Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival goes beyond the gourd

Many people know that Elysian Brewing has done things their own way for 25 years. From the beer in the bottle to the design that captivates on the shelf, that Seattle based brewery looks to stand out in the crowd. With the 17th annual Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival set to unveil the gourd, everyone is ready to drink from the pumpkin tap.

Beer drinkers come in all varieties. While there are some people who will never stray from that light lager there are others who look forward to every seasonal release. As fall begins, the beers change. Just like some people count down to the release of the pumpkin spice latte, others anxiously scan the shelves for those pumpkin ales.

Although some people might think that this style of beer is a new innovation, pumpkin ales have long roots in the beer world. Some sources show that pumpkin beer goes back to the 1800s.

Similar to how all breweries are different, pumpkin beers are as varied as the vegetables in the pumpkin patch. Some have hints of spice, others have a touch of sweetness and a few make the drinker wonder if the pumpkin disappeared like a Charlie Brown mystery.

Does the Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival really tap a gigantic pumpkin?

In the Seattle area, the annual Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival celebrates not just pumpkin beers but also the spirit of Elysian Brewing. Granted, many people sip a plethora of pumpkin beer options. More importantly, it is a celebration of individuality. From costume contests to sharing the experience with other beer drinkers, there is a sense of community to the event.

Of course, beer is flowing. This year’s festival features more than 80 pumpkin beers. Given the cheeky nature of the group, there will be a few surprises along the way. And, there might be another IPA or beer on tap to break the gourd overload.

One of the most talked about moments of the festival is the hundreds of pounds pumpkin keg. While this bio-gradable keg might be eco-friendly, it is more of a statement. It might not necessarily be the best way to serve beer, but it is a highly creative one.

Since the beer festival is about the beer, Elysian Brewing has four pumpkin beers that everyone can enjoy. From the classic Night Owl to the coffee pumpkin Punkuccino, there is a beer for everyone’s pumpkin taste. The pumpkin patch variety pack can be found at various retailers.

The Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival is held October 1 and 2 in the Seattle area. Various ticket packages are available.

What is your favorite pumpkin beer? Do you change the beer in your glass based by the season?