The Evolution of German Brewing and Beer Culture

Germany’s beer culture is renowned worldwide. Grounded in centuries of tradition, it has significantly impacted how beer is perceived, produced, and enjoyed globally. From medieval monks mastering brewing methods to the contemporary surge of independent craft brewers, German beer culture has adapted while maintaining its authenticity. Its brewing heritage profoundly influences the global craft beer scene, motivating brewers from the U.S. to Japan to recreate styles such as Dunkel and Hefeweizen.

A standout feature of German beer culture is its strong ties to community, festivals, and tradition. The vibrant ambiance found in the finest beer gardens and the cherished Festzelt Tradition during Oktoberfest demonstrate how Germany continues to exemplify beer appreciation.

Medieval Origins: The Monks and the Reinheitsgebot

German brewing has roots that stretch back over a millennium, with monasteries playing a pivotal role in refining beer production. Monks brewed beer not only for sustenance but also as a source of income. This era witnessed the rise of early beer styles, including the darker, malt- centric Dunkel. The combination of local ingredients and controlled fermentation techniques established the unique character of German beer.

In 1516, the Bavarian Duke Wilhelm IV enacted the Reinheitsgebot, or Beer Purity Law, which restricted beer ingredients to water, barley, and hops (yeast was added later once its role in fermentation was clarified). This legislation guaranteed quality and set a benchmark for clean, carefully crafted beers that continue to represent German brewing standards.

The Rise of Beer Gardens and Community Drinking

Beer gardens are an integral part of German culture. Originating in the 19th century, they were initially created in Bavaria, where breweries stored beer in underground cellars to keep it cool. Trees were planted above these cellars for shade, and soon tables and benches transformed these areas into communal spaces.

Today, the best beer gardens offer much more than just excellent beer—they create an experience. Families and friends share time in these open-air venues, relishing traditional foods like pretzels and bratwurst alongside classic German brews. The convivial atmosphere fosters camaraderie, a fundamental aspect of German beer culture that has inspired craft breweries around the world. Many contemporary craft beer taprooms aim to capture this welcoming, communal spirit.

Oktoberfest and the Festzelt Tradition

Any examination of German beer culture would be incomplete without acknowledging Oktoberfest. This iconic festival, which commenced in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding, has evolved into a worldwide celebration. Central to Oktoberfest is the Festzelt Tradition, where enormous tents, or “Festzelte,” welcome throngs of beer enthusiasts. Each tent offers a distinct ambiance, ranging from energetic party atmospheres to traditional Bavarian settings filled with folk music and hearty meals.

German breweries craft special Oktoberfest beers—often Märzen or Festbier styles—that boast a richer, maltier profile compared to standard lagers. These unique brews have prompted numerous craft breweries worldwide to develop their own Oktoberfest offerings, preserving the festival’s spirit well beyond Munich.

The Global Influence of German Beer Styles

As the craft beer movement has grown, brewers globally have taken cues from German beer styles. Some of the most notable include:

• Dunkel – This dark, malty lager, featuring caramel and toasty notes, has inspired a fresh wave of brewers to explore malt-forward styles.
• Pilsner – Initially crafted in the Czech Republic but perfected by German brewers, this crisp, golden lager has surged to global popularity.
• Weissbier (Hefeweizen) – Recognized for its hazy look and banana-clove aroma, this wheat beer has impacted American wheat ales and hazy IPAs.
• Bock and Doppelbock – Known for their strength, smoothness, and rich malt profile, these beers set a high standard for winter warmers and high-ABV lagers.

Craft brewers in the United States, in particular, have embraced these styles, adding their unique twist. Many American breweries showcase their interpretations of German classics, all while honoring the brewing principles that make these beers exceptional.

Lederhosen and the Cultural Experience of German Beer

In Germany, beer transcends being just a beverage—it’s a celebration of heritage and identity. Traditional attire such as Lederhosen plays a vital role in beer festivals and gatherings, particularly in Bavaria. Wearing Lederhosen at Oktoberfest or a local beer celebration reflects respect for tradition and immerses individuals in the experience.

Those wishing to embrace a genuine Bavarian style find high-quality Lederhosen indispensable. Whether attending Oktoberfest in Munich or a German beer festival abroad, dressing appropriately enhances the cultural connection.

The Future of German Beer Culture in Craft Brewing

The traditions of German beer continue to shape the modern craft brewing landscape, as brewers globally respect and innovate on classic styles. From exciting beer gardens emerging in cities around the world to small-batch Dunkel lagers crafted by independent breweries, the essence of German brewing is flourishing in new and intriguing ways.

While some craft brewers are testing bold flavors and modern techniques, many still turn to the Reinheitsgebot as a foundation for quality brewing. The dedication to craftsmanship, tradition, and community remains at the core of both German beer culture and the worldwide craft beer movement.

Guest Post

(This was a guest post submitted by Arslan Saleem. He reached out to us wanting to have this published on the site. We did not receive any monetary compensation for this article, and we have kept it as written, with just minor editing for grammatical and formatting purposes.)

Oktoberfest and German Beer Related Articles

• How to Pour a Bavarian Beer the Oktoberfest Way
• Bavaria’s Major Breweries Serving Beer At Oktoberfest Grand Celebration
• Oktoberfest: Beer Expertise Unleashed
• Oktoberfest Beer Season Has Arrived
• Oktoberfest for the Rest
• Tröegs Oktoberfest Returns To Celebrate the German Beer Festival Season
• Troegs Brewing is Releasing Oktoberfest on August 5th
• Human Robot: The First Milk Tube Race in the World: USA vs. The World – Oktoberfest Invitational Beer Fest

Thinking about Oktoberfest? Massive amounts of beer first come to mind—and for good reason! This world-famous festival is all about tradition, celebration, and, of course, raising a Maß (liter-sized mug) of specially brewed drink. But Oktoberfest beer isn’t just any lager you can grab at your local store. It follows strict brewing rules, has a unique taste, and comes in two main styles: the classic Märzen and the lighter Festbier. Only six Munich breweries have the honor of producing this special brewery and calling their beer “ Oktoberfest official” served at the festival.

