Oliphant Blizzard of 91 4Pk

Oliphant Blizzard of 91 4Pk is a seasonal pecan pumpkin pie brown ale brewed with spices, lactose, and pecan at 4.1% ABV, sold in a 4-pack. Scoring an 86 on BeerAdvocate and carrying a 3.8 out of 5 on Untappd across more than 2,000 ratings, this low-ABV seasonal release from Oliphant Brewing has earned a loyal following among fans of dessert-inspired craft beer.
Quick Facts: ABV: 4.1%  |  Origin: Somerset, Wisconsin  |  Style: Brown Ale with Spices, Lactose & Pecan  |  Brewery: Oliphant Brewing
Production & Heritage
Oliphant Brewing operates out of Somerset, Wisconsin, a small town in the St. Croix Valley just east of the Minnesota border. The Blizzard of 91 takes its name from the legendary Halloween Blizzard of 1991, a historic Upper Midwest storm that dumped record snowfall across Minnesota and Wisconsin — a fitting reference for a fall seasonal release. The brew merges two classic autumn desserts — pumpkin pie and pecan pie — into a single beer, using lactose for body and sweetness alongside warming baking spices and real pecan character. The result is a brown ale base that carries a distinctly dessert-forward profile while remaining sessionable at just 4.1% ABV.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Sweet pie crust leads, followed by layers of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle nuttiness from the pecan addition. The overall impression is warm and inviting, reminiscent of a bakery during fall.
Taste: Pecan arrives immediately on the palate, establishing a nutty foundation before pumpkin and warm baking spices take over at mid-palate. Cinnamon and vanilla emerge alongside the lactose-driven sweetness, amplifying the pumpkin pie character. The flavor profile is smooth, with no perceivable hop bitterness — the focus remains entirely on the dessert elements.
Finish: The finish is clean and moderate in length, with lingering notes of spiced pumpkin and toasted pecan. A gentle sweetness from the lactose carries through without becoming cloying, keeping the beer balanced and drinkable.
How to Drink Blizzard of 91
Serve chilled in a tulip glass or snifter to concentrate the aromatic spice and pecan notes. At 4.1% ABV, this is a genuinely sessionable dessert ale — well-suited to drinking across an evening rather than nursing a single glass. Pair it with actual pecan pie or pumpkin pie for a thematic double-down at fall gatherings. It also works surprisingly well as a beer float with vanilla ice cream, leaning into the dessert character. For a simple beer cocktail, blend it with a splash of apple cider for a seasonal shandy variation that bridges the nutty sweetness with tart fruit acidity.
Best For
Fall seasonal drinking around Halloween and Thanksgiving
Hosting autumn gatherings where sessionable, crowd-friendly beer is needed
Craft beer fans who gravitate toward dessert-inspired and pastry-style ales
Gifting to someone who appreciates regional Upper Midwest breweries
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Blizzard of 91 taste like? Blizzard of 91 tastes like a blend of pumpkin pie and pecan pie in beer form, with prominent cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg spice alongside a smooth, lactose-sweetened body and no perceivable bitterness.
How does Blizzard of 91 compare to other pumpkin ales? Unlike many pumpkin ales that rely solely on gourd and spice, Blizzard of 91 adds pecan and lactose to the mix, creating a richer, more dessert-forward profile. Consumers have compared it to beers like Pappy’s Pumpkin Pie, noting that the pecan addition gives Oliphant’s version a distinctive nuttiness not found in most competitors.
Is Blizzard of 91 good for beginners? Yes — at 4.1% ABV with a smooth, sweet, and spice-driven flavor profile and virtually no hop bitterness, it is one of the most approachable seasonal ales available and a strong entry point for those new to craft beer.
Where is Blizzard of 91 made? Blizzard of 91 is brewed by Oliphant Brewing in Somerset, Wisconsin, a small town in the St. Croix Valley near the Minnesota border.
What foods pair well with Blizzard of 91? Pecan pie is a natural match, echoing the beer’s nutty character. Pumpkin cheesecake complements the spice and lactose sweetness. Roasted turkey or glazed ham works well at Thanksgiving, as the ale’s sweetness and spice cut through savory richness. Warm apple crisp bridges the autumnal flavors, and sharp cheddar cheese provides a salty contrast to the beer’s dessert leanings.
What sizes does Blizzard of 91 come in? Blizzard of 91 is commonly available in a 4-pack format as a seasonal release from Oliphant Brewing.
Is Blizzard of 91 worth the price? Blizzard of 91 positions as an accessible, seasonally limited craft offering from a small regional brewery, and its unique pecan-pumpkin pie combination delivers a flavor profile that stands apart from mass-produced pumpkin ales — solid value for fans of the style.
Why Blizzard of 91?
Most pumpkin ales lean on a predictable formula of squash puree and pumpkin spice. Blizzard of 91 breaks that mold by folding pecan and lactose into a brown ale base, creating something closer to a drinkable dessert than a typical seasonal. The 4.1% ABV keeps it in genuinely sessionable territory — a rarity for pastry-style beers that often push well past 6%. With an 86 on BeerAdvocate and over 2,000 Untappd check-ins, this small-batch Wisconsin release has proven it resonates beyond its local market, earning its place as a distinctive fall seasonal worth seeking out each year.