Ein Prosit! A Toast To Fall Beer
Oktoberfest may have been cancelled in Germany this year but Quad Cities brewers are in no short supply of great Fall beer. Let’s check in on the stories behind some of the most traditional Fall styles, new and innovative local flavors, and even a recipe you can brew at home yourself.
Most of us are familiar with the German festival “Oktoberfest”, but how many of us truly know the story behind the event and the beers associated with it? Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival that has taken place in Munich, Germany since 1810. While the name may be misleading, it actually takes place from mid to late September and runs to the first Sunday in October. The origins of the event stem from the marriage of King Ludwig I to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the royal event. The annual event evolved to festivities including horse racing, tree climbing, bowling alleys, and other attractions. The most famous Oktoberfest festivity, though, is drinking beer.
The Germans have a lot of pride when it comes to their beer brewing traditions. You won’t find ales at the Munich Oktoberfest (other than the rare Weizen), lagers are available by the liter and in several varieties.
The Oktoberfest style we are most familiar with in the U.S. is the Märzen or Märzenbier (German: the month of March beer). Märzen is a copper colored lager that originated in Bavaria, around the 16th century. A Bavarian brewing ordinance decreed in 1553 that beer may be brewed only between September 29th (St. Michael's Day) and April 23rd (St. George's Day), as the high temperatures required to heat and boil the ingredients in the kettle were more likely to cause fires or explosions during the hotter summer months. Lagers are also required to ferment at a cooler temperature than ales, thus the high summer temperatures could prove difficult in maintaining the national standard in quality. Märzen was brewed in March, with more hops, malt and slightly higher alcohol content that would allow the beer to last while the brewing of new beer was forbidden from April 24th to September 28th.
While Marzën is the original style of Oktoberfest, it’s just not what is served at the Munich Oktoberfest today. Festbier, sometimes called Festibiere or “Oktoberfestbier” (a name that can only be used by Breweries in Munich, like Champagne in France) has taken the place of Marzën.
Festbier is basically a more robust (in alcohol as well as body) Munich Helles with slightly more hop flavor. It trades the rich toasty maltiness of Marzën for a subtler character of lightly toasted bready dough and light sweetness, complements of a grain bill built around pilsner malt.
Where can you find a beer that fits into these styles around the QC?
Five Cities Brewing in Bettendorf and Stompbox Brewing in Davenport have lagers they refer to as Oktoberfest. The Stompbox version is currently available in a limited edition stein.
Bent River and Midwest Ale Works both have a Märzen available. Enjoy a pint or take a growler home with you.
Twin Span Brewing in Bettendorf has created their own spin on the style with the release of “Ryetoberfest”, a version that includes rye malt for a bit more complexity in flavor.
Contrary Brewing in Muscatine and Great Revivalist in Geneseo have Festbiers and Crawford Brew Works in Bettendorf has an Oktoberfestbier. Rebellion has 3 Floyds, a Munsterfest Lager. Nerdspeak has one coming out soon.
Malty lagers aren’t the only Fall beers you’ll find around the months where the weather starts to cool. American breweries have been very innovative when it comes to incorporating Fall flavors into their beers.
Check out some of these local Fall themed craft beer styles.
Probably the most unique of the Fall seasonal beers in the Quad Cities is the Sweet Potato Ale from Bent River Brewing. It’s their twist on the popular pumpkin style beers. Instead of pumpkin, they use sweet potatoes and spices in a wheat ale base. It’s always very anticipated and delicious.
Front Street Brewery just released their Red October Amber Ale.
While this beer may be available all year round, it’s arguable that this may be the perfect season to enjoy a Mintery Knight at Green Tree Brewing in LeClaire. This stout is sessionable at 5.4% and jam packed with coffee, chocolate, and mint.
Twin Span has two great beers to enjoy around a fire outside—a S’mores Stout and an Apple Spice Hefeweizen which both sound delicious right now.
Be sure to check in on the QC Ale Trail when you’re visiting these local breweries to earn free prizes!
With the holidays fast approaching, think about picking up a homebrewing kit for the beer lover in your life. The Quad Cities is home to the MUGZ homebrewing club that meets on the last Sunday of the month at rotating local breweries. For all of you already enjoying the hobby, try this Märzen recipe from Ballast Point!
About the Author:
Charlie Cole is a professional brewer and multimedia beer promoter. He is a graduate of St. Louis University in Brewing Science and Operations as well as University of Vermont and San Diego State University in Business of Craft Beer. He has been a previous brewer at three Quad Cities breweries and co-hosts the What’s Tappening weekly local beer segment on 97X FM.