Revelers drinking at Oktoberfest in Munich

Do You Know? 6.7 million attendees visited and consumed 7 million liters of beer during Oktoberfest 2024. 

Each sip of German-style beer captures a distinct taste. Whether you take at the vibrant festivities or enjoy it at home, what makes Oktoberfest beer so special is its key ingredients and definitive features.

Oktoberfest Beer History – How a Maltier Brew Became an Iconic Tradition

Oktoberfest beer traces back to the early 19th century to celebrate Prince Ludwig’s and Princess Therese’s wedding. Their celebrations lasted for days and resulted in the popularity of a lot from the Bavarian culture, such as the traditional lederhosen and dirndl dress, along with plenty of beer.

The Oktoberfest, which is now called the world’s largest beer festivity, didn’t always feature the brews you associate it with today.  The wedding celebration was such a success that it was repeated the following year and eventually became an annual tradition of what we now know as Oktoberfest, and with it came a beer style that remains iconic.

Initially, the drink served was a darker, maltier brew known as Märzen. It was named after the month of March, when it was traditionally brewed and stored in cool caves over the summer. Märzen remained the official beer for Oktoberfest in Germany for around 100 years due to its amber color and toasty malt profile. But as the celebration grew into an international sensation, festival-goers wanted something even more palatable. Munich’s breweries responded with malt-forward lager with a beautiful light golden to copper color (Festbier). This modern Oktoberfest beer style with a clean finish is served at the festival today.

A woman models German attire for Oktoberfest

American vs. German Styles — What’s the Difference

Same name, Different Beer! If you have picked up an Oktoberfest beer outside of Munich, you might have noticed something different—it won’t taste the same. Many people think Oktoberfest brew is just one style, but it’s not. You may find American and German approaches to this special beer tradition. U.S. breweries took the inspiration from the original Märzen, while in Germany, you taste the modern Festbier. Both styles, however, share a malt-forward character.

• Märzen – The Original Oktoberfest Beer

American Oktoberfest Beers are often Märzen-style. It features an amber color and a slightly sweet taste with notes of toffee, biscuit, and bread. They typically have a medium body and a light toasted malt character. Märzen contains 5.8–6.3% alcohol by volume and is slightly heavier than a German Festbier.

• Festbier – More Refreshing Lager

When you think of Oktoberfest beer in Germany, you’re talking about Festbier—the golden, crisp lager that fills massive mugs in Munich’s beer tents. It tends to be paler and more similar to a Dortmunder-style brewer with a balanced flavor profile. Festbier has a clean fermentation character and provides a toasty-doughy aromatic with an impression of sweetness. This makes it easier to drink in liters at festivities. The color varies, but you will find German versions mostly in golden, like a strong Pils-dominated Helles.

When buying any of the above beer styles, read the label. Märzen is always mentioned in the bottle, but if it displays Oktoberfest, you are drinking Festbier.

What Defines the Oktoberfest Beer— A Representative of Bavarian Heritage

Not just any beer can call itself an Oktoberfest beer. It has a unique character and brewing process that sets it apart from your everyday lagers. The drink served at festivities reflects German centuries-old brewing traditions and makes it a symbol of true celebrations.

It Must Be Brewed in Munich

Only six breweries—Augustiner, Paulaner, Spaten, Hofbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, and Löwenbräu—are allowed to serve “official” Oktoberfest beer at the celebration. Other than these are strictly forbidden at the festivities. These breweries operate large and small beer tents at the Theresienwiese to serve millions of people during the festival. Also, the beer must be brewed within the city limits of Munich to ensure authenticity.

It Follows the Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Law)

The beer must meet specific criteria of Bavarian law to be officially recognized as an Oktoberfest brew. This means it only contains

• Water
• Malted barley
• Hops
• Yeast

No additives or shortcuts!

It Has a Balanced, Malty Flavor

Oktoberfest beer is known for its smooth maltiness. Whether it’s the traditional Märzen or the modern Festbier, the flavor profile is malty, smooth, and highly drinkable, with a good balance of sweetness and hop bitterness.

It Has a Higher Alcohol Content

To give it a strong kick, Oktoberfest beers generally have a higher alcohol content compared to typical lagers. The permitted ABV typically ranges from 5.8% to 6.3%, which can vary by brewery. Hofbräuzelt beer is the strongest, with 6.3% alcohol. This gives it a bit more body and warmth, making it perfect for cool autumn celebrations.

It’s a Lager, Not an Ale

Oktoberfest beer is a bottom-fermented lager. This means it ferments at cooler temperatures for a longer time. The lagering results in a refreshing, smooth taste with fewer fruity or spicy flavors compared to ales. It also adds a crisp and clean finish to Oktoberfest beers.

It’s Made for Drinking by the Liter

One of the key features of Oktoberfest beer is its high drinkability. As you don’t just sip it— you celebrate it every few minutes. The beer is brewed to be enjoyed by the liter (Maßkrug) without feeling too heavy. That’s why modern Festbier is lighter than Märzen—so festival-goers can keep drinking all day long!l

Pairs Perfectly with Traditional Bavarian Cuisine to Enhance the Taste 

Drinking Oktoberfest beer is only half the experience—the other half is savoring it with the perfect Bavarian feast. Whether you’re in a lively beer tent in Munich or hosting your Oktoberfest celebration at home, the right food pairing elevates the flavors of your brew. It makes each sip and bite more satisfying.

If you have Märzen-style, try its malty sweetness and yeasty flavor with

• Roasted Meats—A browned, crisp skin of roast chicken or sausage
• Hearty Dishes— The heat of hearty chili, stews, or schweinshaxe (roast ham hock or pork knuckle with gravy).
• Pretzels — Soft, salty, and chewy baked pretzels dip in Obatzda.
• Desserts — Waffles with syrup, pancakes with jam, or cookies and cake.
• Cheese: Gruyere and Emmental or flavor notes found in accompaniments like jam, nuts, toasted bread, or crackers.

