Pumpkin (Lager) September - November

In 1989, Lakefront Brewery owner, Russ Klisch was reading dusty brewing tome, tippling one of our fine lagers and came across a beer recipe that Thomas Jefferson had brewed with pumpkin at his home in Monticello. Barley was scarce and expensive in the early days of the United States, but pumpkins and other squash were readily available. The idea that clicked with Russ’ philosophy of using the best ingredients available locally and incorporating them into the finest ingredients for making beer, and thus a legend was born.

There are a couple facts about Lakefront Brewery Pumpkin Lager that you should know:

• Lakefront Pumpkin Lager was one of the first pumpkin beers in the United States since Prohibition, creating an entirely new category of craft beer.

• In 2007, the Great American Beer Festival has a distinct category for pumpkin beers.

• Lakefront Pumpkin Lager is the only pumpkin lager beer in the world. All others are ales.

Why is this important?

We lager our pumpkin beer for a full 4 weeks.. This extra time gives the Lakefront Pumpkin Lager a deep, smooth richness that no ale can match.

We use real pumpkin in the mash. This gives an impressive, foamy head with a rich taste like whipped cream top on top of a slice of home baked pumpkin pie.

Not overly hopped, but with a fine balance of Hallertau hops, this brew is the most agreeable brew to pair with fall foods and holiday dinners and will enhance the flavors of turkey, chicken, ham or any hearty vegetable and complement any meal.

You’ll discover hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and allspice that will draw out the flavors of great food and create fond memories of holidays and Pumpkin Lager for years to come.

We only use the finest Munich and Caramel malts imported from Germany for this delicious brew.

Lakefront Pumpkin Lager uses a proprietary blend of spices made here in Milwaukee for us by the acclaimed Spice House, a family owned operation for more than 50 years.

Pours copper in color with a bready malt backbobe.

Pumpkin Lager is always the biggest hit at any late summer early fall beer festival. Even skeptics are won over the great taste and novel interpretation of lager beer using a recipe given to us by one the country’s greatest leaders.

Just as Thomas Jefferson led the way in building the country with a glass of beer gripped firmly in his hand, Russ Klisch and Lakefront Brewery continues to advance the art and craft of brewing with his innovative and traditional styles of beer. Always innovators, never imitators.

Please be considerate when ordering for the season: Pumpkin Lager is highly allocated and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Available from the 3^rd week in August through the 3^rd week in November in 6 pack cases, ¼ barrels, ½ barrels.