Colder temperatures are around the corner, but autumn is still the perfect time to enjoy time spent outside. Of the many fall activities, spending time in an apple orchard will always be at the top of our list. What better way to enjoy the fruits of your apple picking labor than to leisurely picnic before baking with your freshly picked bounty. 

apple picking

Although many equate picnics with charcuterie and wine pairings, we love switching it up during the fall season with flavorful local craft beer such as from Allagash Brewing Company. Of the many local beers we carry in-store, Allagash is forever a staff favorite. They have a broad range of beers to suit all flavor palettes. We had the chance to try their classic Allagash White, Curieux, Black, and new Ganache. Below are our takeaways for enjoying a fall picnic.

allagash

Pair the Beer with the Right Food:

No picnic is complete without a cheese board. When it comes to pairing with beer, be sure to match your cheese selection with your beer profiles. We found that the Allagash Black and Curieux paired well with nutty, aged cheeses like English cheddars with an earthy undertone or a moderately aged Gouda. The Allagash White will always pair excellently with soft cheese such as a creamy brie or fresh chevre. Of course, you’ll want to add a mix of salty and sweet accoutrements to accompany your cheese board like savory smoked salami, salty associated olives, homemade soft baked pretzels, and freshly picked apples.

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup  LeRoux Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbsp. LeRoux 18 Year Traditional Balsamic
  • Bunch Fresh Basil, roughly chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Oregano
  • 1 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Clove Garlic, minced or grated
  • 2 Heirloom Tomatoes
  • 2 Small Zucchini or Summer Squash
  • 2 Bell Peppers
  • 2-3 Cheeses (we used burrata and drunken goat)
  • assorted meats, fresh fruits, grilled bread and/or crackers, for serving
View Full Recipe

Another option to keep it simple, but more bountiful, would be sandwiches and salads which all can be picked up from your local deli if you’re pressed for time. When you’re eating outdoors, everything tastes better.

fall picnic

Find the Ideal Setting:

While in the orchard, look for a tree to lean against or perhaps a nearby bench or log. Our group opted to sit on L.L. Bean fleece blankets (note: make sure to check that the ground is not too wet before setting up!). We suggest you also bring items from home to add comfort, like pillows and a leather pouf.

Your no-fail packing list:

  • Picnic basket
  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Plates, glasses, and forks (disposable is best)
  • Knives (for cheese and meat)
  • Bottle opener
  • Roll of paper towels
  • Food
  • Beer
  • Bag for garbage
fall picnic at apple orchard
picnic basket

The Beers:

White - A hazy Belgian-style wheat beer with balanced citrus and spice. Brewed with wheat, coriander, and Curaçao orange peel. 5.2% ABV

Curieux - Ale aged in oak bourbon barrels. Balanced flavors of coconut, vanilla, and a hint of bourbon. 11% ABV

Black - Silky stout with a pleasant, yet complex, Belgian character. Belgian yeast-derived fruit notes meet flavors of chocolate and coffee throughout. 7.5% ABV

Ganache - Inspired by a raspberry-filled dark chocolate cake. Gains cocoa notes from its lengthy grain bill and tart raspberry flavor from aging on fresh, local raspberries. 7.5% ABV

Allagash Black

Our favorite part of picnicking in an apple orchard is the bounty of apples we get to take home and transform into endless pots of apple butter and bottomless apple crisps. With this haul of apples, we baked a sweet and savory cheddar apple pie. This was a perfect accompaniment to our Allagash beers, which play so nicely off the salty cheese, buttery crust and warm apple. And there’s no better way to warm your bones after a chilly day in the orchard than tucking in to an apple pie, fresh out of the oven. 

Apple Cheddar Pie Recipe

cheers Allagash beer