Great Lakes Brewing Company's Seasonal Ales
Oktoberfest and Nosferatu Will Vanish After Halloween
Oct 26, 2008
Only a short time remains before Great Lakes Brewing Company’s fall seasonal ales disappear from bars and retailers shelves. Nosferatu, named after the silent film vampire, is a strong red ale available in September and October in 12-ounce 4-packs. Available from July through October, Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest is available at many retailers as 12-ounce 6-packs.
Oktoberfest & Great Lakes Brewing Company History:
Autumn heralds the celebration of Oktoberfest all around the world. In honor of this grand tradition dating to the October 12, 1810 wedding celebration in Munich, Germany, Great Lakes Brewing Company created their Oktoberfest amber lager.
According to the Great Lakes Brewing Company’s website, Oktoberfest celebrations in its hometown of Cleveland, OH have been celebrated since the mid-1800s. German immigrants establishing themselves in the Cleveland area brought the traditions of brewing and celebrating from their homeland.
Great Lakes Brewing Company, established in 1988, was the first microbrewery in the state of Ohio. A first year brewing of roughly 1,000 barrels led to an expansion resulting in distribution in nine states.
Oktoberfest Amber Lager:
Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest amber lager is a worthy celebration of the autumn tradition. The caramelized malt flavors are rich and balanced with the smooth hops. The layers of flavor and scents are most noticeable when Oktoberfest is served at 45 degrees.
Oktoberfest is a great complement to hearty, spicy meals with a taste that is not lost in the pungency of many sausages. The smooth finish will not overwhelm the taste of less spicy foods such as roast pork.
Nosferatu Strong Red Ale:
Nosferatu is a big beer. With an alcohol volume of 8%, this strong ale needs a strong meal as accompaniment. Include Nosferatu with a steak dinner or a spicy sausage dish. This ale will overwhelm lighter fare.
The hops are very noticeable in the initial taste but not bitter. As the ale warms up, there is an underlying smoothness of the malt that balances the hops. Overall, Nosferatu is a wonderful ale for sipping occasionally, but is best consumed in small quantities.
When visiting the Cleveland area, the Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Brewpub offers all of the ales available at retailers, plus many ales that are only available onsite. In addition to the great micro brewed ales, the Brewpub also offers an extensive menu featuring Ohio-raised chicken, pork and beef, and other local produce, and of course, Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Ales. There are also several vegetarian offerings on the menu.
October will be over soon, and the opportunity to try two great autumn ales from Great Lakes Brewing Company will be gone.
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