If we have to give up daily sunshine and constant 75-degree days, at least we get fall beers in return. Yeah, it’s also the season of pumpkin-spiced everything (including beers), but some of this year’s best seasonals don’t necessarily buy into the hype. Without further ado, here are five local fall non-pumpkin beers that are getting us in the mood for the season.
 
(Okay, okay…we did include a bonus pumpkin beer because it was too gourd to ignore.)
 
Harmon Brewing Fall Ball Imperial Redd (7-8% ABV) - Crafted with pumpkin puree and spices (heavy on the spices), Fall Ball is what the brewers term a “Thanksgiving beer.” The brewery is aiming to have it ready in mid-October, in the nick of time for Halloween festivities and with plenty of time to stock up for Turkey Day.
 
7 Seas Brewing Autumn Ale (6.5% ABV) – Autumn Ale is brewed in the Oktoberfest tradition, but with a twist. Instead of being brewed as a lager, as Oktoberfest beers most often are, it’s made as a Vienna Marzen-style ale, boasting a crisp malt character and hopped to a moderate spiciness. It’s already gracing store shelves, having been released Sept. 1.
 
Wingman Brewers Hop of the Walk IPA (5.5% ABV) -  As the name implies, this is a hop-forward beer, with citrus and fruity hop flavors taking the forefront. The low ABV combined with big flavors and floral aroma makes it an almost-sessionable IPA with an orange tint to reflect the changing leaves of the season.
 
Odd Otter Respect Ale (5.6% ABV)
Made in partnership with the YWCA to domestic abuse awareness, Respect Ale is a drink with purpose. It’s brewed along the same lines as their Ottzel Quatzel Pale Ale, but infused with mixed berries. They heap in the Mosaic hops, keeping the finish floral instead of overly citrusy.
 
Dystopian State Oktobrist Marzen (6.5% ABV)
Oktoberfest rears its delicious head yet again in Tacoma, with Dystopian State’s release of a dark-copper-colored brew with enough punch to keep you warm in the cooling autumn nights. Oktobrist is a traditional lager-style Marzen with a crisp, caramel flavor profile and a thick, bready aroma.
 
Bonus Pumpkin Beer:
Puyallup River Brewing Company Jack O'Lahar Pumpkin Ale (6.5% ABV) -  Pumpkin and spice, and everything nice. That’s the name of the game for this aromatic ale with a smooth and sweet flavor profile. Available now through November.