Halloween Beers 2017

It's that time of year when the shops take on an orange and black hue. As ever we have been scouring the shops for the best in seasonal Halloween beers. From session beers to full-strength Belgian tipples there's a treat for all real ale lovers this year.

Reaper – Black Sheep Brewery 500ml ABV 4.1%

This three hopped ale is described as, “A frighteningly good Rye Red Ale brewed using a blend of Summit, Amarillo and Chinook hops.” It is auburn in colour with a mild hop and slight toffee aroma. This autumn beer has was introduced back in 2014 but is making a welcome return to the shelves for this season.

A-hop-alypse Now - Camerons Brewery 500ml ABV 4.3%

Film buffs will immediately see the pun based on the classic 1979 film Apocalypse Now. To add to this the tagline is 'I love the smell of hops in the morning'. With its orange and black branding it seems a perfect addition to the autumn line-up. It is a golden ale made with a mix of Cascade, Chinook and Fuggles hops to give an initial hit of citrus followed a bitterness in the finish.

Gangly Ghoul – Greene King 500ml ABV 4.2%

The spookily named Gangly Ghoul has been brewed to complement the flavours and smells of the cold autumn nights. A dark ale with a full white head. Greene King recommend it to be served with smoked sausage or meats, hearty foods and warming stews.

Hallowed – Robinsons 330ml ABV 6.0%

A limited edition ale as part of the Trooper range in conjunction with legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden. This is a Belgian inspired beer that's brewed at Robinsons in England. Brewed with Crystal Rye to give it a blood red hue it has a subtle banana and sweet plum finish. The label features the band's famous mascot Eddie dressed appropriately in a Belgian Trappist monk's habit but still looking his usual scary self. Bless him.

Wizard – Robinsons 500ml ABV 3.7%

Another one brewed by Robinsons but a very different beer. This amber ale has an ABV of just 3.7% making it an ideal session beer. The mythical combination is a mix of five English hops, pale wheat and crystal malts – Bramling Cross, EKG, 1^st Gold, Challenger and Admiral. The 'Wizard' in question in a nod to the local legend of the Wizard of Alderley Edge and not any footballers who happen to live in the area.

Little Horror of Hops – Shipyard 500ml ABV 4.9%

Another one for the movie lovers which was first brewed for the 2014 Maine Beer Week. A selection of Bill Murray themed beers graced the event but this one proved to be so popular it has now been added to Shipyard's seasonal ales. This is the first time it has been available in the UK and brings with it peppery spice notes and a robust citrus hop flavour.

Have you seen any Halloween beers this year? What do you think of seasonal ales?