If you have Festbier in Munich, complement its light and crips finish with

• Schnitzel — Veal, pork, or chicken when served with lemon or red berry jam.
• Richer Dishes — Creamier recipies like cheesy noodles (käsespätzle), currywurst, or German potato salad.
• Weisswurst — White sausage presented with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
• Traditional Pairings — Roast chicken or pork, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes.

These pairings complement perfectly with the beers’ flavors and add to the overall enjoyment. The caramelized malt in Märzen doubles the taste of savory, slow-roasted meats. Similarly, the sharper and hoppier notes of Oktoberfestbier cut through the richness of creamy and saucy meals.

Wrapping Up

The rich and unique flavor, traditional roots, and the main brewery crafting procedure make Oktoberfest beer special. It is served in two main forms at different geographical locations. If you are in Munich and purchase a beer, it is most likely a light and smooth-textured Festbier. While outside Germany, breweries love to sell the traditional Märzen. The specific rules regulated to serve beer at Oktoberfest make it a unique experience for millions of visitors and set it apart from regular alcoholic drinks.

German Dancers at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest and German Beer Related Articles

• How to Pour a Bavarian Beer the Oktoberfest Way
• Bavaria’s Major Breweries Serving Beer At Oktoberfest Grand Celebration
• Oktoberfest: Beer Expertise Unleashed
• Oktoberfest Beer Season Has Arrived
• Oktoberfest for the Rest
• Tröegs Oktoberfest Returns To Celebrate the German Beer Festival Season
• Troegs Brewing is Releasing Oktoberfest on August 5th
• Human Robot: The First Milk Tube Race in the World: USA vs. The World – Oktoberfest Invitational Beer Fest
• The Evolution of German Beer Culture and Its Influence on Craft Brewing

Note

(Editor note: This was an unpaid guest post by Sophia Tyler.)

Thank You For Reading

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Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

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• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

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The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2025.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

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If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

The beer market remains one of the most dynamic and culturally rich industries in the global beverage sector. As one of humanity’s oldest and most cherished beverages, beer has evolved over centuries, adapting to shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and economic conditions. In this article, we explore the current state of the beer market, its growth drivers, and emerging trends shaping its future.

Two pints and barley

Market Overview

The global beer market size was valued at USD 821.39 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 851.15 billion in 2024 to USD 1,167.47 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.03% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the beer market with a market share of 33.77% in 2023. Moreover, the beer market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 149.12 billion by 2032, driven by increasing demand for hard drinks among millennials and working population.

Key Drivers of Growth

1. Rising Demand for Craft Beer Craft beer has become a global phenomenon, with consumers seeking unique flavors, local ingredients, and artisanal brewing methods. The segment now accounts for nearly 25% of the total beer market in developed regions like North America and Europe.
2. Health-Conscious Trends As health awareness grows, so does the demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer options. These alternatives cater to consumers who want to enjoy the social aspect of beer without the high calorie or alcohol content.
3. Emerging Markets Developing countries in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America are witnessing significant growth in beer consumption due to increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and a youthful demographic.
4. Sustainability Initiatives Breweries are focusing on sustainable production methods, including water conservation, renewable energy, and recyclable packaging, to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Notable Trends in the Beer Industry

1. Premiumization Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for premium and super-premium beer brands that offer superior quality, taste, and packaging. This trend has led to a surge in limited-edition brews and collaborations with renowned chefs and mixologists.
2. Tech-Driven Innovation From AI-powered brewing systems to blockchain-enabled supply chains, technology is revolutionizing how beer is produced, distributed, and marketed.
3. Flavored and Infused Beers Beer infused with fruits, spices, and other unique flavors is capturing the attention of adventurous drinkers. This trend is particularly popular among younger consumers.
4. Rise of E-commerce Online beer sales have grown exponentially, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Breweries and distributors are leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience and offer direct-to-consumer options.

Challenges in the Beer Market

Despite its growth, the beer market faces several challenges:

• Regulatory Hurdles: Stricter alcohol regulations in various countries can limit market expansion.
• Competition from Other Beverages: The growing popularity of hard seltzers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages is creating a competitive landscape.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Fluctuations in raw material availability and rising costs can impact production and pricing.

Future Outlook

The future of the beer market looks promising, with continued innovation and adaptation to consumer preferences. Sustainability will remain a core focus, along with personalization and the use of technology to enhance the consumer experience. Emerging markets will likely play a pivotal role in driving the industry's growth over the next decade.

Contributor Article

This was a contributor article written by David Parekar and submitted to The Beer Thrillers. All information is gathered, written, and edited by David Parekar. (This was not a paid contribution or article.)

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Oktoberfest (photo courtesy of Amber Julie)

By: Amber Julie

Wanna experience the magic of Oktoberfest in your own backyard? But wondering how? Here is a treat for beer lovers. Pouring a Bavarian beer just like the way Germans do or you see at Oktoberfest tents brings the true essence of their culture to your table. This art involves the exact foaming length or three-finger rule used at Oktoberfest beer tents. You must follow the traditional methods to ensure the perfect experience. Otherwise, it won’t be more like an ordinary drink.

Why the Perfect Pour Matters?

The way beer is poured can influence its taste, aroma and even a beer’s appearance. Germans won’t wait for a late tram, even for 2 minutes, but they will wait for 7 minutes while beer is being poured (viewers comment). This signifies the beer culture in Bavaria. You notice the Bavarian beer always has that thick, creamy foam on top. That’s not the accident. The perfect pour makes the beer look amazing, flavorful and fresh for longer. Plus, drinking beer like this makes you feel like you are at a German festival.

For customers wanting a logical answer, the right pouring methods help activate the beer’s carbonation. When you pour a beer, especially from the bottle or can, you are releasing the carbon dioxide which forms bubbles and creates foam. The proper foam head is not just for show. It offers wonderful aromas that allow you to smell the beer’s unique characteristics before you take a sip.

First, Understand the German Beer Types

In Bavaria, the main varieties are lager, pilsner, and wheat beer (that’s weissbier if you want to sound fancy). Each of these brews has its own unique taste and is different in its pouring style.

• Lager – This is your classic beer that is less carbonated. You can pour it quickly without worry.
• Pilsner – A bit more carbonated than lager, but still pretty straightforward to handle.
• Wheat Beer – This one is more explosive and it comes with yeast sitting at the bottom. You will need to take extra care with this one to keep that flavour intact.

