I’m talking about Firestone Walker Brewery and the beer we’re drinking today is their classic fall Oaktoberfest. This fall seasonal beer adds a unique twist to the typical fest beers and I think that extra work really pays off. First brewed in 2006, Oaktoberfest is brewed with all-German ingredients, and for 2024 it will include a new finishing hop; German heirloom Hallertau Mittelfrüh. If that’s not enough fun, Oaktoberfest is lagered in French oak wine barrels from Herman Story Wines in Paso Robles, CA.
This from Firestone Walker:
Oaktoberfest has been a seasonal staple at Firestone Walker dating back to the inaugural release in 2006. Each year, however, tweaks are made to take the beer to new heights. For the 2024 edition this included a new finishing hop—Hallertau Mittelfrüh, a classic German heirloom variety.
“Hallertau Mittelfrüh is a perfect fit for Oaktoberfest,” Brynildson said. “It’s less fruity compared to a lot of modern hops, and it has more of a resinous and cedarwood character that really plays well with the beer’s malty base.”
As always, the latest Oaktoberfest was brewed with all-German ingredients, including Weyermann Pilsner malts and Vienna malts, with a dash of Munich and Cara Red. “The Vienna malt helps drive the beer’s golden-amber hue and malty flavors,” Brynildson said. “We’re purposely going for more of a golden hue versus something reddish, because that’s how these beers are in Germany—just a bit more golden than a Helles.
We’re not looking for a huge oak or wine impact from the barrels. Rather, the barrels lend a fifth element and an underlying presence in the texture of the beer. It’s hard to put your finger on, but it’s wholly different than if the beer was lagered only in stainless steel.”
Of course I can’t wait to try it…so off we go…
Firestone Walker 2024 Oaktoberfest
Brewery Description: Oaktoberfest is our oak-inspired homage to the great German tradition of Oktoberfest. We go the extra mile of maturing this beer in French oak barrels to create an amazingly smooth mouthfeel. The result is a classic German Fest Bier with a hint of West Coast hoppiness. Grab your stein, don your lederhosen and enjoy!
ABV: 5.2%
IBU: 20
Style: Festbier
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Light clear copper
Aroma: Biscuit malt & caramel
Mouthfeel: Medium-light & silky
Taste: Light caramel, earthy hops & mild spice.
Overall: Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest takes the traditional fall fest lagers into a whole new category. The flavors are bright and rich, and the oak lagering changes not only how the beer tastes, but also how it feels. Oaktoberfest has a lot of complex flavors going on and at 5.2%-AbV, it’s a really drinkable and sessionable festbier.
Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest 2024 is available now in 12oz canned 6-packs as well as on draft so get out there and celebrate fall with one for yourself…and when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think. zzubreebym
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