Oktoberfest is Back!
As the long days grow shorter and summer comes to a close, we can’t wait to celebrate the harvest season with you!
“This year the brew team at North Coast Brewing Company created a Festbier just for The Pub at North Coast Brewing Company. This beer is perfect for celebrations like Oktoberfest. We think you will agree that this small batch beer offering is delicious.” –CEO Jennifer Owen.
The Pub is highlighting our special Festbier during Oktoberfest, from September 21st through October 5th, while supplies last. Our Pub team has also created a soft warm pretzel special served with two dipping sauces: a creamy beer cheese sauce and a sweet and tangy mustard sauce, so you can tap into the true spirit of Oktoberfest in Fort Bragg.
About Festbier
Festbier is a traditional German beer style typically associated with Oktoberfest. It is a delicious lager, characterized by a golden color, a smooth malt profile, and a supportive hop bitterness. Festbier is usually lighter and less malty than Märzen, making it more refreshing and easier to drink, which is perfect for long celebrations or “session” drinking. In Bavaria, the beer is enjoyed in copious quantities during festivals and served in one-liter mugs. It is brewed to be slightly stronger than the regular Helles lager, usually around 5.7% to 6.3% ABV. It is a seasonal brew, often released in late summer and enjoyed throughout the autumn festival season.
Our Festbier is a traditionally brewed pale German lager at 5.7% ABV and 19 IBUs. In appearance, it is bright gold and brilliantly clear with a prominent collar of white foam. Proper balance of elegant German malts and hops create a very sessionable drinking experience.
Assistant Brewmaster Obed Salazar tapped the keg on Friday, October 20th, founding brewmaster Mark Ruedrich was on hand for the tapping and to try the first pour of our Festbier.
“It is satisfying to our team when Mark so enjoys the beer that we brew. As a part of our Innovation Series, we use our pilot brewing system to make small batches and to experiment with beer recipes. This allows us to brew something new for customers to try at our pub.” – Obed Salazar, assistant brewmaster.
“We’re thrilled that we executed Festbier so well! It is an imminently drinkable example of the style.” – Brewmaster Chuck Martins.
We hope you will be able to make it to our pub for a festive pint…maybe with a warm pretzel too. Cheers to the start of fall!
I can’t make it to Fort Bragg. How can I celebrate Oktoberfest at home?
Can’t make it to our pub? Don’t worry! We have some ideas for you to try at home. To best recreate Oktoberfest where you are, our brew team recommends stocking your party with Scrimshaw or even Laguna Baja (for fans of the maltier side).
And don’t forget the food! We recommend an array of Oktoberfest snacks to pair with your brews at home. Here are some of the best German snack ideas for your Oktoberfest party:
Pretzels (Bretzel in German)
Soft, salty pretzels are iconic at Oktoberfest. Serve them with mustard or cheese dip for a classic pairing.
Bratwurst
Grilled bratwurst, served in a bun with sauerkraut and mustard, complements the malty sweetness of Oktoberfest beers beautifully.
Sauerbraten
This pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices offers a savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the beer’s richness.
Bierocks
These savory pastries filled with meat, cabbage, and onions are hearty and perfect for soaking up the beer.
German Potato Salad
Warm potato salad made with bacon, onions, and a tangy dressing is a delicious side that balances Scrimshaw’s flavors.
Cheese Platter
Include cheeses like Brie, Emmental, and Gouda, paired with crackers and fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Pickles and Pickled Vegetables
Tangy pickles and pickled onions provide a nice crunch and acidity to balance the beer’s sweetness.
Spätzle
These soft egg noodles, often served with cheese or a rich gravy, make a hearty addition to your snack lineup.
Apple Strudel
For a sweet finish, enjoy warm apple strudel with a dusting of powdered sugar—its cinnamon notes work well with Scrimshaw, and with apple picking season in full swing, it’s the perfect festive and sweet way to end the evening.
Final Thoughts
However you celebrate Oktoberfest, we wish you a happy and safe start to the harvest season. Cheers to great food, great company and of course, great craft beer! Or as the Germans say, Prost!
