November

Autumn is in full swing. Actually it's almost over. If you're not already tired of seeing, smelling, and tasting goddamned pumpkins, I suggest trying some of Southern Tier's Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale. I've tried quite a few pumpkin beers this year and this one is in a league of it's own. It's not just a pale ale that smells like nutmeg and tastes a little weird. Southern Tier also impressed me with the intensity of their Crème Brûlée Imperial Milk Stout (released in June).

Unfortunately, I missed Halloween this year because I was in Mexico (boo-hoo). Somehow I exercised self-control and didn't buy every crazy-ass beverage that I saw there. But, I did of course occasionally indulge in delicious local Oaxacan hot chocolate, mezcal, coffee, soda, beer, and wine. Notable beers include Noche Buena (a Mexican Christmas beer) and Modelo Obscura (on tap). I think the only good soda that I tried was Chiva Cola, which was nice and dry and reminded me of RC Cola.