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Pumpkins have always been my favorite part of fall. Though I grew up in Arizona, these cheerful orange harbingers of autumn helped inspire my own fall traditions. My love for pumpkins runs so deep that I once owned a Prius in bright pumpkin orange. So, when I visited Southern Tier Brewing Company near Chautauqua Lake in western New York this early September, it was my love of all things pumpkin—not beer—that drew me in.
Although I’m not a beer drinker—in fact, I rarely drink alcohol at all and am more likely to be found sipping a pumpkin spice almond milk latte—my fascination with pumpkin flavors led me to consider trying their famous Pumking beer.
At the manager’s insistence, I finally agreed to take a sip. Before doing so, I smelled the brew, and the aroma immediately drew me in. It smelled like a fizzy pumpkin pie, full of spice and rich sweetness. That enticing scent made me curious enough to try it, and to my surprise, I loved the flavor.
That one sip was like tasting autumn itself—pumpkin, spices, and caramel, perfectly balanced. After a lifetime of never enjoying beer, Pumking became my first.
The Legacy of Pumpkin Beer
I had always assumed pumpkin beer was a recent trend, so I was fascinated to learn that the tradition of brewing beer with pumpkin in the United States dates back to 1771. Buffalo Bill’s Brewery in Hayward, CA introduced the first commercial pumpkin ale in the 1980s, basing its recipe on George Washington’s brewing studies. Today’s pumpkin beer popularity aligns with America’s broader pumpkin spice phenomenon.
Southern Tier’s entry into the pumpkin beer market was strategic and innovative. Initially, it packaged the creation in large bottles to compete with wineries, allowing them to command premium prices. This strategy proved successful as Pumking, with its beautiful golden-caramel color and 8.6% ABV, became not just another seasonal offering, but a pioneering force in the market.
As the first pumpkin beer to hit the market, brewed with real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove to deliver a rich, pie-like flavor, Pumpking set a standard that would make it the highest-rated pumpkin beer in the country for many years—an achievement the brewery considers their finest in the category.
The beer’s popularity has created an almost cult-like following, with people traveling from 30-40 different states to attend the brewery’s annual Pumpkin Fest in late September. This festival has become Southern Tier’s biggest event, consistently drawing their largest crowds as enthusiasts gather to celebrate their most popular seasonal beers.
The brewery has expanded its Pumking line to include variations like Pumking Nitro, offering a smooth, creamy texture, and Chai Tea Infused Pumking that combines pumpkin with aromatic chai spices. It has also ventured into more experimental territory with variations like Pumpkin Whiskey and Coffee Cream Pumpkin, demonstrating their commitment to innovation while maintaining the essence of their original creation.
Southern Tier’s Journey
Southern Tier Brewing Company was founded in 2001 by Phineas DeMink and Allen “Skip” Yahn in southwestern New York. The business began with equipment from Old Saddleback Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, MA. By 2003, it produced small batch ales locally, expanding across New York State and Pennsylvania by 2005.
The brewery grew rapidly: a 20,000-square-foot building in 2009, expansion in 2010 with 800 fermentation barrels and a 7,500-square-foot conditioning room, upgrading from 20 BBL to 50 BBL brewing system. In 2012, they added a 110-barrel German Steinecker brewhouse and 14-draught tasting room. A 45,000-square-foot warehouse, wastewater facility, and distribution center followed in 2013.
On February 16, 2016, Southern Tier allied with Victory Brewing Company under Artisanal Brewing Ventures. They opened satellite brewpubs in Pittsburgh (January 2017) with 30 beers on tap and Cleveland (September 2018) with 30-plus drafts. In March 2021, they acquired Buffalo’s 716 Food and Sport at LECOM Harborcenter.
Exploring Chautauqua County
Chautauqua County, located in New York’s westernmost region and bordered by Lake Erie to the north, offers visitors a rich variety of experiences beyond pumpkin beer. At its heart lies Chautauqua Lake, 17 miles long and one of the largest inland lakes in New York State.
The historic Chautauqua Institution, founded in 1874 and designated as a National Historic Landmark, offers cultural and educational programs as a summer educational center and resort community along the lake’s shores.
Jamestown is the hometown of Lucille Ball with the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. The National Comedy Center, opened in 2018, serves as the nation’s official cultural institution dedicated to comedy. Wine enthusiasts can explore Lake Erie Wine Country, part of America’s oldest grape-growing region.
The region offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for boating and hiking around Chautauqua Lake. For visitors planning their trip, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is just over an hour’s drive away. The route is particularly beautiful in fall, offering travelers a chance to take in the changing foliage.
The Significance of Pumpkins in Fall Traditions
Halloween was always one of my cherished holidays, not for the spooky elements, but for the pure joy pumpkins bring. Some of my fondest memories are of carving pumpkins with my children, roasting the seeds, and decorating our home. The scent of pumpkin candles would fill our house as fall progressed into Thanksgiving, when the aroma of fresh-baked pumpkin pie took over. While my grandmother loved pumpkin pie, I took the tradition further, making them from scratch with fresh pumpkin and homemade crust.
Whether carved into Jack-o’-lanterns or baked into pies, pumpkins embody the warmth and creativity of autumn. Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Pumking channels this tradition, blending pumpkin spice with expert brewing techniques to create a beer that encapsulates the season’s magic.
The brewery’s dedication to crafting the perfect pumpkin beer has not only created a beloved seasonal tradition, but has also brought together a community of pumpkin enthusiasts from across the country, proving that sometimes the most unexpected discoveries can lead to the most cherished experiences. Their status as the creator of America’s highest-rated pumpkin beer stands as a testament to their mastery of combining tradition with innovation in the craft beer industry.
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