There’s something magical about fall in Michigan. The air turns crisp, the leaves put on their fiery show, and weekends are filled with cider mills, football games, and cozy bonfires. But autumn in the Great Lakes State also offers another seasonal tradition, one that comes in a pint glass. Michigan’s breweries lean into the season with creativity and flair, turning pumpkins, spices, malts, and even cherries into flavorful brews that capture the essence of autumn.
These beers aren’t just beverages; they’re little snapshots of the season. A pumpkin ale feels like carving jack-o’-lanterns. A rich stout pairs perfectly with a chilly night by the fire. And an Oktoberfest lager practically begs for pretzels and good company. With so many breweries across the state crafting their fall specialties, narrowing the list is no easy task, but here are some of Michigan’s standout brews for autumn sipping.
Pure Michigan Fall IPA – Short’s Brewing Company, Elk Rapids
Style: Amber | ABV: 5.2%
Brewed in collaboration with Pure Michigan, this beer is truly a celebration of the state itself. Using hops and malts grown on Michigan farms, it balances hoppy bitterness with a touch of fruit-forward sweetness. It’s crisp, clean, and undeniably Michigan.
Chubby Squirrel – Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City
Style: Spiced Amber Ale | ABV: 5.5%
Packed with cozy fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla, this beer is basically sweater weather in a glass. Notes of toffee and brown sugar round it out, making it a smooth and aromatic seasonal favorite.
Ultimate Oktoberfest – Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids
Style: Lager | ABV: 9.4%
This isn’t your average Oktoberfest. Founders ages their German-style Märzen in bourbon barrels for nine months, layering warm bourbon notes over caramel and baking spices. Bold, boozy, and unforgettable—sip with caution.
Ichabod – New Holland Brewing Company, Holland
Style: Pumpkin Ale | ABV: 4.5%
A Michigan fall classic, Ichabod blends real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg for a balanced, slightly malty brew. It’s festive without being overpowering, pairing well with everything from roast chicken to apple crisp.
Cherry Stout – Bell’s Brewing, Kalamazoo
Style: Spiced American Stout | ABV: 7%
Bell’s leans into Michigan’s cherry heritage with this stout. Tart cherry meets rich chocolate malt for a sweet-meets-cozy flavor profile that’s perfect for fall evenings when summer still lingers on the tongue.
La Parcela (The Patch) – Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Dexter
Style: Sour Pumpkin Ale | ABV: 6.2%
Known for their wild ales, Jolly Pumpkin finally gave the people what they wanted: a pumpkin beer. This sour twist features real pumpkin, spice, and a touch of cacao, making it a one-of-a-kind seasonal pour.
Oktoberfest Lager – Frankenmuth Brewery, Frankenmuth
Style: Märzen Lager | ABV: 5.27%
Brewed true to Bavarian tradition, this Märzen uses German noble hops and four types of malt. Copper-colored and smooth, it’s as close as you’ll get to Munich without leaving Michigan.
Pumpkin Spice Latte – Atwater Brewing Company, Detroit
Style: Herb & Spice Beer | ABV: 6%
For those who can’t resist a fall latte, Atwater delivers the beer version. Walnut and honey notes blend with pumpkin spice and coffee extracts, offering a playful nod to the PSL craze.
Screamin’ Pumpkin – Griffin Claw Brewing, Rochester
Style: Spiced Amber Ale | ABV: 5%
Roasted pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger make this ale taste like a slice of pumpkin pie in liquid form—balanced, flavorful, and perfect for seasonal gatherings.
Satin Skies – Arbor Brewing Company, Ann Arbor
Style: Spiced Oatmeal Stout | ABV: 6.5%
Rich, velvety, and full-bodied, Satin Skies is a cozy companion for fall nights. With flavors of bittersweet chocolate, coffee, and toasted grains, it’s made for evenings by the fire.
Fall in Michigan is more than just a season, it’s a feeling. It’s Saturday mornings at the farmers’ market, crisp hikes under golden leaves, and cool nights wrapped in blankets under the stars. And with each of these seasonal brews, you can capture a little bit of that magic in a glass.
Whether you’re raising a pint at Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth, sipping a pumpkin ale while handing out candy on Halloween, or savoring a stout by the firepit, Michigan’s breweries know how to bottle the spirit of fall. So grab your favorite, gather some friends, and cheers to everything that makes autumn in Michigan unforgettable.
