New from Tröegs! Introducing Oktoberfest Lager, a toasty, crisp, and festive beer for the fall season.
Our recipe for this beer dates all the way back to the fourth beer ever brewed – Bavarian Lager. “It’s one of our simplest recipes and only uses two types of malt,” says our brewmaster and co-founding brother, John Trogner. “It starts with a base of pilsner malt, then we add a touch of Munich to impart a bready flavor.”
Interpreting this timeless German style includes employing a traditional brewing technique called decoction. “By boiling a portion of the mash, we create a bright, dry maltiness,” says Trogner. “The yield is a rich, complex malt character.”
A kettle addition of Hallertau Tradition hops adds subtle floral and herbal undercurrents. The final component is the use of extremely healthy yeast, which ferments very dry and crisp. “That really makes it all come together,” adds Trogner.
Ringing in at 6.1% ABV, this toasty lager boasts notes of sweet caramel, fresh-baked bread, and flowering herbs.
To capture the celebratory spirit of the annual Oktoberfest tradition, we collaborated with German illustrator and lettering artist David Leutert, who took inspiration from the Bavarian flag and traditional beer halls known as “Festzelte,” or “beer tents”. The result is a festive label design combining custom lettering with iconic illustrations.
“I approach every project by meticulously jotting down notes and thoroughly researching the subject matter,” says Leutert. “These notes help me comprehend the creative brief and visualize first ideas. I then start drawing initial, rough thumbnail sketches. The process of doing this on paper allows for the types of ‘happy accidents’ that often lead to great concepts. By drawing different elements, compositions and lettering styles I get a good idea of what works and what doesn’t.”
“The label art is highly inspired by the entrance of the big festival beer tents,” continues Leutert. “I dug up some of my old sketches from when I was researching specifically German imagery. I thought the combination of banners with the typical Bavarian checkerboard pattern, the large poles with wreaths and decorative framing make for a compelling composition.”
Oktoberfest joins our Long Live Lagers celebration alongside two of our popular year-round beers, Troegenator Double Bock and Sunshine Pilsner, so you can ride the wave of lager love into the fall!
“We’ve been brewing Oktoberfest for several years in-house, and it’s always been a favorite of ours,” says Trogner.
Now, we’re sharing it with everyone! Look for Oktoberfest Lager on draft and in 12-oz. bottles and cans anywhere our beer is sold, or use our Brew Finder to locate some near you. Eins, zwei, g’suffa!
Share:Original Source Here