October isn't so much about dark and stormy nights for SoCal, but don't tell that to our local brewers who release heady, cold-weather beers every fall.

Because it's always available around Halloween, Craftsman Brewing's Mark Jilg named his Edgar's Ale (pictured) after the macabre poet Edgar Allan Poe. The deep-colored, strong ale (8.4 percent ABV) resembles a Russian Imperial Stout in the glass, but it's more velvety and rich, with coffee and roasted malt flavor.

Just released this week, you'll find Edgar's Ale at both Father's Office locations and Lucky Baldwins. To see how it tastes with short ribs, check it out at the Craftsman Beer Dinner at The York on October 22. Jilg will also pour the ale at the L.A. Beer Week Festival at Descanso Gardens on October 24.

For something even stronger, there's The Bruery's Black Tuesday, a massive, bourbon-barrel-aged Imperial Stout with hints of burnt caramel and vanilla. It clocks in at a whopping 19.5 percent ABV, one of the highest in the U.S.

This cult beer is in high demand, and there's only one way to get it: Head down to the Placentia brewery on October 27, where 1,000 bottles will go on sale. Even if local bar owners snag a few (there's a three-bottle limit), they'll probably want to keep it for themselves.