Don’t Overlook the Foam!

In Germany, especially at Oktoberfest, beer is not just about the liquid; it is about how you present it. If there is a slight difference in pouring time or style, like you pour a 7-minute Pilsner in 3 minutes, the locals won’t accept it. The foaming length also matters. At Oktoberfest, about 1.5 inches of solid foam is preferable. Little than or no foam is literally not a Bavarian style. This enhances the visual appeal and retains aromas, making the experience more enjoyable.

Fun Little Trick of Oktoberfest Beer Tents — Three Finger Rule

It is a traditional guideline for pouring a beer during the world’s largest volkfest. The three-finger rule suggests that the ideal foam head should occupy the top up to three fingers width. Then, followed by three fingers of beer. Lastly, three fingers should be discarded if drinking from a large 1-litre stein. This measurement ensures that the beer remains cold and enjoyable until you take the last sip.

Don’t Spoil Your Bavarian Beer Taste with Silly Thing

• Many people are tempted to do this, but you should never pour leftover beer from an old glass into a fresh one or vice versa. It would ruin the flavour. Always finish your glass before grabbing another.
• There is one more rule for Bavarian beer. Pairing it with fruit or lemon is not a common practice for traditional styles in Germany, but you can ask it with only Kristallweizen. It is lighter and can enjoyed with some sort of fruit.

Master the Pouring Techniques for Each Beer Type

As said, first impressions matter. There is no exception for beer, too. A well-poured beer in an Oktoberfest way looks inviting, with rich foam and a clear body. It helps keep the beer carbonated for a long time. If you pour too aggressively, you can cause a massive explosion and end up with an awkward mess. Conversely, pouring too slowly results in little or no foam.

Wheat Beer

1. Grab your glass and tilt it more than 45 angles. In simple words, almost horizontally.
2. Stick the bottleneck deep into the glass.
3. Start pouring slowly to fill the two-thirds of the glass without creating a mountain of foam.
4. Gradually straighten the glass and pour the remaining beer directly into the centre, but a bit quickly. This will create a nice, thick head of foam.
5. Leave a little beer in the bottle. Swirl it gently to mix in the yeast, then pour it into the glass for added flavour.

Pilsner

1. Start with the same glass tilted, but it should be at the exact 45 degrees this time.
2. Pour the beer a little faster than the Weissbier until you’ve filled half of the glass.
3. Chill for a minute to let the foam settle.
4. Repeat this procedure until the bottle gets empty–pour a little and wait for a minute.
5. Germans say good pilsner takes seven minutes to pour (the patience of a saint).

Lager

1. Hold the glass at 45 degrees with the tip of the bottle inside.
2. Let it flow quickly, and once you reach about 2/3rd full, straighten the glass.
3. Wait for a few seconds for the foam to settle before serving.
4. This is quite easy to pour Lager than the other two.

Get ready to Cheers!

So you have poured a perfect beer, and now what? It's time to toast! At Oktoberfest, people donning traditional attire like Lederhosen and Dirndl say, “Prost!” So, while grabbing the beer stain with the exact Bavarian-style beer, don’t forget to cheer out loud in the same way with your friends. This will add fun, no matter whether you are partying at home or capturing the essence at a place other than Oktoberfest.

Other Articles by Amber Julie

• Oktoberfest: Beer Expertise Unleashed
• Bavaria’s Major Breweries Serving Beer At Oktoberfest Grand Celebration
• How to Pour a Bavarian Beer the Oktoberfest Way

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Image URL: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brass-colored-pipe-3324442/

The craft brewing industry continues to grow, with brewpubs, microbreweries, and independent taprooms thriving and attracting dedicated customers. For craft breweries, incorporating sustainability can be a valuable strategy to ensure a successful and enduring future.

A company’s sustainability is becoming a major purchasing decision, especially among younger adults. Harvard Business Review recently found that Millennials were 27% more likely than older generations to buy a product when they believed a company cared about its impact on the earth and its people.

How can your brewery implement measures to become more sustainable? Follow the tips below.

1. Conserve and Recycle Water

Everything from filling up kegs or barrels to cleaning used equipment requires water. Besides being unsustainable, wasting lots of water means facing expensive monthly water bills. Fortunately, utilizing water conservation and recycling methods can resolve excess water usage.

Some craft breweries reduce how much water they use by installing or updating their wastewater treatment systems. This somewhat simple but effective change reuses wastewater created during brewing-related processes.

Breweries using wastewater more efficiently have less dependency on fresh water. Buying water-efficient cleaning and irrigation equipment can also significantly reduce water usage for breweries.

2. Lower Energy Usage

Image URL: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-plastic-pail-1267361/

An effective way to lower energy consumption is by having your brewery use renewable energy. Utilizing wind energy is an effective way to become a more sustainable business. However, this type of energy isn’t typically available unless you’re near a wind power station.

Many craft breweries emphasizing sustainability increase their reliance on solar energy. After a solar panel installation, the sun’s rays shine down on these panels. Then, the business using these panels can rely on some or all of its energy needs by using solar power.

Your brewery can also begin making easier-to-implement changes on a smaller scale through an energy audit. Energy audits measure how a business uses energy, identifying where to make changes to reduce its overall electricity usage.

3. Implement Sustainable Shipping Methods

So far, you’ve learned about implementable sustainability methods to use during the brewing process. But what can your business do to be sustainable after products leave your warehouses? Focus on sustainable shipping.

There are nearly endless ways to become more sustainable through shipping changes. Your brand can send each order in a beer can shipper made from recyclable materials. Another option is to use sustainable materials as a medium for keeping a package’s contents safe.

4. Change What Happens to Brewing Waste

There’s no way to brew beer and other beverages without creating brewing-related waste. This situation leaves breweries dealing with a near-constant stream of seemingly useless grains from the brewing process. Fortunately, spent grains have many uses.

These grains remain edible while retaining most of their nutrients. Because of that, some craft breweries donate used grains to local farmers to use as compost or animal feed.

