As summer fades away, we start seeking out the rich, malty flavors of fall beer. Even if the weather hasn’t cooled, we’re willing to pour a glass and pretend. From versions with pumpkin and nutmeg, to more subtle takes on seasonal flavors, these locally made brews are the liquid equivalents of your favorite cozy sweater.
Golden Road Brewing – Oktoberfest Bier
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFAg0MtFoRK/For this new beer, L.A.’s Golden Road teamed up with historic German brewery Spaten for a collaboration. The result is a classic marzen, but with a peppy California twist (and super-cute can designed by local artist Steven Harrington). Available at many retailers or for pick-up at The Pub at Golden Road, 5410 W. San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles.
Arts District Brewing – Hello Darkness My Old Friend
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmCbkyjgUOc/The nutty, toasty, cocoa notes of this dark lager will give you campfire feelings, but without the super-high ABV often associated with cold-weather beers. Arts District Brewing, 828 Traction Ave., downtown. Open for on-site consumption.
Dry River Brewing – Forbidden Quince
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-xwaAbpHqC/Dry River, one of the region’s most creative breweries, has several options that could transition you into fall. Among them, the Forbidden Quince, a sour brown ale, aged in oak barrels, featuring locally grown quince fruits. Dry River Brewing, 671 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights. Taproom open for pick-up only, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.
San Fernando Brewing Company – Pumpkin Pi
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE-PeNMBgR7/You pretty much have to drink at least one pumpkin spice beer per autumn. This year, make it a local favorite, Pumpkin Pi Ale. San Fernando Brewing Company, 425 Park Ave., San Fernando. Pick-up and delivery only.
Brewyard Beer Company – Bourbon Barrel Aged Cat’z Pajamas
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlizyOaFPuJ/Want to make pretty much any beer even better? Lay it down to age for a while in bourbon barrels. Here, Brewyard lets their Cat’z Pajamas, a Belgian-style quad, rest for eight months, picking up sweet, rich qualities. Brewyard Beer Company, 906 Western Ave., Glendale. Pick-up and delivery only.
Angel City Brewery – Oktoberfest
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFVAGNWHZmK/A classic Oktoberfest marzen style lager in the German tradition, this annual beer is only available in growlers and crowlers, direct from the taproom. Angel City Brewery, 216 Alameda St., Arts District. Pick-up only.
Brouwerij West – Black Is Beautiful
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDupL1yHWL8/All proceeds from sales of this beer will be donated to Black-run charities working with at-risk BIPOC. In addition to supporting a good cause, the 10 percent ABV imperial stout is perfect for crisp fall evenings and into winter. Brouwerij West, 110 E. 22nd St., San Pedro. Pick-up and local delivery.
The Bruery – Sticky Maple
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFC7kkIlUsY/Sweet, rich, decadent, and perfect for autumn, this “pastry stout,” as the Bruery calls it, is an imperial stout, infused with real maple syrup from Vermont, and aged in bourbon barrels. Available at local retailers or for pick-up and delivery from The Bruery, 717 Dunn Way, Placentia.
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