Raise a Glass With These Must-Sip Seasonal Craft Beers

The leaves are changing and greatness is brewing this fall in Reno Tahoe. Check out these local breweries with must-try, fall-inspired beers. There are dozens of local breweries and distilleries offering established favorites and seasonal specialties.

Great Basin Brewing Company

For Nevada’s oldest brewery, Great Basin Brewing Company, the start of fall means it’s time for beers inspired by the changing seasons. Their Oktoberfest is a Marzen-style lager brewed with Weyermann malt from Germany. Some of their year-round beers are also ideal choices in the fall. The Truckee River Red, named in honor of the river that brings fresh Sierra water to the brewery, delivers a caramel sweetness with a slightly dry and crisp finish, making it a perfect pairing for a fall evening. Inspired by cool nights spent around a campfire with friends, the Firelit Haze Hazy IPA is rich in hoppiness without the bitterness. Crack one open around a bonfire and let the stories begin! Try these at either of Great Basin Brewing Company’s locations in Reno or Sparks.

Pigeon Head Brewery

Pigeon Head Brewery, Reno’s first lager brewery, offers several year-round favorites as well as a regular rotation of seasonal beers. This fall, we recommend the Red Rye Lager, a hybrid German rye lager, or the Silver Sage Pale Ale, a Nevada-inspired beer with hints of citrus and sage. For a true autumnal beer drinking experience, check out their Oktoberfest, available in their tap room, or to-go in 4-packs, Crowlers, Growlers and kegs.

The Brewer’s Cabinet

This fall, The Brewer’s Cabinet is serving up a selection of seasonally-inspired brews that will satisfy any palate. Check out their pub or tap room locations on South Arlington, or their production brewery west of downtown, near the Truckee River. Some of their seasonal offerings this fall include their BC Oktoberfest and the Barrel Aged Tahoe Amber, aged in Scotch barrels from Frey Ranch Distillery. With football season in full swing, you can show your Wolf Pack Pride with their Wolf Pack Ale, part of a special collection celebrating Wolf Pack athletics. And of course, you can never go wrong with the local favorite, Dirty Wookie, an imperial American brown ale with notes of chocolate, toffee and raisin. Stop by for a pint or grab a 6-pack to go.

Lead Dog Brewing

In collaboration with IMBĪB Custom Brews, Lead Dog Brewing is brewing up Sweater Weather, a German Märzen made with German malts, hops and yeast using a traditional lagering process. Get into the Halloween spirit with their Left For Red. Their one and only red ale is perfect when you’re craving something less hoppy. Ready for snow season? Lead Dog is welcoming winter’s reign with three of the chillest IPAs: Snow Paws, Beyond the Wall and Gnar Gnar. You can grab a pint or 4-pack at both their Reno and Sparks locations.

IMBĪB Custom Brews

IMBĪB is joining the fall festivities with the Eins, Zwei, Drei, a rich and malty Oktoberfest-style lager brewed specially for the season. You might also enjoy their Snow Bro, an all-malt IPA dry hopped at double and triple IPA levels, or Pan is Alive, a traditional German Maibock. However, IMBĪB is known for its sours, so don’t pay your tab just yet until you’ve tried the Black Raz or Cucumber Key Lime Weisse. They have locations both in Reno and The Outlets at Legends in Sparks.

In addition to these seasonal brews, check out the year-round favorites on tap at Reno Tahoe’s many breweries and distilleries. Craving more autumn-inspired treats? We can help you find the best spots to grab yummy coffee, sweets and more.