WORDS Sam Wootten
Late Summer and early Fall bring about the release of more styles and unique once-a-year brews (Pumpkins, Harvests, “Autumn”, Oktoberfest, etc) that prepare your palate for the coming season, with a gentle reminder that Winter is coming. It says, “Go ahead. Enjoy the sweetness and warmth while it lasts. Frolic and let the liquid bread soothe your pangs of saying goodbye to summer. Beer will be beside you as the days grow shorter, and the nights get longer. A steady companion for watching the leaves change, beer won’t let you down.”
Oktoberfest is traditionally a herald of the changing of the guard for beer styles, but with the popularity of certain brews and the ease of access to ingredients, many seasonal releases are now year-round offerings. Or, as is the case with many “seasonal” items, Fall arrives mid-summer, Halloween candy is on the shelf at the end of July, Christmas items arrive before Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s is out by New Year’s. Up is down, down is up. Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria! You can look at it as consumerism run amok, or enjoy the opportunity to get more of what you like with out all that pesky anticipation. However, it can be overwhelming. What do we drink, and when do we drink it?!
Thankfully, your friends at MADE have taken the time to negotiate the murky waters of this beer conundrum, with a little bit of beer history, and some suggestions that keep the focus where we like it - in Alabama - with a touch of Deutschland for good measure.
In Germany, Oktoberfest has always started in late-September. I know, it seems crazy, but it’s true. This is less about marketing and extending the sales window for products, and more about when a prince got married a long, long time ago, and had an amazing party to celebrate his nuptials with a couple of weeks worth of drinking. I guess people liked it so much they just decided to keep doing it every year. In honor of that Teutonic genius, we highly recommend some Alabama-brewed versions of German beers that you can enjoy at this year’s Oktoberfest party.
*This is not exactly the whole truth. Each approaching season is my favorite time of year for beer. There is no bad time for beer.
Straight to Ale Sand Island Lighthouse (Huntsville, AL)
STA knows a thing or two about beer (and rocket science), and it really shows with this light, easy-to-drink ale. They describe their kolsch much better that I could hope to (see below), but know that it is a go-to beer for any light beer fan.
Tasting Notes & Details: “A German kolsch-style ale, clean and refreshing, Mildly sweet with a touch of Tettnanger hop bitterness in the finish, it is the perfect brew for warm weather or anytime of year. 5.1% ABV
Blue Pants Oktoberfest (Madison, AL)
These guys know how to work and consistently produce super-tasty beer. I look forward to this one every year, and it is because their Oktoberfest isn’t as sweet as some others. Just good, clean fun. See their description, and judge for yourself.
Tasting Notes & Details: “Brewed to the upper end of the alcohol limit of the classic style, uses all German Vienna and Munich malts. Oktoberfest vary widely in color depending on their historical tradition. This the most common style in the North, which is lighter in color but still rich in flavor. Bready with a smooth sweet maltiness. Incredibly clean with the traditional lager characteristics to compliment the rich tastes of Vienna and Munich Malt. 6.0 % ABV”
Avondale Meredith Marzen (Birmingham, AL)
Great story about this beer on Avondale’s website being named after a ghost in the building. Equally as fun is this Marzen tastes as good as any that I’ve had from Germany, and it’s brewed right here in Alabama!
Tasting Notes & Details: “The Marzen style of beer is also known as an Oktoberfest style, traditionally brewed in March and cellared in caves until the end of summer. It was a special beer to be enjoyed at Oktoberfest in Bavaria. The finest malts from the previous year’s crops were used to brew this premium lager in celebration of the new brewing season. The brew has a deep golden hue, the aroma is clean and malty. Malt is the major player in this brew and it dominates the palate. The rich malt character is derived from mostly Vienna and Munich malt. The Vienna adds a toasty and biscuity flavor that is balanced by the sweet Munich malt. 5.5%ABV”
Yellowhammer Lost Highway Black Lager (Huntsville, AL)
Yellowhammer does its thing with a schwarzbier, and the result is awesome. I am a huge fan of their beers, and think that this one does not disappoint. It’s easy to drink, with yummy toasty/roasty notes. Don’t let the dark color scare you. This one is not heavy.
Tasting Notes & Details: “A German-style schwarzbier, or “black beer,” brewed with a blend of German Munich malt, Vienna malt and “huskless” roasted malts, which give the beer a smooth toasty character. [Yellowhammer’s] version employs a German ale yeast rather than the traditional lager yeast. 5.8% ABV”
Sam Wootten is the proprietor of the Tipping Point in Hampstead. Their 5th Annual Oktoberfest is September 19th, and will feature these beers and oh, so much more. He hopes you will come drink with him.