Oktoberfest Vermont & Oktoberfest Portland: Event Preview
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August 31, 2018
Colorado Cider & Beer Circus Review
September 8, 2018
[no_toc]We all know that Oktoberfest is traditionally one of the largest beer festivals in the world, held in Munich, Germany during the end of September through early October, but did you know that there could be a smaller scale festival coming to a city near you? That’s right, Red Clover events is hosting Oktoberfest right on the waterfront of Burlington, Vermont, as well as on the shores of Thompson’s Point in Portland, Maine. But that’s not all, not only will these events feature local Oktoberfest-style beers in addition to traditional German Oktoberfest breweries, but they will also include some local-area cideries! Now everyone can take part in the excitement!
The Grub
Before we even get into the brews, let’s talk about what’s truly important…the food. If you haven’t indulged in a Bavarian-style pretzel the size of your head, then you haven’t yet lived life to the fullest. Fortunately for you, Brauhause Pretzels will be serving up their wood-fired soft dough pretzels at both of these events! Both locations will also feature various local food vendors serving up traditional German food, such as schnitzel, spätzle, and homemade sausages and brats, in addition to local culinary delights.
The Brews
What better way to wash some of that food down than with a delicious beer, or better yet, one of your favorite ciders!?
Portland, September 8:
Oktoberfest Portland has rounded up some of the best New England cider companies to pour at their inaugural event! You can expect to find Woodchuck Cider, all the way from Middlebury, VT, as well as Downeast Cider, of Boston, MA, and of course, the industrial cider powerhouse from Walden, NY, Angry Orchard.
Woodchuck Cider is fortunate enough to be in attendance at both Oktoberfest Vermont and Oktoberfest Portland! They’ve told us to expect their new Bubbly line featuring Bubbly Rosé and Bubbly Pearsecco. These products only came out a few weeks ago, so if you haven’t had a chance to try them yet, they are a must! In the words of Woodchuck, the Rosé is a “bubbly, fruit-forward blush cider made with a blend of red apples delivering a crisp smooth finish,” with a pink and bubbly appearance making it easy to pick out in a crowd. They claim that the Pearsecco is “inspired by sparkling wines, dry, full of bubbles, and has a clean crisp finish.” Although both pour at around 6%, the Pearsecco is more reminiscent of a wine than a cider. For those looking for a more traditional take on Woodchuck, they will, of course, be pouring their signature Amber blend as well. In addition to their delicious cider selections, they’ll also be hosting cornhole with lots of cool prizes for fans and friends to win!
Although currently Boston based, Downeast Cider was actually founded in Maine while co-owners Ross Brockman and Tyler Mosher were in their senior year at Bates College. I guess it only makes sense that for Portland’s first Oktoberfest the company would showcase itself in the state where it first planted its roots. Maine Sales Manager, Seth Knowlton, says to expect merchandise giveaways for fans and friends along with pours by one of their trusty Brand Ambassadors. You know they’ll be serving up their OB (Original Blend), but Seth tells us they’re also really excited to announce that they’ll be pouring their “fastest selling seasonal,” the much anticipated, Pumpkin Blend. Pumpkin Blend features fresh pumpkin puree along with chai tea spices infused in a cheesecloth, to bring a true taste of fall. Now featuring new cans, it’s still the same recipe as before! He also shared that if at all possible, they’ll be serving up their new party starter, Double Blend, a 7.3% ABV cider that tastes likes the original but gets you to the party just a little bit faster. With all of the excitement of the night, Downeast is happy to be there serving up farm fresh cider, ice cold.
Burlington, September 21 & 22:
Oktoberfest Vermont has a slightly larger cider selection, due to all of the local Burlington-area cideries, and will be featuring ciders from Citizen Cider of Burlington, VT, Stowe Cider of Stowe, VT, and Woodchuck Cider of Middlebury, VT, as well as Angry Orchard from Walden, NY. Other non-beer selections include Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits and Truly Spiked Seltzers.
