Although people all around the world have been brewing beer since the early days of civilization, pumpkin beer in particular is truly an American original. The first written recipe for pumpkin ale dates to February 1771, published by the American Philosophical Society. Today pumpkin beer is made in many different ways: the brewer can add raw or cooked pumpkin (cubed or pureed), pumpkin juice or pumpkin pie spices at any time during the brewing process to achieve the desired flavor. Variations in flavor are wide, and while many brews come out sweet and heavily spiced, others taste like ordinary ales with just a hint of nutty overtone. One of our favorite pumpkin beers is local from American River Brewing in Sacramento. Pumpkin Falls is reminiscent of a slice of grandma’s homemade pumpkin pie. • MIKE TAYLOR (Adult Beverage)