Oktoberfest is an annual German celebration held every fall in Munich. The festival originated in 1810 as a celebration of the royal marriage of King Ludwig the First. The inaugural event was so enjoyable that it was repeated in 1811 and subsequently became an annual tradition. The festival takes place every year from September 17th until the first Sunday in October or October 3rd, whichever date comes later. Today, the modern festival attracts beer enthusiasts from around the world and features live concerts, carnival rides, horse races, an agricultural fair, and, of course, the famous beer tents.
To honor the consumption of approximately 7.5 million gallons of beer during the festival, here at the farm, we’re reviewing staff picks from our wine and beer section!
Sip of Sunshine, Lawson’s Finest
- Style: Imperial Double IPA
- ABV: 8%
- Untappd Rating: 4.32
The beer is so nice that they made it twice! The story behind this legendary IPA begins with the original, Double Sunshine IPA. This juicy nectar skyrocketed in popularity right from the start, to the point where it became impossible to get your hands on it. Recognizing the demand for sunshine wasn’t slowing down anytime soon, Lawson’s Finest Liquids partnered with Two Roads Brewery from Stratford, CT, and together they developed what we now know as Sip of Sunshine. Debuted in 2014 and continued its trajectory straight to the moon in terms of popularity. You can find Sip of Sunshine and more of Lawson’s Finest Liquids throughout Bartlett’s beer section, available in 16 oz 4-packs.
Read more on the Sip of Sunshine story at Goodbeerhunting.com
Rolling in Clouds IPA, Finback Brewery
- Style: New England Hazy IPA
- ABV: 7.1%
- Untappd Rating: 4.11
“This was the first beer that made me understand the craze around IPA’s and good craft brews. This beer encouraged me to branch out and try new drinks that I otherwise would not have. It’s fruity, not too hoppy, and good in also scenarios, but best enjoyed with good friends and good views.” – Jack Farrell, Customer Service Manager
Hailing from Queens, NY this hazy IPA has a bright orange pour and gives off fruity aromas like peach & mango and finishes with a touch of bitterness and grapefruit. Sold in 16 oz 4-packs, crack a few and drift off into the clouds!
Hella Crispy Corn Lager, Remnant Brewing
- Style: American Lager
- ABV: 5%
- Untappd Rating: 3.7
“A unique blend of lager and cerveza style beers, retaining the weight of a typical lager with the addition of an airy, slightly fruity taste. Great for fans of lighter beers like Corona or Pacifico” – Riley Duncan, Stocker Supervisor, Beer Extraordinaire
Remnant Brewery in the heart of Sommerville is a smaller operation but they got a good one with this corn lager. we’re crazy about corn at Bartlett’s, so we had to bring this one for a spin, we haven’t been disappointed!
Zero Gravity Conehead IPA
- Style: American IPA
- ABV: 5.7%
- Untappd Rating: 3.81
“A crushable IPA. Not too heavy with just the right amount of haze and a nice citrus aftertaste that keeps you coming back again and again” – Riley Duncan, Produce Supervisor, Beer Extraordinaire
All citra-hopped IPA brewed with american wheat and domestic pilsner malt. A golden-hazy pour with bright and juicy flavors. Zero Gravity from Burlington crushes the IPA game and Conehead never seems to disappoint.
Rainbow Sherbert, Prairie Ales
- Style: Sour Ale
- ABV: 5.2%
- Untappd Rating: 3.97
“A sour ale based on rainbow sherbert ice cream. it’s flavor, crafted in Oklahoma, comes from a brewery known for its flagship stout, but when this can hit the shelves, it dominated their sales. Proving just how well Prairie Artisan knows their market. A beer exactly as advertised. – Sara Williams, Marketing Assistant
Peak Bloom Harvest Cider, Eden Ciders
- Style: Dry Cider
- ABV: 6.2%
- Untappd Rating: 3.71
“their vermont-made cider uses only native apples whose flavors shine through in this super drinkable cider. While acidic, Peak Bloom’s honey-like sweetness gives this cider a bit more warmth & weight, making it the perfect companion for appetizers on a crisp fall day” – Annalie Gilbert Keith, Cheesemonger
Brewed in Stowe, VT, with locally sourced and sustainably grown apples, Eden claims the Harvest Cider cans are a step-up compared to the vast majority of canned ciders, after a few sips anyone would be hard-pressed to disagree. No added sweeteners or preservatives, pressed once year at the peak of harvest.
Natural Cider, Isastegi Sagardo Naturala
- Style: Traditional
- ABV: 6%
- Untappd Rating: 3.52
“this cider is the perfect introduction into spanish ciders, crafted by a family cidery that has been operating since the 17th century in the Basque region. Aged in old oak barrels, the cider is rather acidic and floral. this cider would be a great choice for a rich seafood meal in lieu of a white wine. While you pour it from an arm’s length above the glass, look up videos cider being served in spain!” – Annalie Gilbert Keith, Cheesemonger
A refreshing, dry natural cider from Basque country, the Isastegi farm has produced ciders for hundreds of years and become integral to the culture of the region. See the proper Austrian Cider pour from Chef José Andrés on Youtube, read about the tradition of the pour at thecraftycask.com.
Written by Keegan Bartlett with contributions from Riley Duncan, Jack Farrell, and Annalie Gilbert Smith