Seasonal creeps

The epidemic of the “holiday creep”—the marketing phenomenon that nudges the Christmas “season” ever earlier on our calendars—has struck the world of seasonal-beer releases. Case in point: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale appeared in area stores last week, just in time for local hopheads to experience “the ultimate autumn beer”—in the middle of August. Sierra Nevada isn’t the only brewery jumping the gun, either, as New Belgium Brewing stocked shelves with its fall seasonal Red Hoptober the very same weekend. Tumbler is advertised as a 2012 vintage, and although there is no indication that this particular iteration has changed the recipe in any way, I detected a lesser emphasis on leafy tobacco notes in favor of roasted nuts and toasted pumpkin. $7.99 for a six pack at most neighborhood grocery stores.

Beer: Stone 16th Anniversary IPA
Brewer: Stone Brewing Co.
Where: Taylor’s Market, 2900 Freeport Boulevard; (916) 443-6881

Beer: Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout (on nitro)
Brewer: North Coast Brewing Co.
Where: Kupros Bistro, 1217 21st Street; (916) 440-0401

Beer: Mischief
Brewer: The Bruery
Where: Firestone Public House, 1132 16th Street; (916) 446-0888