Stouts and porters provide the heavy comfort a beer drinker seeks as the temperature drops, but there are other styles of brew to enjoy that have a lighter touch on the belly. As we move beyond pumpkin ales, check out five brews crafted with spices, citrus, apple, malt and ginger that are perfect for late fall.  

Commonwealth Traditional Cider: Although ciders might not be as popular stateside as they are across the pond, they’re catching on. Philadelphia Brewing’s Commonwealth Cider is nice and dry, easy drinking with no sweet syrupy aftertaste. Check out more background on the new brand here (5% ABV).

Full Pint Brewing Spruce: Spruce beers were common during colonial times and are experiencing a resurgence. Spruce gives beers a range of tasting notes, from floral and citrusy to fruity and cola-like. Hailing from North Versailles, PA, this ale is brewed in the colonial tradition with molasses and spruce tips in place of hops, giving it a unique flavor (5% ABV).

Furthermore Fallen Apple: Made from 40% fresh pressed apple cider from Wisconsin (where the brewery is located) and 60% cream ale, this autumnal brew is the perfect marriage for those who love a good crisp cider but still want to feel like they’re drinking a well rounded craft beer (6.2% ABV).

Hitachino Nest Ginger Ale: Japan’s Hitachino has a range of amazing and unique beers, and this one brewed with raw ginger is a total winner. The ginger, citrus and malty flavors pack a punch of seasonal flavors (7% ABV).

21st Amendment Fireside Chat: This list goes from light to dark in both flavor and ABV, and this malty ale brewed with spices from is one of the most perfect brews to sip on a cold fall or winter eve. Comforting, spicy and malty, you’ll definitely be feeling warm all over — it does get chilly in 21st Amendment's hometown of San Francisco, sometimes (7.9% ABV).