Foothills Brewing of Winston-Salem, North Carolina has an Oktoberfest beer? They do! It’s called Foothills Oktoberfest. But you knew that. They have a pumpkin beer for fall too, reviving the old Cottonwood Pumpkin Ale, which I think is really cool, although I haven’t been able to find it yet. For now, I’m pleased as punch to find the Oktoberfest.

Foothills touts this as an authentic Oktoberfest and it is indeed a lager, always a good start. It’s available August through October, or while supplies last. Just in time to celebrate Oktoberfest in your own special way.

They say this about it on the label:

Prince Ludwig was a man of the people. Which is why, when he married in 1810, he invited the entire town of Munich. Thus Oktoberfest was born, along with the sweet, dark amber lager that has become the namesake of that annual celebration. Ours stays true to the classic style, with notes of toasted bread and roasted almonds. Prost!

Foothills Oktoberfest has an alcohol content of 5.8% by volume with 29 IBUs according to the website, 42 by the label on my bottle. I am going with the higher figure based on my tasting. It runs $9.99 a six-pack in these parts, about average these days,

Foothills Oktoberfest pours to a dark amber hue with a thick creamy head formation and a toasted nuts and caramel nose. Taking a sip, the beer is full and rich in body and flavor, packed with toasty nutty Munich malt goodness and a hint of caramel. In the finish, the beer has a long dry lingering grassy bitterness, a little more than normal for the style I think, but I’m not complaining. There’s so much wonderful malt flavor that that helps balance the beer nicely.

Foothills Oktoberfest is a tasty treat for a malthead like me. It’s a fine domestic example of the style, and I highly recommend it. Try it with brats and sauerkraut with buttery spatzel, or just pair it with a juicy hamburger. Either way, you’re the winner.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

(G)=Growler

 

 

 



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