Fall is the most complained about seasonal release

Part of it is the love/hate people have with Pumpkin beers.

Another is perhaps the misunderstanding that Octoberfest really occurs in September, so mid-late August release of Octoberfest beers may cause confusion for some, but is actually an appropriate time.

 

I did notice complaints when SA Alpine Spring came out mid January and the snow was still falling well through February in CT. I'm not ready for spring/summer beers till at least April/May where the temps finally get out of the 60's. The weather plays a big part in the kind of beer that I want to enjoy - While I'm glad to see fall seasonals, I'm not ready for fall weather just yet. I'm enjoying this heat wave and spending time in the pool after work.

 

Being from Massachusetts as well I think it has more to do with the changing seasons than the beer itself. Most of the complaints I hear come from my wife (who happens to be a teacher) and have more to do with the end of the summer seasonals than the start of the fall seasonals. Although she does like her Pumpkin beers. I'll make due with Tumbler.

 

I think there are a number of factors.

1. The prevalence of fall beers. It seems there are more fall themed beers than any other seasonal.
2. The fall themed beers are so synonymous with the season as well. Pumpkins=Halloween and Pumpkin Pie/Thanksgiving/Christmas. Oktoberfest beers although occurring in September obviously has the name October in it.
3. Biggest reason I think is that fall themed beers go well in cold weather and are released in the hottest part of the year. Winter beers are usually released in the fall when it's still cold so it's ok to drink. Summer beers are released in the spring when it's warm. Spring beers, well, no one cares about spring beers haha.

That's my thought.

 

Oberon in March this year was pretty ridiculous though... we were still shoveling.

 

Based on last year I think no one needs to worry that Tumbler will sell out too soon.

As to why, I think it's that all retailers think in terms of making their profit for the year fall and winter.

 

Mine too. Especially #3 - except that I care about Spring beers.

 

Summer is finally rolling along....then the pumpkin beers come out. Rage ensues within!

 

Yes - I have noticed the same thing. It's not something I lose sleep over. According to my bottle shop owner, after 10/31 pumpkin beers pretty much stop selling - breweries gotta strike early.

Why don't they make the whole plane out of the black box material?

 

I've always thought they did well until December

 

I have absolutely no qualms about buying all the fall/winter beers now and throwing them in the fridge until the weather gets colder. I actually prefer it hit because I'll have zero money for beer around the holidays due to holiday shopping.

 

This is the point I was going to make. I love pumpkin beers, but only in season. Everything else, I'll drink just about any time throughout the year (with the exception of Christmas beers, but for whatever reason I don't get as excited for those as I do for pumpkin beers in the fall).

 

Snow clouds took a dump on us in May!

 

Because Punkin always sells out pretty quickly and I would love to be able to drink more throughout October and November.

 

Keep in mind TheMonkfish is in Chad.

 

I for one wouldn't mind if Celebration came out tomorrow.

 

I find that alot of pumpkin ales don't hold up very well with time, so it makes sense that we would want them to be released at a more appropriate time. Mid/late August, you'll get no complaints from me, but its mid July and 90 degrees out, come on.

 

Before the hop harvest? I guess it'd finally satisfy the annual cries of "it's not as hoppy as last year" from the beer conspiracy theorists for once.

"Well, no, no it's not. Not with the hops still on the bines up in the Pacific Northwest..."

 

Of course, not before the hop harvest. Just making a point that I don't care when certain beers are released and used Celebration as an example cuz I enjoy it soooo much.