As the crisp autumn air approaches and the leaves transform from green to the iconic shades of orange and red, there’s no better time to indulge in the mouth-watering flavors synonymous with the fall season. New Jersey, with its vibrant and diverse landscape, provides the perfect backdrop for seasonal craft beer. From the delicious notes of cinnamon and apple to the spice of pumpkin, there is a wide selection of autumn-inspired beers waiting to be explored and savored at local breweries across the Garden State. From crisp, refreshing lagers to rich, malty stouts, here is a list of where you can find some of the best fall beers in NJ this season.
Just Like Grandma’s: Apple Pie
Axe and Arrow Brewing | Glassboro, NJ
This South Jersey brewery is embracing the fall season with its variety of seasonal pumpkin beers on tap and fall-themed canned brews. A new addition to their Just Like Grandma’s pie-inspired line, this autumn debut is a creamy ale infused with the deliciously familiar tastes of tangy apple, aromatic cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar – reminiscent of the delectable flavors found in your grandmother’s classic homemade apple pie. Enjoy this kick-off to fall available on tap, 4-packs to go, or at some seasonal festivals throughout the state.
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PSL Lager
Fort Nonsense Brewing Company | Randolph, NJ
Celebrate fall with a unique twist on the classic caffeinated drink of the season. Brewed and canned in Randolph, NJ, the Pumpkin Spice Lager might be caffeine-free but is fully packed with the quintessential PSL flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, allspice, mace, ginger, clove, and a hint of lactose for a creamy finish. Enjoy a cold pint of this seasonal brew on tap or grab a 4-pack of 16 oz cans to take home from the brewery’s cozy taproom and dog-friendly beer garden.
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Mr. Dempsey
Twin Lights Brewing | Tinton Falls, NJ
The haunting tale of this New Jersey legend is reborn in the form of a delicious brew just in time for the Halloween season. As a member of WeirdNJ’s lineup, the abandoned house known as the Dempsey Estate in Middletown, NJ is rumored to be grounds for a series of gruesome events involving Mr. Dempsey himself, including murder on Halloween night. Inspired by this spooky mystery, this local brewery crafted a rich, creamy oatmeal stout infused with roasted malts and bursting with chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit flavors. Deeply hued, Mr. Dempsey is the ideal companion to chilling October nights or to kick off a thrilling ghost-hunting adventure. The beer is available in the taproom and at select distribution locations.
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Headless Tribesman
Seven Tribesman Brewery | Wayne, NJ
Seven Tribesman Brewery is reminding guests to “hold onto their head” in the return of this delicious pumpkin ale. This seasonal brew is inspired by the infamous legend of Sleepy Hollow and its terrifying protagonist, the Headless Horseman, featuring several ingredients paying homage to this spooky folklore. Step into the haunting woods and be captivated by the rich flavors of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. Savor this fan-favorite at their taproom and beer garden or take a 4-pack of 16 oz. cans to go for a ghost-telling bonfire of your own.
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Mop Water
Cape May Brewing Company | Cape May, NJ
As New Jersey’s largest craft brewery, Cape May Brewing Company is returning its award-winning spiced ale to the tasting room this fall season. Don’t let the unique name deter you—this one-of-a-kind brew is inspired by CMBC’s Chief Mop Man, who tasked the brewery with crafting a beer that would be ideal for chilly fall evenings and harsh winter nights. As a fan-favorite, this brown ale combines German malts’ rich, bready flavor with warm autumn flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and a generous amount of real vanilla. Mop Water is available as a draft pour, in 6-packs, or stores distributed throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Additionally, online pick-up orders are available through their official website.
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Basic Beer Season
Bradley Brew Project | Bradley Beach NJ
It’s officially basic beer season and the Bradley Brew Project is offering a taste of autumn in the latest addition to its craft beer lineup. Basic Beer Season is a 10 percent Imperial Brown Ale infused with the classic seasonal spices of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and blackstrap molasses. The strong malty base pairs perfectly with the subtle flavor notes of spice like a cozy knit sweater fits together with the chilly autumn breeze. Enjoy this anything-but-basic beer at their tasting room by the shore, at local retailers where BBP is offered, and online for pick-up or delivery via their official website.
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Cider Donut
New Jersey Beer Company | North Bergen, NJ
Choosing between a sweet fall treat and a warm, savory beer? Why not have both? This take on a classic fall delicacy features a Double IPA brewed with notes of sweetness complimented by a refreshing bitter taste perfect for a crisp, autumn day. This beer is a must-try for cider donut fanatics and brew enthusiasts, infused with fresh apple cider, donut batter, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Try this seasonal addition by the pint or take it to go at their indoor or outdoor tasting room in North Bergen.
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Pumpkin Stout
Montclair Brewery | Montclair, NJ
Located in downtown Montclair, this microbrewery offers its signature Pumpkin Stout on tap just in time for autumn’s arrival. This Irish-style creamy stout boasts a rich and flavorful profile, highlighted by notes of roasted nuts and a hint of sweetness from a variety of caramel malts. To add a touch of autumn flair, each brew is made with a pump of delectable pumpkin syrup. The result is a deliciously unique take on the classic stout that is sure to put you in the fall spirit. For a full list of additional fall-flavored beers, visit their rotating tap list here.
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Stoke Harvest
Last Wave Brewing | Point Pleasant, NJ
This Jersey Shore staple is riding the fall wave with a fresh take on the Oktoberfest brew. Stoke Harvest is a Marzen-style Oktoberfest brew that features the flavors of a traditional German beer with a glowing copper tone. Brewed with specialty Munich malt, this beer possesses enticing notes of toasted bread crust and crackers, making it the perfect hearty addition to a crisp fall evening. Hang loose and stop in for a pint or pick up a 4-pack to go for your next fall celebration.
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Hipp-O-Lantern
River Horse Brewing Company | Ewing, NJ
If you enjoy a seasonal brew that isn’t too sweet, spicy, and reminiscent of a fall candle, River Horse Brewing has covered you with its classic pumpkin ale. Crafted with real, natural ingredients, the Hipp-O-Lantern is a skillful blend of pumpkin puree, cinnamon sticks, clove, nutmeg, fresh ginger root, vanilla beans, and blackstrap molasses for a perfectly balanced taste. The whole spices used are crushed on the day of brewing, so you can be sure you are getting the freshest ingredients possible. Embrace the autumn vibes with 12 oz. bottles available in-house, online for pickup, or at several distribution locations across New Jersey. To find a bottle near you, visit their beer finder tool available on their website.
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