Taste the Flavors of Fall with Wisconsin's Seasonal Brews

As temperatures slowly begin to drop, the first signs of fall colors start peeking through the trees in Wisconsin. Other signs the seasons are changing include the return of all our favorite flavors, from crisp caramel apples to comforting cinnamon to of course, pumpkin spice.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s craft breweries are busy preparing their own signature tastes of the season. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite local flavors for you to sample, including more than just beer. Prost!

Leinenkugel’s – The Oktoberfest

Home to over 150 years of beer-making tradition, Leinenkugel's rings in each fall season with a fresh batch of Oktoberfest brew. You’ll get the toasted malt flavor and scents you expect from a Marzen-style beer, with a hint of spicy hop notes as you enjoy a pint. Stop by the Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls on a Thursday afternoon for a brewery tour led by one of the Leinenkugel’s as you learn the history of an iconic Wisconsin tradition and take home a souvenir glass. Looking for something light? Pick a Harvest Patch Shandy full of refreshing pumpkin flavor. 

New Glarus Brewing Co. – The Staghorn

This Oktoberfest-Märzen style lager is one of the most popular fall flavors for beer drinkers all over the state. The beverages from the award-winning New Glarus Brewing Co. are extra special because they’re only sold in Wisconsin. The seasonal Staghorn stays true to traditional style with a rich copper appearance and a malty caramel flavor. Enjoy the New Glarus Oktoberfest tradition as the brewery taps a wooden keg of the good stuff or visit the brewery in New Glarus for a tour and a tasting. 

Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery – Honeycrisp Hard Cider

If the fresh flavors of Honeycrisp apples are appealing to your taste buds, this is the hard cider you need to try this autumn. The snappy taste of this semi-dry cider is delicious all the way to the core. Take a trip along Wisconsin’s Great River Road, and cap off your journey in charming Stockholm at Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery with a seasonal six pack. Want to try your hand at concocting the perfect hard cider? Purchase a starter kit in the gift shop and take a crack at your very own seasonal brew. 

Lakefront Brewery – The Pumpkin Lager

When you find yourself craving a pumpkin spice latte, Lakefront’s Pumpkin Lager is a must-try. Brewed with real pumpkin and full of cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, this beer is the perfect way to spice up a chilly autumn night. Make your visit to Milwaukee memorable and experience Lakefront’s popular jokes-included brewery tour and grab some fried cheese curds from the Curdwagon afterwards. Don’t Wait! This pumpkin fall flavor is only available from August through October. 

Sand Creek Brewing Company – The Hard Cranberry Lemonade

Not in the mood for a beer? Not a problem! Brewed with real fruit juices, real sugars and of course real Wisconsin cranberries, Sand Creek’s Hard Cranberry Lemonade is a delicious balance between sweet and tart. Stop by the historic brewery in Black River Falls and pick up a six-pack for your camping excursion to the Black River State Forest and enjoy the stunning fall colors.

Craving more Wisconsin beer? Treat your taste buds to one of these 6 Wisconsin breweries, or check our brewery directory for more.