CHEERS to OKTOBERWEST
Posted by Kim Filler
“Yodel ay he ho” is the call of the day here in Steamboat Springs this weekend. Returning for its’ 6th year, Oktoberwest is the Yampa Valley’s take on this aged German tradition. Colorado beers may be newbies on the world stage of beer production, but the 29 breweries attending this weekends’ festival have plenty to shout about.
Locally owned and operated, Butcherknife Brewing Co., will be making its 5th appearance with four beer varieties. Each brewery is bringing at least two beers, with all but three companies hailing from Colorado. Alaska, Oregon and Utah are home to out of state entrants.
On the fence about making up to Steamboat Springs for this quintessentially fall weekend? Stephany Traylor, from the Young Professionals Network, the partner organization helping out with the event, has this to say, “It’s a great way to highlight all of the seasonal beers and local breweries. It’s a fantastic event to rally behind,”
Having sampled a few already, here is Condos in Steamboat’s take on some of this year’s Rocky Mountain based entrants.
Home grown favorite Butcherknife Brewing Co. brings to the table the dauntingly named “Amputator”, a big American IPA with a strong malt backbone. Pours with a creamy head that sticks around until the last drop.
Established in 1994 Denver based Great Divide Brewing Company is offering a prevailing favorite– award winning Denver Pale Ale. Classic pale ale with a malty middle and an equally hearty complement of hop aroma, flavor and bitterness.
Off the beaten path Buena Vista’s Eddyline Brewing is coming to Steamboat with its’ seasonally appropriate Pumpkin Patch. This spiced ale comes in the perfect backpacking can offering flavors of real pumpkin, spices and honey.
Famed on the Front Range with its Dales Pale Ale, Oskar Blues Brewery out of Lyons, CO is offering Mama’s Little Yella Pils. A Bohemian-style brew that breaks the mold on pilsner, this Silver Medal Winner at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival is one to try.
Coming into town from our closest neighbor on this list, Breckenridge Brewing Company is bringing their Lucky U IPA, a spun gold, hoppy number with a hint of caramel. In our opinion, it’s lucky us!
CHEERS and here’s to a fun bike riding, beer tasting Steamboat weekend.