Brew a Greener Future

Staying successful in the brewing industry takes time and effort, but it can pay off in several ways. Sustainable companies often build and maintain strong relationships within nearby communities. Sustainable business practices may also lower your company’s operating expenses or help it qualify for tax-related incentives.

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

If you’re reading this article because you have only one day in Phoenix to experience all this city has to offer, then you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re exploring the town for vacation or trying to decide on renting an apartment in Phoenix or even buying a home in Phoenix, ApartmentGuide can help you plan the ideal day. Below, you’ll find a wealth of restaurants, activities, and parks handpicked by Phoenix locals. Your task is to look through the list, selecting one item from each step to create your ideal itinerary. Feel free to choose more than one option if you wish! Think of this as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” for exploring a new city. The goal is for you to get a crash course in what it’s like to live in Phoenix.

Phoenix at Night

Step one:

Try a new experience

During your stay in Phoenix, try out some of the new activities the city has to offer. Below is a selection of experiences, from coffee classes to skydiving to cowboy towns. Choose one or a few to explore during your stay.

• Take a class at Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters: “Not to plug ourselves, but our International Barista and Coffee Academy is a great valley find. We offer classes on coffee roasting, tea, and more.” – Leo of Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters.
• Attend the VNSA Book Sale: “If you’re a book lover or know one, you must plan to attend the annual VNSA Book Sale at the State Fairgrounds held every February. Each year, VNSA will sell five semi-trucks full of books and media that they collected from donations all year long. With no paid staff, all proceeds benefit human service charities in Maricopa County. When you’re finished with those books, donate them to VNSA anytime using dropboxes located all over the Valley.” – VNSA Volunteer Staff.
• Phoenix Skydive Center: “Visit the upscale Skydive Center in AZ. Our staff is experienced and certified by the United States Parachute Association. We offer a first-time skydiving experience to all adults: No experience or training required. We offer student and military discounts and holiday specials all year. Video and Photos available to share with friends and family.” – Phoenix Skydive Center.
• Commemorative Air Base AZ: “You can see, touch, and hear the aircraft that made America safe. You can feel the history and the energy of our Airforce heroes from the past. It’s very affordable and free to vets and Gold Star Families. If you want to step it up you can even book a flight on one of these historic warbirds.” – Phoenix Skydive Center.
• Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride: “Take a hot air balloon ride over Phoenix and Scottsdale with Rainbow Ryders. The best view of the Sonoran Desert and the Phoenix Skyline. The sunrise flight is like no other flight you’ve ever had. The cool Phoenix mornings with the sunrise over the desert is the best way to start a day.” – Phoenix Skydive Center.
• Cave Creek: “This area is second to none being one of AZ’s most authentic cowboy towns to this day! Be sure to visit Harold’s Corral to experience their live music, fundraisers, sporting events, and more! If you’re feeling spunky, pop over to the Buffalo Chip for their bull riding nights. Enjoy endless views of the surrounding mountains and hike the various trails like those at Spur Cross.” – Haleigh Shelly of Paseo Homes AZ.
• Visit one of Phoenix’s farmers markets: “You can find unique gifts, delicious food, and many handmade products. Go out and soak up the beautiful Arizona sunshine on Saturday markets and don’t forget to visit us while you are there!” – Absolutely Delightful Honey.
• Plant Stand of Arizona: “This is a great place to check out. It’s not often you see so much greenery in Arizona. They have a plethora of plants: small and large, everything in between. If you're new to Arizona and you’re looking for a place to get some plants to warm up and liven your space, Plant Stand of Arizona is the place to go.” – Leo of Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters.

Step Two:

Enjoy the local food

If you’re kicking around the idea of renting a home in Phoenix, you have to get acquainted with the local food. Though Tucson may get all the attention for being a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Phoenix is not to be overlooked for all the great food selections.

• Word Of Mouth Grill: “Located in the heart of South Tempe, this black-owned BBQ spot offers a casual modern dining experience, serving amazing food with a sociable and inviting atmosphere. It’s a family-owned and operated spot with the owner being the pitmaster and his wife overseeing the guest experience. YELP just added Word Of Mouth Grill to their “TOP 100 BBQ SPOTS” and ranked them #72 in the nation!” – Demetrious & Jacque of Word Of Mouth Grill.
• Chico Malo: “Located in downtown Phoenix, this elevated Mexican cuisine & cocktail bar is inspired by the rich heritage of celebratory dining throughout the different regions of Mexico, showcasing unique cooking techniques and local ingredients in a lively, upscale environment. This chef-driven concept is a great place to experience especially when attending the Footprint Center, Chase Field or the Phoenix Convention Center!” – Demetrious &  Jacque of Word Of Mouth Grill
• ZuZu Restaurant: “One recommendation I would make for someone that wants a delicious meal with a great ‘60s vibe, is ZuZu Restaurant inside of the Hotel Valley Ho.  ZuZu provides upscale comfort food & cocktails with a very Instagrammable 60’s atmosphere. If you are not interested in eating, Hotel Valley Ho allows you to purchase a day pass to their pool if you are not a guest of the hotel so you can spend your day lounging by their pool.” – Andrew Brigida of Digital Perception Photography.
• Giuseppe’s on 28th: “If you are looking for classic Italian cuisine, Giuseppe’s is the perfect place. One of the must-try dishes is the Suppli di Riso (also known as arancini). These are delicious risotto rice balls that you are sure to talk about afterwards. And you cannot forget about the gnocchi in a cream and tomato sauce.” – Therese Lau of Gator Girl – Out of the Swamp.
• The Kettle Black: “Look for the restaurant with the big red door! It’s like being in an English pub. If you like bourbon and whiskey they have plenty of choices. Looking for something delicious? Try the Philly cheesesteak fries. The fries are covered in shaved ribeye steak, sauteed peppers and onions, and a creamy cheese sauce. The ribeye is so tender and juicy you might think you’re in Philly!” – Therese Lau of Gator Girl – Out of the Swamp.
• Ajo Al’s Mexican Cafe: “If you are in the mood for Mexican food, a classic restaurant is Ajo Al’s Mexican Café. In the valley since 1986, Ajo Al’s can handle large parties and can provide family-style dishes on request for large
  celebrations, or if you just like to eat a lot of good Mexican food. Don’t want to leave the house for your birthday?  They can also provide catering services directly to your door.” – Andrew Brigida of Digital Perception Photography.

