It’s seared into my memory-banks, that biting October chill ripping through my cheap Indians windbreaker as Tony Pena ripped a 13th-inning-pitch into the left-field bleachers to seal a 5-4 victory over the Red Sox in ’95.
Unfortunately, the Fall orgasm of post-season baseball is stingy in northeast Ohio, so until Brandon Weeden figures out the West Coast Offense, we have to substitute it with the next best thing: quality autumn beverages.
Thirsty Dog Brewing in Akron has had it’s paw on the pulse of first-rate offerings for some time, and Barktoberfest does not disappoint. I’ve always thought that the folks on Grant Street fetched better ales than lagers, but you’ll lap this one
up. Thankfully, this is isn’t some pre-Festivus, faux-spice ‘hey-it’s only-3-months-till-Christmas‘ cousin-wanna-be; Barktoberfest zeroes in on the ‘Fest-style and dials in big lager flavors, with just enough caramel/toffee sweetness to make this 6% gem a faithful companion for wrapping up in fleece and sitting on the deck a couple more times before you-know-what hits.
You like your gourd-extract poured into the brew-kettle? Weyerbacher Brewing Company of Easton, PA carves up all the imitators with their Imperial Pumpkin Ale. No snifter required with this 8% work-of-art. (Although you might give a passing thought to rummaging through the back of the ‘fridge for a generous dollop of Cool Whip.) This is the quaffable-version of my Grandma Anne’s pumpkin pie. On steroids. It’s a spicy, texturally-thick and gooey dessert-in-a-glass, evoking a seeing-your-breath-in-the-air day while trudging through the leaves in your favorite flannel. Or a cheap Indians windbreaker. Both of these delicious autumn offerings are perfectly 
designed to welcome in the Equinox. October baseball would only be a bonus.
-30-
Beer Epistle 