Can’t make it to Munich for Oktoberfest?
That’s ok - neither can we - but that won’t stop us from celebrating.
If you don’t already know, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer and folk festival. It runs from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. A staple of the festival (surprise, surprise) is the Oktoberfest beer, typically called a Märzen or Märzenbier, and large quantities are consumed (we’re talking 66,000 barrels!) throughout the event.
To celebrate, we’re sharing some of our favorite Fall beers with you while kicking back in a Trek Light Gear hammock and wrapping ourselves in our new favorite blankets...a perfect pairing if there ever was one.
(Some Of) Our Favorite Fall Beers
Best Brown Ale from Bell’s. A Midwestern stalwart, Bell’s Best Brown Ale is a fall classic. With a malty body to keep you warm and toasty, combined with a generous helping of hops, this brown ale is light enough for an Indian summer but full-bodied enough to ease you into sweater weather.
Gose from Westbrook. Brewed in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, this gose (pronounced “go-zuh”) is a thirst-quenching delight all year round. Slightly salty with a coriander finish, it’s an especially refreshing palate cleanser for a warm day in the sun.
Oktoberfest from Sierra Nevada. From the brewery that arguably revived the craft beer scene in the USA comes perhaps the perfect beer for October sippin’. Brewed in tandem with Germany’s Bitburger Brewery, Sierra Nevada’s “Oktoberfest” is a toasty, bready beer that is malty enough for a cool Autumn day while still retaining a refreshing crispness. Prost!
Susan from Hill Farmstead. In 2018, Vermont’s Hill Farmstead Brewery was named the best in the world for the 5th year in a row, which says a lot about the beer they produce. An American IPA, Susan is a cloudy, citrus-y pour that lingers on the tongue after each sip. It’s packed with flavor - just like the tropics - and sports pineapple, mango, and notes of orange juice. With a slightly bitter finish, the entire experience is smooth and exceptionally satisfying. One catch: Hill Farmstead’s distribution is limited to Vermont, so if you find yourself passing through the Northeast, don’t hesitate to make a turn towards the Green Mountain State.
Saison from Allagash. Brewed in Maine, the Allagash Saison is an interpretation of a Belgian Farmhouse ale. Pale yellow in color, the Saison sports aromas of pear, lemon, coriander, funky yeast, and malt. A super crisp beer that’s easy to drink thanks to its perfect balance of bitterness and hoppy florals.
Oktoberfest from Fort Collins Brewery. Made with 100% German ingredients and a decoction mash, Fort Collins Brewery's Oktoberfest won gold last year at the Great American Beer Festival in the Dortmunder/German-Style Oktoberfest category. That, and it’s from our favorite state -- Colorado. A light, drinkable brew, it’s a smooth balance of hops and herbal spices.
Cheers! 🍻