Step Three:

Get fueled up

Phoenix is also home to several eclectic coffee shops featuring innovative decorations and displays. Kaylie of the travel blog Run Away With Kay is the perfect person to scour the city for the best coffee shops and come back with her recommendations. Here are three of her favorites:

• Sip Coffee: “Located in the Arcadia neighborhood, Sip Coffee & Beer Garage is the perfect spot to spend a summer day. The baristas know their stuff, and the vibe is super calm and chill. I highly recommend ordering their cold brew on tap with a splash of almond milk (it’s addicting!). I’ve spent an entire day sitting quietly working on my laptop, as it is a great place for creatives to connect and
  get work done. But beware, when the clock strikes 4 p.m., this coffee shop can get a bit rowdy as their downstairs turns into a tiki-style cocktail bar. A coffee shop that serves coffee and alcohol – I know, sounds too good to be true! Whether you are looking to order a basic latte, craft beer, or liquor-infused espresso martini, Sip will have the drink for you.”
• Luci’s At the Orchard: “If you are looking for a unique coffee experience, look no further than Luci’s At the Orchard. This place could not be any cuter! From the moment you walk on their grounds, you’ll be surrounded by outdoor seating, a splash pad, and an ice cream parlor. Inside, there are so many fun trinkets, games, and random Arizona-based gifts you can purchase. Not only do they have great tasting coffee options, but they also serve smoothies, brunch food, and bloody Marys that will keep you coming back time and time again.”
• The Henry: “As if I don’t talk about The Henry enough, it has to make my top list for coffee. Many locals know The Henry for their delicious food but inside is their own coffee bar that will satisfy any caffeine craving you may have. This is one of my favorite places to “work from home” as it keeps me fueled all day long. Their menu is extensive, offering espresso, smoothies, and chai. Everyone seems to
  be addicted to the Wildflower, but I have yet to try it. I truly think you can’t go wrong with any of their options. Be sure to order the Caramel Apple French Toast if you start to get hungry!”

Step Four:

Explore a park or two

Part of Phoenix’s allure is the multitude of outdoor recreational activities. With so many beautiful parks to explore, the hiking culture here is incredible. If you enjoy the outdoors, choose one of the activities below to explore.

• Papago Park: “This is an excellent spot for many things. It is a photographer’s dream with the beautiful sunrises or sunsets depending on when you are going. There are also picnic tables if you want to have a small gathering with family and friends. There is not a bad spot in Papago Park for a photo opportunity. – Andrew Brigida of Digital Perception Photography.
• Phoenix Zoo: “Located in Phoenix just East of the Sky Harbor Airport, this non-profit zoo cares for over 3,000 animals with nearly 400 species represented, including many endangered species. The zoo offers daily activities and private events. They offer zoo tours such as the ‘Backstage Adventure’ where you can get a glimpse of the animal habitats, the ‘Tropics Trail’ a lush rainforest landscape with animals or the ‘Native Plants and Animal’ tour, to name a few. The Phoenix Zoo is great for all ages and interests!” – Demetrious & Jacque of Word Of Mouth Grill
• Tonto National Forest: “So many options to stay busy in the Tonto National Forest! Spending the day out on Bartlett Lake with a boat or ski rental is a great way to stay cool during AZ’s hottest months. You can even enjoy various options of guided tours to experience the desert firsthand! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a trip to Apache Junction for the Goldfield Ghost Town experience!” – Haleigh Shelly of Paseo Homes AZ.
• The Superstition Mountains: “The Superstition Mountains are the best mountains to explore around the Phoenix area! They hold some of the best views, diverse landscapes, and even historical tales of lost gold. The most notable hikes for beginner to moderate levels are Hieroglyphic Trail, Wave Cave, and Hackberry Springs Loop.” – Kara Grimes of Karabou Adventures, LLC.
• Lake Pleasant: “There are so many things to do at Lake Pleasant, especially during the summer. The opportunities are endless: kayaking, scenic cruises with Lake Pleasant Cruises, boat rentals, and sliding down the H2-WHOA floating slide. Oftentimes my friends and I will park along the shoreline in Scorpion Bay to hangout, float in the water, and grill food!” – Kara Grimes of Karabou Adventures, LLC.
• Desert Botanical Garden: “For plant and bird lovers I highly suggest the Desert Botanical Garden! Their collection of desert plants is impressive. A lot of them bloom in the spring time and bring in all types of birds and butterflies. The gardens even hold special seasonal events, so take a peek at their calendar!”; – Kara Grimes of Karabou Adventures, LLC.
• Explore the Valley area: “Phoenix has some of the finest dining options in the valley like the infamous Wright Bar at Arizona Biltmore (named after Frank Lloyd Wright)! You can also experience many great works of art and architecture like viewing Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home. And there is nothing like witnessing firsthand a beautiful Arizona sunset atop one of the most
  desirable hikes at Camelback Mountain for those who can handle the challenge!” – Haleigh Shelly of Paseo Homes AZ.

Step Five:

Have a Drink and Reflect

Now that you’ve explored Phoenix in a whirlwind of a day, it’s time to get a drink at one of the local breweries and reflect on the day you’ve had today. What did you like? What did you not like? Could you see yourself renting a house in Phoenix or buying a home?

• The Phoenix Beer Co.: “The Phoenix Beer Co. is another great place to explore. The brewery has great beer and a variety of things to do. There’s shuffleboard, giant Jenga, cornhole, and more! – Leo of Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters.
• Huss Brewing: “Looking for a great place for craft beers? Huss Brewing is the perfect spot conveniently located next to the Phoenix Convention Center. They have great shareable appetizers to enjoy while sampling the local brews.” – Therese Lau of Gator Girl – Out of the Swamp.
• Tombstone Brewing Company (North): “Located in a small strip mall in the north of Phoenix, this brewery was a lot of fun. I sat at the bar where a super- friendly bartender was happy to talk with me about the beer selection.” – The Beer Thrillers.
• Wren Brewing House: “There are a lot of little nooks where you can find an intimate spot and a large space near the bar if you want to be part of the taproom vibe. A small courtyard is near the side of the bar for sitting outside.” – The Beer Thrillers.
• OHSO Brewery and Distillery: “Fun, warm and welcoming vibes. Most of the bar is located outside and has a wonderful lay of the area.” – The Beer Thrillers.

