This weekend is the annual Longmont Oktoberfest festival at Roosevelt Park, sponsored by Left Hand Brewing.
The first Oktoberfest was a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It was held just outside Munich and attended by both royalty and the citizens. This legendary event began October 12, 1810, and lasted five days.
The festival eventually became an annual event, focusing on the autumn harvest. The timing was perfect for tapping the year’s local Märzen, which by then was suitably aged and in prime condition for fall consumption.
Dating back a couple centuries, Märzen beers were brewed in the final months (prior to refrigeration) before the heat returned. Märzen literally means “March”. Thanks to its alpine climate, Bavarian brewers were able to store their spring product in cold caves and cellars while it aged for autumn.
To ring in the fall season, despite our prolonged temperatures, here are three local Boulder County Oktoberfest beers that will bring cheer to your celebration.
Left Hand Oktoberfest Märzen
Left Hand Brewing starts brewing this traditional Oktoberfest Marzen in the spring. Its toasted Munich and Pilsner malts creates a dominate biscuity fore flavor and copper color that are complimented by a properly dry, spicy finish from its noble hops. 6.6% ABV.
Wibby Wibtoberfest Märzen
This amber colored lager by one of Longmont’s most exciting breweries carries a refreshing maltiness. Aiming for a more traditional alcohol level, this is a great session beer for the season. Wibtoberfest is rapidly gaining popularity in Boulder County. Look for its blue and white cans at your favorite local liquor store. 5.36% ABV.
Avery The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest
One of Avery Brewing’s most decorated beers, this seasonal specialty takes all the traditional Oktoberfest directions then cranks it up to eleven. The Kaiser sports a deep copper sheen with a massive malty backbone and spicy, floral, pungent Noble hops. It’ll make you feel like you can take on the world. Available in 22 ounce bombers. 10.2% ABV.
Oktoberfest beers tend to sell out quickly, especially after a big communal event. You can pick up yours before they’re gone at Wyatt’s. You may even want to pick up some authentic German lagers while you’re here. 