When is it too soon for seasonal beers to be released?

[j1laskey]

I enjoyed my first Shipyard Pumpkinhead of the year last night and could not be happier, but it is only mid August. When is it too soon to release seasonal beers? I am not complaining, just wondering what other peoples thoughts are?

 

[Broncobum]

I enjoyed my first Shipyard Pumpkinhead of the year last night and could not be happier, but it is only mid August. When is it too soon to release seasonal beers? I am not complaining, just wondering what other peoples thoughts are?

I just got back from the store and noticed that pumpkin beers were out in force. Seemed a little early to me.80-90 degrees and pumkin don't do it for me.

 

[marubozo]

I'm also seeing some fall seasonals in these parts. To me, it seems like a September 1st release would be sufficient. Still a little too warm out to be craving pumpkin or nut browns, etc.

 

[Rundownhouse]

All of the Oktoberfests have arrived here in Nashville.

 

[david_42]

Most breweries around here release seasonals all year round, but August seems a bit early for pumpkin. I'd worry about the spices fading by the time the weather turns. Maybe they plan on making more if the recipe moves well.

 

[j1laskey]

For many years Shipyard would only release Pumpkinhead in mid Sept and run till late Oct/Early Nov...I have noticed more and more people enjoying this great brew over the years , so I can understand an earlier roll out. I just hope that quality will not be sacrificed. Some other great beers (Sam Adams Winter Lager circa 1996-1997) suffered from this, well pretty much all SA products did...but that is for another discussion.

 

[Noodle]

I picked up some Spaten Oktoberfest today. I was suprised to see it there when I walked in. No Sam Adams Oktoberfest here yet though.

 

[biochemedic]

Hell, I saw Haloween stuff at the store the other day...WTF, the kids aren't even back at school yet?!

 

[SwampassJ]

Picked up Sams octoberfest last week and still have some left. I can't wait for some pumpkin beers to compare mine too around thanksgiving.

 

[devilishprune]

I got New Belgium Hoptober on draft last night and enjoyed it thoroughly. I agree though, for spiced beers, it's a bit too early. I would like to get mine brewed this week to be ready for Halloween drankin', though.

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

I've seen SA, Spaten, NB, and Shiner oktoberfests in the store.

 

[hal2814]

I just picked up Warsteiner's Oktoberfest yesterday. I thought Spaten was one of the year-round Oktoberfests? If not, then I know a package store with some WAY less than fresh Spaten.

 

[drummerguysteve]

I've seen the Sam Adams in the store, but that's it so far.

 

[Bentpirate]

Just another sign breweries are getting into the ealry commercialization - If we are seeing Holloween and seasonal beers now - next week I would bet Santa and Christmas trees popping up at your local Wal-Mart. Anything to get the dollars especially with a poor economy..... urgh

 

[azscoob]

Hell, I saw Haloween stuff at the store the other day...WTF, the kids aren't even back at school yet?!

I am amazed there arent Christmas decorations up yet, I hate greedy marketing, introduce the fall beers in the fall, and the winter beers in winter!!