While there are always a variety of delicious beers available throughout the year, fall is by far the most exciting time for beer geeks. Not only does it signal a new wave of flavors, but the holidays are fast approaching and that means more beers to celebrate. Oktoberfest, Halloween and Thanksgiving grace us with their presence, which means that pumpkin beers, fest beers and brown ales are becoming the norm. I cannot think of a more anticipated time of year or line ofbeers than those of the fall.

Oktoberfest is that wonderful German celebration that we as Americans have adopted as our own. Beer makers and beer drinkers alike have taken to Oktoberfest and run with it. Many brewers offer up their interpretation of the traditional, malty, delicious fest beer. Samuel Adams, Harpoon and Leinenkugel are just a small sample of breweries that craft an Oktoberfest style beer. Beer drinkers are also fortunate to have traditional German fest beers in supply. My personal favorites are Hofbrau and Weihenstephaner, although Sam Adams does a rather fine job of duplicating the traditional German recipe.

Is there anything more symbolic of fall than the mighty pumpkin? It is the staple of the classic Thanksgiving dessert and the motivation behind a movement of flavored vodkas, liqueurs and beers. Pumpkin beers may be the most anticipated line of beers every year. With the way they seem to come out earlier and earlier every year, I could see a time when pumpkin beers are a year round thing. There is no shortage of pumpkin beers available to the public. Similar in nature, yet contrasting in flavor and style, there may be a pumpkin beer out there for everyone. Cigar City, Southern Tier, Dogfish Head and Shipyard produce some of the most sought after beers in the pumpkin craze.

Brown ales or darker beers in general are also a signal of the changing of the seasons. While there are a number of darker beers available throughout the year, their popularity does not seem to increase until the temperature drops. Some, like myself, enjoy a good dark beer at anytime of year. There is something about those dense, dark, rich liquids that are perfect for cool autumn nights. Sierra Nevada Tumbler is one of the must-haves of the fall season. Others to try are Highland Black Mocha Stout, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout or a good German dunkel.

Beer is ever present, but autumn is the king of beer season in my opinion. No other season brings such a collection of variety and flavor to the table. There is something for everyone, so go out and find your happy place.

Patrick Miller, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits beer consultant - Venice

Follow me on Twitter @abcbeerpatrickm