What was I just saying about it being too early for fall beers to be hitting the shelves? But the market rolls on, and recently Schlafly Beer announced the return of its two fall favorites, Pumpkin Ale and Oktoberfest, which hit the shelves last Friday the 5th.

Press release:

The Saint Louis Brewery’s™ award-winning Pumpkin Ale and Oktoberfest hit the shelves on Aug. 5

Schlafly Beer, St. Louis’ original, independent craft brewery, announces the return of Pumpkin Ale (8% ABV) and Oktoberfest (5.5% ABV), two award-winning seasonal staples for fall, hitting the shelves tomorrow, Aug. 5. Pumpkin Ale will be available in 6-pack bottles, and Oktoberfest returns with a new look in 6-pack bottles as well as 12-packs of 16-ounce cans. Both are available beginning Aug. 5 throughout fall across Schlalfy’s distribution as well as the Schlafly brewpubs: Schlafly Tap Room in downtown St. Louis, Schlafly Bottleworks in the Maplewood neighborhood of St. Louis, Schlafly Bankside in St. Charles, MO and Schlafly Highland Square in Highland, IL.

“Our Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Ale are two of our most anticipated seasonal beers for good reason. Experienced beer drinkers across the country have named Schlafly’s Pumpkin Ale as one of the best, and we intend to continue to earn that title, by using the same blend of seasonal spices to make a fresh, pumpkin-forward beer,” says Lead Brewer Jared Williamson. “Oktoberfest is a true-to-style German beer with Munich malt and German hops that honors Schlafly’s German heritage.”

Pumpkin Ale (8.0% ABV): Schlafly Beer’s special release Pumpkin Ale has been an award-winning (Thrillist and Delish) seasonal staple for over 10 years. Pumpkin Ale highlights sweetness and spice. Intended to taste like a slice of pumpkin pie in a bottle, the squash-forward beer is balanced with a blend of seasonal spices.

Schlafly’s Oktoberfest (5.5% ABV): Authentic in its execution and evocation of heritage, Munich malt and German hops contribute to the smooth and clean traditional Märzen brew. Amber in color and balanced in its sweetness and toasted malts, the celebratory autumnal style is a tribute to Schlafly’s German roots.

Pumpkin Ale and Oktoberfest are available across Schlafly’s distribution in 6-packs of 12-oz cans. For information on Schlafly Beer’s distribution and products, visit Schlafly’s website.

I believe this is the first pumpkin beer announcement I’ve seen, but I did just see Elysian Brewing’s Night Owl Pumpkin Ale on the shelf the other day, so I know they’re already coming out.