According to Tim Costello, Citizen Cider Brand Ambassador, you can expect to meet pourers directly from their Pine Street Cidery and Tap Room at their booth this year, along with a specialty limited batch cider, which is still TBD. So be on the lookout for a fun surprise from them when you arrive! If you like what you taste in the Citizen tent or just can’t wait for the event to have a taste, you’re in luck! Their cidery is only right down the road on Pine St in Burlington, where you can find limited releases and taproom exclusives along with the core four ciders. The Tap Room will be opened on Sunday from 11-7, as well as Friday and Saturday 11-10, for those looking for a primer before the events. They are also featuring tours of their brand new Press House on Flynn Ave, where you can learn all about how Citizen Cider is actually made! These tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4, with half-hour tours leaving every half hour!
Mark Ray, Owner and General Manager of Stowe Cider informed us that they will be pouring their much anticipated Juniper Sessions, which he describes as “the Gin Project spinoff from a couple years ago.” Although apparently, “some folks get it confused with Gin & Juice,” it is, in fact, a different undertaking entirely. He also shared that they are “releasing 11 different collaborations over the next couple of months and are excited to pour at least one at this year’s Oktoberfest.” Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll run into him there one night too, even cidery owners like to get out and have a good time, after all!
Woodchuck Cider again will be bringing their much-anticipated and highly sought-after Bubbly line; Pearsecco and Rosé, two light and bubbly ciders inspired by sparkling wines. They will also plan to have Amber, their signature blend in Burlington as well. For descriptions on these ciders, see Portland above. And just like in Portland, Woodchuck plans to have fun for everyone with cornhole games for consumers to win some awesome prizes!
Games, Contests, and Activities
If there’s ever a time to dig out your traditional lederhosen and dirndil, that time is now. Both Oktoberfests will be holding a costume contest for best lederhosen and dirndil clad man and woman of the night, featuring a free one night stay at the beautiful and scenic Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT for the winner. The contest is free to enter and will take place on the main stage both nights in Burlington, as well as in Portland.
Samuel Adams will be hosting a Stein Hoisting Competition with cash prizes for male and female champions, as well as prizes for winners in every category. Champion’s times will also be entered into The Samuel Adams National Stein Hoisting Championship, so get those forearms into shape before the big days (*Note: we recommend practicing with a beer or cider in hand for full effect)! In addition to the Stein Hoisting Competition, Sam Adams will also have a hop slide and photo booth!
As mentioned above, Woodchuck will be offering cornhole and prizes for all to participate in while visiting their booth. Past prizes have included Woodchuck Cider swag such as t-shirts and sunglasses, and of course, bragging rights with your friends, which is way more than worth it.
Other games include a men’s and women’s Keg Toss Competition, Magic Hat’s Trash Toss, Plinko, a Basketball Competition, Long Trail Brewery’s Hole in One Contest, and an Escape Room. All games are free to participate in and include various prizes.
The Specifics
Oktoberfest Portland is being held on September 8th from 5:30-9:30, and just a few weekends later will be Oktoberfest Vermont on September 21st from 6:00-10:00 and September 22nd from 5:30-9:30. Tickets for both locations are $39.75 plus taxes and fees and Designated Driver tickets can be purchased for just $20, but be sure to buy soon, as both events are expected to sell out. All tickets (except for DD tickets) come with a free souvenir tasting glass, 15 tasting tickets, access to all games and competitions, live music, and the ability to purchase the most delicious Bavarian pretzels…oh, and other food as well. These events are 21+ and you must present a valid ID upon entry. Be sure to let us know if you’re going to either event! Julia will be in attendance at Oktoberfest Vermont on Saturday night, and might be found exploring local area cideries throughout the weekend, so feel free to look around for her and connect!
The official presenting sponsor of Oktoberfest Vermont is Jay Peak, a four-season resort in Northern Vermont, featuring a year-round indoor water park, ice arena, championship golf course, and premier New England skiing and snowboarding.
