It’s fresh hop, pumpkin, and harvest beer season, and if you are fans of classic styles then it’s also time for Oktoberfest. One of the best versions of this maltier, sturdy, and crisp lager style is Firestone Walker Brewing’s Oaktoberfest oak-aged lager. Grab your stein and dust off your lederhosen as Oaktoberfest is now back on draft and in 12oz bottles and 6-packs.

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As always, this latest release is an oak-inspired homage to the iconic “festbiers” that are synonymous with Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest celebration.

“Oaktoberfest is our riff on the festbier style—we call it a ‘Paso Festbier’ as a nod to our hometown,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “While the recipe is traditional, we lager the beer in French oak barrels to give it an extra smooth mouthfeel with a hint of oak character.”

The 2022 Oaktoberfest Oak Aged Lager begins rolling out to all Firestone Walker markets this week in 6-pack (12-oz bottles) and draft formats.

German Ingredients, California Barrels

Oaktoberfest has been a seasonal staple at Firestone Walker for more than 15 years—but has undergone a recent makeover that takes it to another level.

Starting with last year’s release, a portion of the beer is now lagered in French oak barrels inherited from one of Napa Valley’s top cult wineries. The barrels are stored at a temperature of 3°C for optimal lagering conditions. Meanwhile, the ingredients are decidedly German: Weyermann Vienna malt, Weyermann pilsner malt, noble German hops and classic 34/70 Weihenstephan lager yeast.

“It’s German raw materials meets California wine barrels,” Brynildson said. “We’ve really honed the recipe and process, and it just seems to get better every year.”

Oaktoberfest’s light amber color foreshadows its toasty, biscuity flavor. The oak-barrel lagering allows for an even smoother texture, all while remaining true to the beer’s crisp malt profile and hints of noble hops.

“This beer is a perfect sipper for late summer and fall,” Brynildson said. “It’s rich in flavor but also light-bodied and easy to drink, which makes it enjoyable on warm and cool days alike.”