Why Oktoberfest?

Ladies, it is time to iron the Dirhl; gentlemen polish the buttons on those lederhosen. It is time for Oktoberfest. We celebrate Oktoberfest due to the marriage of the Princes of Bavaria, Princes Ludwig. In honor of the Princes new marriage, horse races were held on October 17, 1810, the first Oktoberfest. From these simple horse races Oktoberfest has grown into the largest public fair in the world.

The style of beer that we know as Oktoberfest is a Marzen (March) lager. This beer was brewed at the end of the brewing season in March. After brewing, the beer was lagered or stored in ice caves during the summer months. The beer was brought from storage in the mountains and enjoyed by the masses at the first Oktoberfest. The German term for lagering, or storing, is from where the modern term “lager” derives. During this cool storage, the brew would go through a process known as bottom fermentation. This bottom fermentation is what allows for the full, round and richer flavors that lagers are known for.

The Rest of Summer...

I know what you are thinking. I read the last two summer beer articles, gave all of those a try, and then I came to the summer beer tasting and tried them all again. So, now what do I drink? There is still two more months of summer to go. Fortunately, producers make great, refreshing ales all year long. These none seasonal summer beers sometimes get lost in the shuffle, and they can offer a summer drinking experience that can rival any seasonal release.

Southampton Saison-
Southampton Publick House has been the maker of great beers since 1996. Southampton has only been available in our market for one year, and their superb ales are just starting to get noticed. Southampton’s Saison is a summertime beer that will surely show you the excellent quality in their ales. This Saison is in perfect balance. All three aspects that make a good Saison are present in harmony. The wheat flavors are subtle and prevalent throughout, while the spice is full but not over powering. Lastly, the rich full “beer” backbone is there and gives the whole thing structure. Give Southampton a try and find out what the buzz is about.\

Dieu Du Ciel Rosee D’ Hibiscus-
For the more adventurous drinker, may I suggest the Dieu Du Ciel Rosee D’ Hibiscus. This exciting ale hails from the world renowned Dieu Du Ciel brewery, maker of Peche Mortel. Rosee D’ Hibiscus is a soft wheat beer brewed with Hibiscus flowers. The addition of Hibiscus flowers gives this beer its lovely pink hue. The flowers also add an acidic tartness to the front end, while the rich exotic plum-like flavors of Hibiscus are prevalent on the back end. The mild wheat beer base helps to give a luscious platform for the rich fruit flavors of this ale. This off beat beer makes a perfect pick when you are tired of six packs of raspberry wheat beer.

Lagunitas IPA-
No matter the time of year, hot or cold, people love their hops. With summertime seasonal IPA’s, finding a lighter bodied beer with big hop flavor can be hard. Lagunitas IPA is a high taste, low acid IPA that can meet that challenge. With an IBU rating at only 45 (average IPA 65), but still brewed with 8 kettle hops. This translates into a big-time hops flavor that is very floral with notes of pine and citrus. With this hop flavor, the traditional IPA acidic bite is not there, making this IPA perfect for the hot days of summer.