Sierra Nevada & Brauerei Gutmann Deliver on an Exceptional Oktoberfest Festbier
Each fall, one beer style we look forward to is the classic Oktoberfest. This may include a malty Märzen or a Festbier. No matter which sub-style, one that gets us is excited is the annual release from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
And just as in past years, Sierra Nevada has once again partnered with an established German brewery. For 2024, Sierra Nevada has chosen Brauerei Gutmann. This iconic German brewer that is family owned, just like Sierra Nevada, but has been brewing beer for well over 300 years since 1707!
Bringing Brauerei Gutmann to the table this year provides Sierra Nevada with six generations of German brewing experience in brewing the 2024 edition of Oktoberfest. This year’s recipe incorporates the use of wheat malt in honor of Gutmann, who is renowned for wheat classics like its well received Hefeweizen.
“This is a Festbier with a twist,” says Brian Grossman, Chief Brewer at Sierra Nevada. “The wheat malt gives us really nice sweetness in the aroma, followed by a little bit of lemon characteristic from the Saphir hops and a nice dry, crisp finish on it.”
Added Scott Jennings, Sierra Nevada’s Technical Brewmaster, “We tried to add signatures from both breweries, both families into the beer. We’ve got wheat malt in honor of our partners, which brings a creamy mouthfeel.”
Sierra Nevada’s 2024 Oktoberfest is a unique twist on a traditional German Festbier. In addition to the previously mentioned wheat malt, the brew teams also used Munich, Pilsner, and Two-Row Pale Malt to create the perfect biscuity malt flavor that hits the mark! Even with the beer’s ample use of Hersbrucker, Loral, Saphir, and Spalter Hops, Oktoberfest is very smooth and balanced without any prominent, lingering hop notes. Oktoberfest is a bit darker than that of a modern Festbier as it also arrived a bit heftier at 6% ABV and 30 IBUs. It’s the perfect fall beer that combines the characteristics of both, a Märzen and Festbier in one.
Sierra Nevada 2024 Oktoberfest Celebration
If you find yourself in the Chico, California area over the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October, make sure to join in the fun at the Sierra Nevada 2024 Oktoberfest. The annual Oktoberfest celebration will take place from 5:00 – 10:00pm over two weekends, from September 27 – 28 and October 4 – 5, 2024.
So grab your friends and come join the party at Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest. Clink steins with new friends and old, under a canopy of twinkling lights. Enjoy the spectacle of MarchFourth Marching Band. Watch expert glassblowing artists create dazzling masterpieces live in front of you. Savor the rich flavors of artisanal craft beer and hearty feast fare under the big tents!
The four Oktoberfest sessions require separate ticket purchases. Tickets for each day are sold separately, so pick the day(s) that works for you and come party. To purchase tickets, click here.
Oktoberfest is only around for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance to grab a 6-pack of this exceptional beer! To locate Oktoberfest, use the Sierra Nevada Brew Finder.
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.