B-More Beer Week

No Weak Beer Here

By Jackie Cular

Crisp fall leaves, ice cold drafts, traditional German music, lederhosen, and more were enjoyed by patrons of the Maryland Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland. On a breezy but mild fall day, friends sampled microbrew of many flavors and feasted on a wide variety of food for just $20 per person.

All the senses were tantalized by the great selection of German treats at this festival. Food vendors represented traditional German delicacies such as potato pancakes, bratwurst, and sausage sandwiches, which far surpassed the basic burgers and fries—though the grilled cheese was excellent. Authentic German Oompah bands played inside the venue among the beer tents, while modern rock bands entertained the joyful drinkers outside in the sunshine. The aromas of this international feast were wonderful complements to the drafts promptly poured. Establishments such as Brewer’s Art, Barley and Hops, Clipper City Brewing Company, Flying Dog Brewery, and many more were enjoyed by the imbibing elite.

Patrons were given four ounce mini-pint glasses to sample the selection of beers. Folks had a lot to say about the festivities, “we need bigger mugs; we can’t get drunk fast enough” Brian from Baltimore complained. Some were getting creative; “people are just busting out pint glasses” anyway, said Sarah from Towson. Federal Hill’s Pub Dog was a favorite for their variety of fruit enhanced beers—peach, blueberry, and orange ales were mild but tasty. Blonde Dog and White Dog were crowd favorites, as well as everything poured by Brewer’s Art, “Resurrection is AMAZING,” a fan exclaimed. Beers exhibited in tents can be found at many taverns in the Baltimore area.

This event was the pinnacle of Baltimore Beer Week, October 8-18—feature bubbly events all across the Baltimore region, including free beer tastings at many Fells Point area pubs. Go to www.batimorebeerweek.com for more beer sampling. Next year’s Baltimore Beer Week is already set for October 7-17, 2010.