September started with patio days and ended with an Oktoberfest celebration at Helga’s (IYKYK, and IYDK, go!) that included excellent German beers and polka music. I don’t often drink German styles that are actually from historic Munich breweries, but I was reminded why those places have been around for centuries – they make great beer!
Gollum’s Precious
Odell Brewing Company
Oak-Aged Hazy IPA, 7% ABV
This beer is loaded with New Zealand hops, hence the name. It opens with notes of white grape and pineapple and rounds into a smoother profile with subtle hints of vanilla from the wood. Incredibly complex and very fun to sip. It was surprising with every sip. Be on the lookout for this one the next time it comes around.
Wolf of the Woods
Second Dawn Brewing Company
Italian Pilsner, 5.1% ABV
This beer was perfect, especially when paired with a cheese pizza. It’s hoppy enough to stand up to more interesting slices than that, though. This GABF 2024 bronze medal winner is crisp, refreshing and has a hoppy bite at the end.
Premium Dunkel
Warsteiner
Dunkel, 4.8% ABV
To me, Dunkel goes with Fall in the same way a PSL goes with the season for many Starbucks drinkers. It’s rich and flavorful, but it’s low in ABV. The caramel and roasty notes from the malt are comforting in all the right ways. It’s no wonder that Warsteiner has been churning out beers like this since 1753.
