There are plenty of spirits to experience this season that have nothing to do with Halloween. Even in Pasadena with our incessant sunshine, Fall is the time to try some darker wines, beers and liquors to complement your food. Pasadena Now sat down with Joe Capella from Everson Royce in Old Pasadena to get you the scoop on some outstanding seasonal drinks for Fall.

“It’s the tail end of the cider season — that’s more Spring/Summer in Pasadena, but cider is apples and apples are Fall,” said Capella. Try some California 101 Cider House Black Dog cider made from trees growing near the 101 or choose a non-alcoholic cider for a festive and hangover-free celebration.

“With wine and spirits, people tend to go a little heavier when the weather gets cooler,” he said.

Capella suggests bourbons which are traditionally made in Kentucky and have a bit of a sweeter taste than whiskeys. Amber colored liquors and drinks with a smokier taste are also seasonal hits.

As for wines, Capella says that many people favor Zinfandels for Thanksgiving because they are an “American” wine — one of the few varieties that is not produced in France. He adds that Beaujolais is released the third Thursday of November and this young wine — only aged 6 weeks — is a Fall popular choice. Everson Royce offers wine tastings three times a week to help you find your perfect bottle.

In the end, the best spirits you drink are those drunk in good company. For more advice on how to get your boo-ze on this season, visit Everson Royce at 155 North Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena. Call (626) 765-9334 or visit www.eversonroyce.com.