Capital Seasonal 6Pk

Capital Seasonal 6Pk is a rotating six-pack of seasonal craft beers from Capital Brewery in Middleton, Wisconsin, with styles and ABV varying by release. The brewery's flagship seasonal, Autumnal Fire — a 7.8% ABV Doppelbock — earned a Gold Medal at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival in the German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock category, along with five gold medals from the Beverage Testing Institute's World Beer Championship.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by seasonal (Autumnal Fire: 7.8%)  |  Origin: Middleton, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: Rotating Seasonal  |  Brewery: Capital Brewery

Production & Heritage

Capital Brewery brews its seasonal lineup using original 1950s-era copper kettles sourced from the Krekeler Brewery in Höxter, Germany — equipment still in active use today. Production follows the Reinheitsgebot, the German beer purity law that restricts ingredients to water, malt, hops, and yeast. Autumnal Fire, the most decorated beer in the seasonal rotation, is built on just three base malts, resulting in its characteristic depth and warmth. Other seasonal releases include Maibock in the spring and Island Wheat during warmer months, each reflecting the brewery's German-influenced brewing philosophy.

Tasting Notes (Autumnal Fire — Flagship Seasonal)

Aroma: Caramel maltiness leads immediately, followed by warm toffee and hints of baked bread. The nose is rich and inviting without excessive sweetness.

Taste: The entry is full-bodied and round, delivering layers of sweet caramel and deep dark fruit. Mid-palate, toffee notes deepen and a subtle spice emerges, keeping the malt character balanced rather than cloying. The mouthfeel is thick and substantial, befitting the Doppelbock style.

Finish: Warm and malty with lingering caramel sweetness and a gentle alcoholic warmth that builds slowly. A slight spice on the aftertaste provides a clean closing note despite the beer's considerable body.

How to Drink Capital Seasonal

Autumnal Fire and the Maibock release are best served in a tulip glass or snifter at around 45–50°F to allow the malt complexity to fully express itself. Island Wheat suits a standard pint glass and slightly cooler temperatures. For cocktail-curious drinkers: try an Autumnal Fire Shandy blended with spiced apple cider for a fall sipper; a Bock Michelada using the Doppelbock's caramel backbone against lime and hot sauce; or a Wheat Beer Radler mixing Island Wheat with fresh lemonade for a refreshing warm-weather drink.

Best For

• Seasonal beer exploration — discovering how one brewery interprets each time of year
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates German-style brewing traditions
• Fall gatherings and bonfire nights (Autumnal Fire release)
• Pairing with hearty cold-weather meals like roasted meats and stews

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Capital Autumnal Fire taste like? Autumnal Fire delivers rich caramel and toffee malt flavors with deep dark fruit undertones and a warm, smooth finish. It has a full body with subtle spice on the aftertaste, characteristic of a well-made Doppelbock.

How does Capital Autumnal Fire compare to Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock? Both are German-style Doppelbocks, but Autumnal Fire clocks in at 7.8% ABV compared to Celebrator's 6.7%, giving it a noticeably warmer and more robust character. Capital's version leans into caramel and toffee sweetness, while Celebrator is a Bavarian original known for its darker, more chocolatey malt profile.

Is Capital Seasonal good for sipping neat? Autumnal Fire is an excellent sipping beer best enjoyed slowly from a snifter or tulip glass, where its complex malt layers and warming alcohol can be fully appreciated. The lighter seasonal releases like Island Wheat are more suited to casual, sessionable drinking.

Where is Capital Seasonal made? Capital Seasonal beers are brewed at Capital Brewery in Middleton, Wisconsin, just outside Madison. The brewery uses vintage 1950s German copper kettles and adheres to Reinheitsgebot brewing principles.

What foods pair well with Capital Seasonal beers? Autumnal Fire pairs exceptionally with roasted pork loin, where the caramel malt complements the meat's richness. Smoked bratwurst mirrors the beer's German heritage. Aged Gruyère or Emmentaler cheese highlights the toffee notes. Apple strudel or bread pudding echo the warm, baked character. Island Wheat pairs well with grilled fish and citrus-dressed salads.

What sizes does Capital Seasonal come in? The seasonal lineup is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles.

Is Capital Seasonal worth the price? Capital Seasonal positions as a craft six-pack at a moderate price tier, delivering award-winning, German-inspired beers brewed with genuine vintage equipment and traditional methods — strong value for the quality of brewing behind each release.

Why Capital Seasonal?

Few American craft breweries still brew on authentic mid-century German copper kettles, and Capital Brewery's commitment to Reinheitsgebot brewing sets its seasonal program apart from trend-chasing competitors. Autumnal Fire alone has collected a GABF Gold Medal and five World Beer Championship golds, earning a 90-point BeerAdvocate score across over 600 ratings — proof of consistent quality year after year. The rotating format rewards repeat buyers with distinct seasonal styles, each rooted in the same disciplined, malt-forward brewing tradition. For drinkers who value heritage and craftsmanship over novelty, this six-pack delivers substance in every release.