order this unique brew in their Tasting Room throughout the month of October, an anonymous donor makes a donation to Omaha Holy Name School — so what are you waiting for?
Lucky Bucket Brewing Company
Big Pimpkin 7.1% ABV
This autumn ale is brewed with plenty of pumpkins to complement the caramel sweetness and silky texture. Reminiscent of a pumpkin pie, this brew is flavored with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. For a dark twist on this classic beer, Lucky Bucket recommends ordering this selection with a topper of Certified Evil to create an Evil Pimpkin! The cloud of dark malt deliciousness mingles perfectly with the pumpkin sweetness to create a spooky brew worthy of Halloween.
5168 Brewing Company
Schools Back in Session IPA | 5.25% ABV
Photo courtesy of 5168 Brewing Company
If you’re still desperately holding on to summer, this light and crisp beer will definitely help you ease into the new season. Head to 5168 Brewing’s Omaha Tap Room to try this sessionable hazy IPA, featuring 20% flaked oats and white wheat malt for a soft bready malt note and cloudy beer appearance. With bright notes of lime, tangerine and citrus zest, plus hints of juicy melon—the Schools Back in Session IPA is vibrant and refreshing, calling back to the warm days of summer and helping us transition into the colder months.
Happy Fall!
Did we miss your most anticipated local, seasonal brew? Tell us about it in the comments!