See Our Full Article

• Visiting Four Breweries in Phoenix: Getting to Visit Tombstone Brewing Company, Wren House Brewing, PHX Beer Co, and OHSO Brewery and Distillery

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Cheers to Circle Brewing Company – thank you for all the good times and great beer!

After a remarkable 15-year run, one of North Austin’s oldest breweries shut down its original facility on Braker Lane AND its new 23-acre property in Elgin. Circle Brewing Company has been an integral part of the Austin Brewery Community since its inception and has fully embraced Austin’s colorful vibe, supporting a long list of local charities, sporting events, and even politics. Like many businesses, Circle endured and survived numerous financial ups and downs but always found creative ways to make it through and not only survive but thrive. The team at Circle always created fun new ways to bring in crowds – from locally inspired beers to lively community events. Circle was even expanding with a new 23-acre facility in Elgin, and after a successful grand opening, it was a shock to us all that Circle would indeed be closing all its doors for good.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

The Early Days

The Circle Brewing Company founders, Ben Sabel and Judson Mulherin are childhood friends and Purdue alumni who had a lifelong love of beer and experimental home brewing. They moved to Austin in 2008 to try to join the small but growing Austin brewing community. Early on, financial issues were a challenge — In their closing letter to the community, Ben and Judson reminisce about their rough financial beginnings, but we love the fact that they did not let this stop them:

“We embarked upon this journey back in 2008, when we started raising money two weeks into the financial crisis. As became a recurring motif for us, this was the first major example of our flawless business timing. With far too much optimism and not nearly enough money, we opened our doors with two draft beers (Blur Texas Hefe and Envy Amber) and barely a dozen draft accounts.”

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

The beers were amazing. 

Like all small businesses, Ben and Judson had to lean on their community members for a bit of advice and sometimes ingredients – but they brewed and bottled a fantastic collection of beers with bold flavors that continued to expand and win the hearts of Austinites. During the first four years of business, selling beer directly to the public in Austin was illegal. Ben and Judson could focus solely on brewing, working on a 100% distribution model out of their unairconditioned warehouse on Braker Lane. 

As time passed, laws changed, and the Circle Brewing Company evolved a thousandfold. Circle stepped away from bottles, began canning their beer, and opened their first taproom. Although Ben and Judson were not terribly excited about opening and staffing a bar, the tiny industrial taproom soon became an Austin favorite. Customers would pack into the tiny industrial space lit by string lights and furnished with shiny red patent stools and a massive blackboard listing the beer offerings to enjoy Circle’s delightful drafts and pick up a few six-packs of brightly colored cans for the road

A Celebration of the Beers

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

Although they started with just two beers – the Blue Texas Hefe and Envy Amber (both Delicious) – the team at Circle Brewery created a strong family of delicious beers through the years. Let’s take a moment to reflect upon some of their greatest hits, including:

OG Beers

• Blur – REFRESHING, CITRUS, WHEAT – THE OG Texas Hefe – A Crisp German Wheat with a citrus aroma and a Texas twist of Caramel.
• Envy Amber – BOLD, SMOOTH, MOLASSES – The OG – A perfectly well-rounded, full-bodied Amber derived its complex flavor from the dried fruit notes in earthy British Malts.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

Second Wave Celebrating Austin:

• Austin Anthem Ale – LIGHT. CITRUSY, CRUSHABLE – Created for the Austin Anthem – this crisp light beer is light, easy, and refreshing for everyone to enjoy during the heat of an Austin FC Game!
• Alibi Blonde – CRISP, MALTY, CLEAN – The smooth and delicious pairing of an American Blonde with a German Malbock.
• Ladybird – TROPICAL, DANK, FLORAL – Inspired by the endless fields of Bluebonnets throughout the Texas Hill Country, this American IPA features dank, tropical hop notes with a floral finish on a background of malty perfection.
• Elgin Premium – CLASSIC SMOOTH, CRISP – Cheers to the new guy – may he RIP

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

SPECTACULAR SUMMERTIME BREWS

• Fanny Pack – RAD, REFRESHING, MELON – A crisp, refreshing Kolsch bursting with Huell Melon Hops packaged in one of Circle Brewing Company’s most iconic cans.
• Epic Playlist – CRISP, HOPPY, ON REPEAT – This crisp, light pale ale is packaged in a perfectly 90’s can and accompanied by its own Spotify playlist with every release.
• Pacific Jade – BRIGHT JUICY, PINEAPPLE – A classic Belgian beer with jade hops, pineapple

FUN FOR FALL

• Doppel Blur – SWEET BANANA CREAM – Kicking up the Blur Texas Hefe with Citrus, Banana, and cloves notes – this beer is a luscious treat!
• Das Bier – CREAMY, TOASTY, ELEGANT – A true celebration of the traditional rich and toasty Octoberfest Lager.
• Tuxedo T-Shirt – HOPPY, ROASTED, CLASSY – A crisp, uber-hoppy IPA that feels a little fancy and stands out in a crowd.
• Party Pig – CHOCOLATEY, VELVET, UNRULY – deep chocolate notes pair perfectly with malty delights in this velvety, decadent Imperial Porter.
• Perfekt Pils – TRADITIONAL, VIBRANT, UNDENIABLE – This light-colored pilsner infuses delicate noble hop citrus flavors and elevates any event.

PLAYFUL PERSONALITIES

• Beto Beer – BOLD, REFRESHING, PROGRESSIVE  – Inspired by the nominee’s platform of inclusivity and positivity, Circle Brewing created this American Pale Ale to galvanize Texas to participate in the voting process.
• Pink Velvet – Hazy IPA in Collaboration with the Pink Boots Society. Circle had never experimented with the style, so it was a true original.

