Hearty Autumn Beers On Tap At New Milford Pub

NEW MILFORD, N.J. — Goodbye summer shandies, hello hearty brews. Fall is officially upon us — and with it, the return of Oktoberfests and pumpkin beers.

Twisted Elm Bartender Colleen Miller pulls a Carton of Milk, a milk stout from Jersey-based Carton brewery.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Bartender and owner of The Cottage Bar, Mickey Dawson, pours a tall glass of beer for a customer at his Teaneck watering hole.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

Elvin Povlenko enjoys a hearty serving of Guinness at The Cottage Bar in Teaneck.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

Three Wise Monks owner Brian Rossi and Bartender Tiffany Sharples share their picks for fall beers.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Karl Lewis enjoys a Sam Adams Oktoberfest at Jersey Boys Bar and Grill in New Milford.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

Bartender Michael Roundtree pours a glass of Sam Adams Oktoberfest last night at Jersey Boys in New Milford.
Photo Credit: *Cecilia Levine*

Rebecca Abma

09/23/2015 4:30 a.m.

But that’s not all autumn has to offer. Fresh hops beer and stouts are also making a seasonal comeback.

Daily Voice checked with local experts to find best brews of autumn.The results:

At Jersey Boys Grill in New Milford, Octoberfest is the beer of choice, with three different varieties to choose from: Sam Adams Octoberfest, Paulener Oktoberfest Wiesn and Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Oktoberfest.

When it comes to seasonal drinks, Jersey Boys bartender Michael Roundtree offers an alternative to brews: Ginger Spice. 2 oz. spiced rum with ginger ale.

At The Cottage Bar in Teaneck, owner Mickey Dawson recommends Sweet Water Brewery’s new EPAs and IPAs, which are making their New Jersey debut this week.

The Northwest Ireland native cut his teeth on spicy lager pale ales, which he said are “huge everywhere in the North.”

But Cottage patron Matt Dickson won’t be straying from his usual: Guinness.

“Out of all the bars in the area they pour it pretty much the best here,” Dickson said. “It all depends on time and temperature.”

Customer Elvin Pavlenko said he is looking forward to a strong IPA for fall: “It’s keeps you nice and warm."

In Elmwood Park, Twisted Elm owner Jim Rogers recommended the Hacker Pscharr Octoberfest, a marzen-style beer with a 5.8% alcohol concentration.

Other fall brews on tap include Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin Spiced Ale, a colonial style ale with American two-row malt, British crystal malt, Belgian biscuit and aromatic malts, he said.

Jersey-based brewery Carton offers a milk stout — Carton of Milk — that Rogers described as lighter and smoother than a traditional stout.

In Garfield, Three Wise Monks owner Brian Rossi prefers pumpkin and spice for fall. His top picks for the season include Doc’s Pumpkin Cider and Southern Tier "Pumpking" Harvest Fest.

“Both are pumpkin-flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg,” Rossi said. “The spices complement the beverage and taste like pumpkin pie."

Another seasonal favorite is Flying Dog Oktoberfest, a lighter brew that blends nutmeg and cinnamon for a classic autumn taste.

“It’s not too sweet, and not too rich,” Rossi said.

What is your favorite fall drink? Tell us in the comments.

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