Sean suggests for September

This month I bring you some fall seasonals. Two from either ends of the great state of California and one from where this whole Oktoberfest tradition began, Germany.

Sean suggests for September 2012

Just click that link twice to get a handy print out to guide your beer shopping.

And speaking of beer shopping, if you are based in L.A. like I am, you can turn your beer purchases into a free L.A. Beer Week hat! Bottle shops around town will be selling specially stickered bottles or you can pick up a logo’d cap like Eagle Rock or Browerij West and if you collect 12, you can turn them in for a cap. Caps for Caps.

that’s right, even Tennessee has beer

And here is one of the most acclaimed of the Volunteer state breweries latest creation….

This is what the Yazoo Brewing blog says about this autumnal offering,“Fall Ale is made with all German malts – Munich, Vienna, Cara malt, and a little bit of Rye. It’s generously hopped with Hallertauer and Tettnang hops from Germany. It’s an ale, not a lager, but it’s loosely based on a typical Octoberfest beer, with our own twist with the Rye malt. It will be available as the next beer in our Brewmaster’s Reserve 4-pack, beginning around the third week of October – you know, about the time that all the “Octoberfest” beers that came out in July are starting to show their age!”

Now if I could just get my hands on of their beers then I just might reach my goal for the 50 Beers from 50 States quest.

Let’s get Oktober started

from the re-invigorated Karl Strauss…

“Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is back! The company’s original award winning seasonal beer is a reminder to Southern Californian’s that fall is just around the corner. “We brew Oktoberfest as a tribute to Karl’s heritage and as a toast to the world’s largest beer party in Munich,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. “This beer has a ton of rich, malty flavor, but it’s smooth enough to be enjoyed by the liter.”

Unlike most beers that begin with base malt and add specialty malts for flavor, Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is made from 100% specialty malts. A flavorful blend of Vienna, Munich, and Carahell malts create a toasty, nutty flavor that is characteristic of the style. To balance out the sweetness from the malts, the brewers stayed true to tradition using imported Hallertau Perle hops for a spicy finish.

After cold fermenting for several weeks, the golden hued lager is cellared at 50-degrees for an additional three weeks, creating an incredibly smooth finish. Weighing in at 5% ABV, this exceptional session lager is a great complement to traditional Oktoberfest fare, including grilled meats, burgers, and of course, sausages.

Due to an increase in demand, the Company will be brewing 33% more Oktoberfest than last year. Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is available in six-packs and on draft across southern California. Whether you’re rocking lederhosen at the bar or celebrating with friends, enjoy this beer while you can because this party only happens once a year. Prost.”

Hoghaus Oktoberfest

When you say craft beer, the American southeast is not the first place thought of but you can find some fun beery events everywhere in the US.

Example 1

~Magicians, Caricature Drawings, Obstacle Courses, Jumpers & Farm Animals!
~Hog Haus Tent
~Barrel Races
~Concession Booths & Craft Vendors
~Local Live Music
~Home Brew Competition
Open to ANY STYLE
~Brat Eating Contest & Pumpkin Painting Contest

Oktoberfest brewery cruise

If you don’t get seasick like I do and you enjoy the scenic beauty of the coast of Washington state then how about cruisin’ for Oktoberfest?

It will set you back a pretty penny but you will be spurring the economy and drinking great beer from breweries like Chuckanut, Pike Place, Port Townsend and Rockfish over a leisurely four days.
Schooner_Zodiac_header

Check out the details HERE.

Cocoa Beach Brewing

A new entrant in the fast growing Florida beer scene is Cocoa Beach Brewing Company.

Here is their beer list:
Cocoa Beach Pale Ale – A traditional American Pale Ale featuring two row malts, Nugget, Pearle, and Cascade Hops.

Cocoa Beach Key Lime Cerveza – Unique to Cocoa Beach Brewing Company, this Caribbean style beer is brewed with Pilsner Malt, Crystal Hops, and real Key West Lime.

Cocoa Beach Dirty Blonde – A refreshing, crisp, low(er) calorie beer brewed with Pilsner Malt and Crystal Hops.

“Just Some” Oatmeal Stout – Made with two-row pale malt, dark chocolate malt, black malt, and flaked oats – this rich stout is brewed with more than one ounce per gallon of Fuggle hops.

Sofa King Double IPA – Our take on the traditional India Pale Ale, our Double IPA is brewed with Pale and Crystal Malts. It is dry hopped with a generous amount of Simcoe hops.

Matt’s Special Bitter – Brewed with Maris Otter and Biscuit Malts, this complexly hopped British Ale is the brainchild of guest brewer Matt Backus.

Von Braun Ale – Our classic brown ale recipe, but with German Nobel hops. This unique beer with a Space Coast flair was a collaboration with guest brewer George Folmar.

Cocoa Beach Oktoberfest lager – Our version of the classic German beer, it is brewed with Vienna, Cara-Munich, and Victory Malts and traditional German Nobel hops.

The key lime cerveza sounds great. Much better than jamming a wedge of lime into a dirty Corona.

Julius Echter

If you are still in need of Oktoberfest style beers, this new entrant has what you are looking for…
Julius Echter

They have a pretty good German Hefe as well as pils and a dark beer. Plus they have been around forever while most of the other breweries in Franconia have gone under.

LA Beer Week – Oktoberfest @ the Verdugo

A blazing hot October day in the valley, but that didn’t stop beer lovers from coming out to sample some authentic German beer and to try some Firestone-Walker, Skyscraper and Shmalz Brewing as well.

okto

Here is what I had….
Julius Echter Hefeweizen – a new entry to the SoCal market. This Hefe has the clove part down but could use some banana flavor upgrading. Very filling for a Hefe.

Firestone Oaktoberfest
– Orange brown in color. Had a little of everything. Malty, sparkly, alcoholic and sweet. Awesome for a colder day.

Skyscraper Backhoe Brown
– A very nice brown ale. At 6% alcohol it is not wimpy. Nicely balanced beer. Some browns are too sweet but this is not. I really like the seasonals from these guys.

Schneider Hopfen-Weiss – Second time trying this beer and I still can’t get it. Medicinal to me. The hops are weird, the weiss is strong. Not my favorite.

Kostritzer Pilsner – Pretty tasty pils. I liked it. Did not have the tinny taste of some that I have had. Perfect college football beer. Crisp and clean.

There was German music blaring and drinking contests and coaster building. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

P.S. I made a point to ask people what their favorite beer was and all gave me a different answer. That must mean a good selection across the board.