AWARD-WINNING ARCHIVES

• Archetype – HISTORICAL, ENGLISH, SMOOTH – This beer embodies and celebrates everything that went into the early IPA style with historical accuracy – the brewers at Circle recreated the journey of this beer along the trade routes from Britain to Indian Shores – starting with British East Kent Golding hops, mirroring hop rates, and aging four months in white oak barrels – then adding a final inoculation of Brettanomyces. The final result was on point, winning Circle Brewing numerous awards!
• Devils Night – DIABOLICAL, ROASTED, WHISKEY – Aged in Tennessee Whiskey Barrels, Rick Molasses, and smooth vanilla notes meld with dark roasted malts to create an award-winning beer that tastes out of this world.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

BREWERY EVENTS

Although the beers were epic, it was not just the brews that drew people to Circle Brewing Company. This small but mighty tap room was in an industrial park walking distance from the Metrorail and Austin FC Stadium. Circle Brewing filled their parking lots with picnic tables, string lights, sun sails, and their calendars with fun community events. Events started with your typical collection of Austin brewery activities – 0.5K beer runs, yoga classes, and plant swaps – but soon, things got even bigger and better. Local food trucks were always onsite, and small local festivals and philanthropic events bloomed. 

Image Courtesy of Divine Canines

BARKS FOR BEERS

Circle became an early partner with Divine Canines and joined dozens of local brewers to raise money for therapy dogs as a highly anticipated stop during the annual Barks for Beer event in May. Barks for Beers is one of the best ways to discover new breweries in Austin! They celebrate the event every May with a new” Pawsport” that you buy and then get stamped (and a free beer!) at local breweries. The pawsport features breweries across the greater Austin area – making fun local happy hours and further away weekend destination Brewery trips out the Austin Hill Country.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

AUSTIN FC 

When Austin FC took the city by storm, Circle began hosting massive watch parties for the Austin FC games that rivaled the electric enthusiasm of the stadium itself. Fans hopped off the Metro Rail line and either stopped by Circle Brewing on their way to the match, or simply stayed and cheered on the Verde at the brewery.   

LENDING A HELPING HAND

And when Austinites needed help – Circle was to help. When COVID-19 hit, Circle Brewing set up a safe “drive thru” to serve thirsty Austinites.  Then during the epic Austin Freeze of 2021, Circle provided water to residents who had lost power and water during the ice storm.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

THE ELGIN FARM + BREWERY

Like many Austin Breweries, including Nomadic Brewing, Vista Brewing, and Beereburg Brewing, Circle Brewing Company was deeply committed to quality ingredients and sustainable processes.  Circle Brewing announced exciting plans to open a new Farm and Brewery in 2019 on a 23-acre in Elgin, TX, where they would grow many of their ingredients and offer a destination brewery experience celebrating both the beers and outdoors. Elgin is a growing town right outside of Austin, so this would also be a tremendous economic boost for the community. Unfortunately, due to the events of COVID-19, construction lagged, costs rose astronomically, and Circle Brewing Company had to postpone the opening of their Elgin Farm and Brewery to 2023.]

“Then COVID[-19] came along to ensure the buildout took forever and cost twice as much,” they said. “Our biggest regret is not having the time to see our vision through and fulfilling the enormous potential we know would have paid off enormously. We’re sorry we didn’t have the time to see it to the end.”

THE AUSTIN BREWING COMMUNITY

At the time of Circle Brewing Company’s inception, the Texas Craft Brewing community was a small but mighty group of individuals from every walk of life. This tight group of growing craft brewers met monthly to share a beer and discuss their business. They were even there to lend a helping hand in the time of need. 

Ben and Judson shared:

“In our first two years of operation, we were so broke that we couldn’t even afford to buy yeast. But the Austin brewing community and the real spirit of camaraderie was such that we just had to drive out to Blanco and fill up a few corny kegs from our friends at Real Ale.”

These friendships remain intact for years, and the spirit of camaraderie is evident today not only in the support our local brewers give each other but also in the way they all band together to support the Austin Community. Circle Brewing has been an active supporter of Austin charities and community groups. They supported local healthy living, emerging artists, small businesses, fledgling sports teams, active politics, and brewing collaborations. Have you tasted the amazing Pink Velvet Hazy IPA they created with the Pink Boots Society? 

Honestly, so many people in Austin are such wild fans of Circle Brewing Company and their delicious beers that we were always excited for our next visit – even if no special events were happening.

FAREWELL CIRCLE BREWING COMPANY

Unfortunately, recent financial setbacks have hurt a few local breweries – and Circle Brewing is the third Austin Brewery to shut down over the past year, following in the footsteps of Fourth Tap, which shut down in t July 2022, and Adelberts, which shut its doors in October 2022.

“Our biggest regret is not having the time to see our vision through and fulfilling the enormous potential we know would have paid off enormously. It was a one-of-a-kind concept, a beautifully constructed facility located on a plot of land with limitless potential and a wonderfully supportive community. It was so close to becoming reality. We’re sorry we didn’t have the time to see it to the end.” Ben and Judson

Thank you, Ben and Judson, for all the amazing beers and fantastic times at Circle Brewing. We are super sad to see y’all shut your doors – but know you will have the strength and experience to create an exciting next adventure! We will save a seat, bar the bar, and keep our pint glasses open for what you plan to pour next.

RIP Circle Brewing Company – Cheers – thanks for the fun and great beers – You will be missed!

Sarah is a lifestyle author, designer, and lover of craft beers. She has been touring and supporting Austin Craft Breweries for years and works with a company directly sponsoring the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. You can find more of Sarah’s insight into the Austin brewery scene at sarahjanestyle.com. Cheers!

Sarah Jane

Post Script: (Sarah Jane recently reached out to us asking to be a guest writer on The Beer Thrillers. You can look forward to seeing more of her articles here on the blog, covering the Austin area of Texas. We would like to thank her for her submissions and adding a voice from a different part of the country to our beer blog. It is great to get unique perspectives from around the country, and around the world, to add to the wonderful mix we have here at The Beer Thrillers. You can visit her site at sarahjanestyle.com.)

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