Fall is my favorite season. Leaves change colors, the weather is crisp and people add pumpkin to everything – best of all, beer.

Pumpkin ales, porters and stouts line shelves at stores, and microbreweries proudly tap their seasonal creations. While there are pumpkin brews that have become annual staples, like Bristol’s Venetucci Pumpkin Ale – for those lucky enough to score the limited-edition brew – new pumpkin beers are released every year and there’s enough variety to suit just about every palate.

It’s still early in the season, and the talk among local craft beer enthusiasts is that the best pumpkin brews are yet to come. But since there are already many from which to choose, I treated myself to a sampling of what’s popular around town.

Imperial Pumking Ale, Southern Tier Brewing Co., New York

According to Veterans Wine and Liquor owner Brent Baldwin, this microbrew has been one of the best-sellers so far this season. At 8.6 percent ABV, it has an undeniable kick with strong caramel and vanilla notes. It pours clear with a light copper orange and the nose is complex with pumpkin puree and an array of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Pumking was good at beginning and finish, but it was the taste in between that threw me off; it was too sweet and too spicy at once, like its flavors were competing instead of complementing each other.

St. Ambroise Citrouille (The Great Pumpkin Ale), McAuslan Brewing, Quebec, Canada

This very drinkable ale is a newcomer to the Colorado market, but it’s done very well for itself, selling consistently and getting good reviews, Baldwin said. Most striking is its deep, fiery orange color and strong nose with cloves, caramel and pumpkin notes that play well together. The taste was pleasant and very clean, and at 5 percent ABV it’s easy to have more than one.

Southampton Pumpkin Ale, Southampton Publick House, New York

Another East Coast brew that’s been well-received in Colorado, this ale was one of my favorites. Pumpkin spices and vanilla notes are balanced from start to finish and lightly carbonated for drinkability and a crisp mouthfeel. For me, this 5.5 percent ABV ale came the closest to a pumpkin pie taste without being too sweet and with enough bitterness to keep the palate interested.

Pumpkick, New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins

This local darling never disappoints, with a complex bouquet of pumpkin, nutmeg and cinnamon that’s strong but not overbearing. Pumpkick has a deep, dark orange color and slightly tart aroma from the very subtle addition of cranberry juice to this 6 percent ABV ale. Just like its name, the taste is peppy and crisp, slightly sour and sweet, with a pleasant, lingering pumpkin finish.

Alaskan Pumpkin Porter, Alaskan Brewing Co., Juneau, Alaska

This list wouldn’t be complete without a deliciously dark, pumpkin-infused porter, and this microbrew from the Last Frontier has no problem making a bold statement. The aroma is heavy with molasses, spice and just the right amount of smoke – none of which overpowers the pumpkin notes. This 7 percent ABV porter starts out creamy and crisp, then finishes smoky and clean, with a delicious brown-sugar aftertaste.

Andrea Sinclair Monday, December 30, 2013. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette

MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE