We taste-tested Indy breweries' fall beers

Why it matters: The season is a boon for beers — from Oktoberfests to pumpkin ales and spiced stouts.

How it worked: The three-person Axios Indy team performed a taste test of seven fall beers, rating them from one to five and averaging our scores.

Here are our instant reactions:

Upland Brewing's Chairman of the Gourd pumpkin ale, 7.5% ABV, 2.67/5: Justin thought it tasted "cheaper" than he expected … like it would make for a good beer pong beer.

• "It's like a spiced Bud Light," Lindsey said.

Guggman Haus' Spooky Pumpkins pumpkin ale, 6.2% ABV, 2/5: Arika felt it tasted muddy, with too many fall spices and none of the usual sweetness.

• Lindsey agreed — too many flavors, so none stood out or tasted particularly good. Justin thought it smelled better than it tasted.

Guggman Haus' Midnight Gourd pumpkin milk stout, 7.6% ABV, 4.2/5: Justin said if you like milk stouts, you'll like this. It's smooth and comforting.

• "Here's the sweetness Spooky Pumpkins was missing," Arika said. "It's a fun, seasonal take on a good, classic milk stout."

Bier Brewery's Pumpkin Ale pumpkin bier, 5.6% ABV, 3.5/5: Lindsey liked the cinnamon flavor that was bold, but not overwhelming.

• "This is probably the most focused flavor of the bunch with a nice dash of sweetness," Justin said.

Metazoa's Barktoberfest marzen lager, 5.3% ABV, 3/5: Arika said she's had better Oktoberfest beers and Justin thought it tasted "watered down."

• Yes, but: It was lighter than many fall beers and Lindsey appreciated that.

Taxman Brewing's Expat: Oktoberfest German-style marzen lager, 6.0% ABV, 3.5/5: We all found this solid and easy drinking.

Sun King's Oktoberfest German-style lager, 5.7% ABV, 1.6/5: Lindsey thought this one was bland and lacking flavor, while Arika found whatever flavor was there to be slightly off.

• "Tastes like Oktoberfest in July," Justin said. "And that's not a good thing. Skip the seasonal and order a Wee Mac."