Octoberfest: Time to Hoist the Stein

Fall means two things around here: lots of leaves to pick up and great beer.  Obviously, I get more excited about the latter.

One of my all time favorite beers is Samuel Adams Octoberfest.  This has been a love affair lasting well over a decade.  In fact, I still have pivotal memories of “my first Octoberfest of the season” going back for many years.  After a hot summer, there is nothing better to segue into fall with than a malty marzen like Octoberfest.  In fact, it makes the task of picking up the aforementioned leaves that much more enjoyable.

One of the ways Samuel Adams ushers in Octoberfest is with their stein hoisting competition.  Now through October, pubs and bars around the country are hosting the event to see how long you can hold a full liter stein.  Men hold records upwards of 15 minutes and women between the 6 and 7 minute mark.  

It’s no easy task, which is why as soon as mine is full, I start to drink it.  

If you feel you can hold a beer that long without not only dropping it, but also not drinking it too, check out the event page for a competition near you.

While all of these steins are hoisted, I’m going to go back to what I do best: grill.  The roasted malt and light hop notes of Octoberfest make it a great beer to cook with.  While not perfect, I’m working on a grilled Octoberfest beef stew at this very moment.  It definitely has potential.

Cheers…and good luck!

Note: My great friends at Samuel Adams provided me with a new stein and a few cans of Samuel Adams beer to supplement the case I already had on hand.  When I said I love it, I wasn't kidding.