The Out of Place (Seasonal) Beer Blog, Part II.

Scott enjoying a Great Lakes Oktoberfest at Johnny's Little Bar courtesy of Johnny

The air of change covers everything today. "To everything, turn...turn...turn...there is a season, turn...turn...turn..."

Falltime in Ohio has been pretty amazing. There is a forecasted high of 70 degrees for today! October has come and gone with some surf, some vivid colors and some excellent beers. Our country has elected a new president in an historic election several hours ago. And above all, Great Lakes Brewing Company has released its Christmas Ale

Before we explore the wonders of Xmas Ale, we thought a proper wrap up of the fall time and Octoberfest beers was in order.

The Great Lakes Brewing Company brews a perfect Oktoberfest every year starting in early fall. Their website provides a little history for you:

"Oktoberfest is Vienna's stronger brother. Gabriel Sedlmayr adapted the Vienna style for brewing in Munich. Because refrigeration had not yet been invented, March was traditionally the last month in which lagers were brewed. Sedlmayr's beer was made in March to last until September and was served in autumn amidst traditional celebrations."

Just as the glow of summer has ended and the colors of fall rise up, so does this beer. The deep, amber hue makes you think of fall and turning leaves. The first sip is crisp, yet creamy, just like a brisk, yet sunny September afternoon. Alcohol content is fairly low, around 6.5%, yet just enough to make you want another bite of that Kielbasa sandwich. As with many GLBC or microbrews, a draught pint is immensely more tasty than a bottle. Draft Oktoberfest comes off smooth, creamy, rich even. A friend told me "The flavor never ends, man. This lager has no end to it. I could drink it all night long." I think he did too.

Other microbreweries seem to make their Oktoberfests more bitey and crisp. I prefer the smoother style. There were not as many surf sessions in which to share this lager this fall due to a broken foot healing up. Guess we will have late fall and the holidays to make up for it.

If you can still find an Oktoberfest in your local beer aisle this week, get it. The weather and this beer will be perfect compliments, just as a cult leader and his "wives" are perfect compliments to each other. Share one of these lagers with a friend. Tell them I command it!