A SEASONAL STAPLE RETURNS
Wash out that stein and dust off your lederhosen, because a Firestone Walker classic is back with the 2023 edition of Oaktoberfest.
The 2023 Oaktoberfest Oak Aged Lager is rolling out to all Firestone Walker markets in 6-pack (12-oz cans) and draft rotations. And you don’t need a ticket to Munich to enjoy this one. In fact, you can get it at one of our three locations or use our Beer Finder to locate it near you now.
As always, Oaktoberfest is a, you guessed it, oak-inspired homage to the iconic “fest biers” that are synonymous with Germany’s legendary Oktoberfest celebrations.
“Oaktoberfest is a beer that has stood the test of time,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “In fact, I believe that more and more craft drinkers are yearning for beers like Oaktoberfest. There’s a certain nostalgia to the style—smooth, sessionable, flavorful and malt-forward. It’s the kind of beer that you naturally crave as summer turns to fall.”
STOKED ON OAK
Oaktoberfest has been a seasonal staple at Firestone Walker dating back to its inaugural release in 2006. The recipe has evolved over the years, but recent tweaks have only taken the beer to new heights.
A portion of the beer is lagered in French oak barrels inherited from one of Napa Valley’s top cult wineries. If you want to get into the details, these barrels are stored at a temperature of 3°C for optimal lagering conditions. But just know that, as an oak-matured fest bier, Oaktoberfest speaks to our brewery’s longtime fascination with wooden vessels.
In fact, the beer that started it all for Firestone Walker in 1996, Double Barrel Ale is partially fermented in a “union” of American oak barrels. We were also at the forefront of the bourbon barrel ageing movement with our Anniversary Ale in 2006. And since we’re still talking fun facts, the name Oaktoberfest is actually a nod to our brewery’s home of Paso Robles, which is Spanish for “Pass Of The Oaks.” We swear we didn’t fully plan it things out to be this way, but it’s nice that it worked out.
GERMAN INGREDIENTS, CALIFORNIAN CREATIVITY
The ingredients here are decidedly German: Weyermann Vienna malt, Weyermann pilsner malt, noble German hops (Tradition and Spalter Select), and classic 34/70 Weihenstephan lager yeast. Oaktoberfest’s light amber color foreshadows its toasty, biscuity flavor. The oak-barrel lagering allows for an even smoother texture, all while remaining true to the beer’s crisp malt profile and hints of noble hops. Oh, and the checkered blue and white pattern on the can echoes the Bavarian flag and pays homage to the beer’s style.
“Oaktoberfest is rich in flavor but also light-bodied and easy to drink,” Matt said. “Which makes it enjoyable on warm and cool days alike.”
Use our Beer Finder to locate Oaktoberfest near you. Or, come by any of our three locations and grab a cold six-pack. And then plan to join us for our Oaktoberfest party in Venice on September 16th and our follow-up Paso Robles party on September 30th.