Canned Craft Beer

Posted in NoDa Brewing, Seasonal Return

NoDa Gordgeous Pumpkin Ale gold medal winner returns

NoDa Gordgeous Pumpkin Ale has made another seasonal appearance. This North Carolina brewed pumpkin ale touts 100+ pounds of organic sugar and caramelized brown sugar, freshly cracked spices, and 42 pounds of pumpkin.

The recipe started as head brewer Chad Henderson’s homebrew recipe more than a decade ago. (At one point he told Beer Street Journal a giant pumpkin was involved in the process, either in brewing or tapping. Never did get clarity.) NoDa Gordgeous has been a fall offering each year since debuting in 2013.

The beer has won gold at the Great American Beer Festival in both 2018 and 2020, which is quite the accomplishment for that particular beer style.

NoDa Gordgeous is available in 16-ounce cans (4 packs) and draft as an early fall seasonal.

Style: Pumpkin Beer (w/ Brown Sugar, Cardamom, Cloves, Ginger Root, Allspice)
Availability: 16oz Cans, Draft
Latest Return: Late August 2025

6.4% ABV, 29 IBUs

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Firestone Walker Brewing, Don't Miss This, Headlines, Seasonal Return

Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest, lagered in Cabernet barrels returns

Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest is back for 2025, signaling the transition from summer to fall.

First debuting in 2006, Oaktoberfest has become a cherished seasonal tradition for the brewery. Brewmaster Matt Brynildson and his team use all-German ingredients in the recipe and lager the beer in Napa Valley wine barrels (hence the name Oaktoberfest). This year, the beer was lagered in French oak barrels that previously aged Cabernet Sauvignon from a local winery. According to the brewery, the oak lagering “creates an even smoother texture while staying true to the beer’s crisp malt profile and hints of noble hops.”

It may be coincidental, but Firestone Walker’s home of Paso Robles, California, ties in beautifully. “Paso Robles” translates to “Pass of the Oaks,” a nod to the abundant oak trees in the region. This connection complements the city’s reputation for wine production and the Oaktoberfest name.

This year, Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest is available in 12-ounce cans and on draft for a limited time.

Style: Oktoberfest
Hops: Tettnanger, Hersbrucker
Malts: Vienna, Weyermann Pilsner, Cara Red

Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft. Seasonal release.
Latest Return: Mid-August, 2025

5.2% ABV

Image: Firestone Walker 

ED NOTE: If any readers know of a retailer will ship Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest, contact us. Be sure to scroll down the page for the form, we are having some coding issues on that page)

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Creature Comforts, Seasonal Return

Creature Comforts Athena Paradiso with Cherry, Raspberry, & Cranberry back in lineup

Creature Comforts Athena Paradiso returns to cans as 2023 gets in full swing.

Athena Paradiso is a spin on the brewery’s year-round Athena Berliner Weisse. This release features tart cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, which complements a Guava & Passionfruit edition the brewery also releases seasonally.

David Stein, Co-Founder, says “We love how fruit plays with the acidity in Athena. Also, depending on the fruit used the beer will often take on its color – this version in particular will be a dark pink.”  The “Paradiso” is meant to instill a vision of paradise and prepare consumers that they are on the verge of going on a beautiful fruit journey.

Creature Comforts Athena Paradiso will be available in both 12-ounce cans and draft again starting in mid-January.

Style: Berliner Weisse (w/ Tart Cherries, Raspberries, Cranberries)
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft.
Initial Release: February 2016
Latest Return: February 2023

4.5% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Arches Brewing, New Releases

Summer Seasonal Extended: Arches Brewing Bohemian Riot Pilsner

Arches Brewing Bohemian Riot first debuted at the brewery in 2019. The summer seasonal’s had grown over the years, prompting the brewery to extend the brewing season through August. 

“Riot” is a pilsner, brewed in collaboration with North Carolina’s Riverbend Malt House. The Georgia-based, lager-forward brewery used traditional Czech Saaz hops to create this “crisp summertime drinker”.

Arches Brewing Bohemian Riot is available in 12-ounce cans and draft until fall 2022. 

Style: Pilsner
Hops: Saaz
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft.

Debut: 7/5/19
Latest Return: Spring 2022

5.3% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Terrapin Beer Company, Seasonal Return

Terrapin Watermelon Gose returns ahead of warmer weather

Terrapin Watermelon Gose, one of the brewery’s most popular seasonals, is back on shelves ahead of the coming spring.

Watermelon Gose is the brewery’s first packaged gose style, a tart beer traditionally brewed with sea salt and coriander. In a break from tradition, the brewery adds fresh watermelon. If you put salt on your watermelon slices, you’ll really love this one.

Terrapin Watermelon Gose is available across the brewery’s entire footprint again starting in late February 2022.

Style: Gose (w/ Coriander. Salt. Watermelon.)
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft.
Latest Return: Late February 2022

4.5% ABV 

PIC: Beer Street Journal

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Iron Hill Brewing

Gold medal winning Iron Hill King’s Gold Pilsner hits brewpubs

Iron Hill King’s Gold, the brewery’s 2021 Great American Beer Festival gold medal-winning pilsner is available in cans. Brewer Peter Corbett’s recipe beat out 130 other entries at the festival, taking first in a highly contentious category. 

I am pilsner. Hear me roar! This easy-drinking American Pilsner is an absolute beast – with its smooth malt flavor and robust hop taste. When it roared into the 2021 Great American Beer Festival, it ruled the day. Today, King’s Gold is the pride of Iron Hill Brewery.

Iron Hill King’s Gold Pilsner is available in 12-ounce cans, and draft at all locations by mid-February. The brewery has not clarified whether or not this beer is seasonal. 

Style: Pilsner
Availability: 16oz Cans, Draft. 

Debut (Cans): 2/4/22

5% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Orpheus Brewing, New Releases

Orpheus Brewing The Inevitable End, a west coast IPA

Orpheus Brewing The Inevitable End, a new West Coast style IPA debuts in cans in April. 

The Atlanta, Georgia-based brewery has had test batches of this beer available in the taproom since Labor Day weekend, coinciding with their 7th anniversary. The final recipe has been determined – using Centennial, Amarillo, Simcoe, Columbus, and Bravo hops.

As evidenced by the taproom batches, this is the least hazy India pale ale Orpheus has released to date. 

Orpheus Brewing The Inevitable End on draft hits distribution in late February. 12-ounce cans arrive in April 2022. 

Style: IPA 
Hops: Centennial, Amarillo, Simcoe, Columbus, Bravo

Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft. 
Debut (Cans): TBD

6.8% ABV

by Reid Ramsay