We were hoping that Delta would be taking us off to Germany soon and instead Delta, the variant of COVID has us grounded and focused on making the best of life in Minnesota. To be clear, we will do our next Beertrip to Europe in 2022.
Oktoberfest is the annual replay of the wedding celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810. It’s not just a wild beer drinking party, it’s a wild beer drinking wedding reception. That is why our Fest Bier is called Receptional; not just because it rhymes with exceptional.
And, that raises the question of why is it a Fest Bier and not an Oktoberfest beer? Originally an Oktoberfest beer was brewed in the marzen style; a strong rich malty amber brew brewed in the spring to last all summer until brewing resumed in cool fall weather. Then in the 1950’s the Munich brewery Paulaner introduced a new style for the Fest which was lighter in color with a clean dry taste that is quite easy to drink in large size glassware. By 1990 it became the official beer style of the event. While most American breweries continue to brew a marzen style beer for their seasonal fall release, we chose to skew our Receptional to the Fest Bier style. We hope you agree it is a great choice.
September is the month of love and Fest Bier. During the first weekend of our Oktoberfest, we have a special tradition; the Renewal of Vows. Bring your special someone to Utepils on Saturday, September 18th by 11am and be a part of our non-denominational ceremony of love and commitment. At every one since 2017, I have teared up watching. And in 2020 I even got the courage up and asked Deb. She said yes.
Get your lederhosen and dirndls out of storage and prepare for a busy month. Start off super authentic with Oktoberfest at the German American Institute (GAI) in St Paul on Friday and Saturday (September 10-11). Then you get two weekends of O’fest fun here at Utepils. Take a weekend off to shop our Craftmarket and then come back strong with the 11th annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the MN State Fair grounds on October 10-11. Best of all you can enjoy Utepils beers at all of these events. Embrace the season!
We’ve always loved September and the cooling weather; Oktoberfest just makes it better. Between hurricanes, forest fires, and a pandemic, I think all of us have reset our life priorities. We hope you are able to enjoy time with family and friends.
Prost!
Dan & Deb Justesen
