ROCHESTER, NY — It’s the time of year craft beer drinkers have been dreaming of — fall brew season! For many, that means German-themed parties full of lederhosen, bratwurst and beer. For Dundee Ales & Lagers it means the return of the perennial fall favorite Dundee Oktoberfest.
“Dundee Oktoberfest is the perfect choice for beer drinkers looking to transition from light summer ales to heartier winter brews,” said Jim McDermott, lead Dundee Brewer. “It’s a M├ñrzen-style lager with 5.5 percent ABV and rates 17 on the IBU scale. The brew is traditionally fragrant and full-bodied, mixed with a unique combination of specialty malts that give it that amber-color with a rich, sweet, malty finish.”
Märzen lagers became a seasonal staple more than two hundred years ago in Munich, Germany. The March (Märzen) brew was stored in caves through the spring and summer, and emerged just in time for Oktoberfest. That festival has now grown into a 16-day extravaganza hosting six million people. And despite the allure of sausages, pretzels and sauerkraut, most still come for the beer.
Oktoberfest’s popularity has resulted in countless German-themed festivals held around the world, including hundreds in the US. Today, Oktoberfest and M├ñrzen-style lagers are viewed as symbols of the harvest season, much like the scarecrow, which is featured on Dundee Oktoberfest bottles as one of Dundee’s trademark, distinctive label characters.
“Dundee craft beers are fun, approachable and drinkable — making Dundee Oktoberfest a perfect companion at any harvest festival or just kicking back with friends,” said Janine Schoos, brand manager, Dundee Ales & Lagers. “Beer drinkers will be able to recognize Dundee Oktoberfest by its pumpkin-colored packaging featuring the chatty Dundee scarecrow.”
So what does the Scarecrow think of Dundee Oktoberfest? “Finally, a brew that’s worthy of all that lederhosen,” he answered.
Dundee Ales & Lagers brews and releases four seasonal beers for a limited time throughout the year. Oktoberfest will be followed by a new addition to the seasonal line-up this winter. The seasonal specialties will be available on draft at bars and restaurants, and in six-packs at convenience and grocery stores across the United States. Fans should start stocking up — the limited-release is only available through the end of October.
Seasonal Variety Pack
In addition to the four annual seasonal beers, Dundee offers two Seasonal Variety Packs with four different brews. Arriving in September, the new Fall/Winter Variety Pack features:
- English Style Ale — A buxom barmaid dons the label to honor the English tradition that barmaids brewed the ale they served. This English-Style Ale is brewed to perfection for a rich, crisp taste and a smooth finish, with 17 IBUs and is 5.10 percent ABV.
- Porter — This brew derived its name from British porters (or transportation workers), because it was reportedly used in the early 1700s to get them through a long workweek. Defined by big malty flavor, viscosity and rich caramel color, the Porter has 30 IBUs and is 6.50 percent ABV.
- Pale Ale — The “hop complexity” of this pale ale can only be represented on its label by a curious frog. The most wonderful flowers of them all, hops are the building block of Dundee’s smooth and savory triple-hop brewed Pale Ale and all the beer we love so dear. The Pale Ale has 35 IBUs and is 5.3 percent ABV.
- IPA — A tall ship in a bottle, which pays homage to the strongly hopped beers first used in long sea voyages to India in the 1700s. The IPA is balanced and bright, with a soft, freshly baked aroma and subtle hints of spice. The IPA has 60 IBUs and is 6.3 percent ABV.
“Dundee seasonal variety packs are a great way for people to explore and sample craft beers,” said Schoos.
To find Dundee beers in-store or at your neighborhood bar or restaurant, use the Dundee Beer Finder online.
About Dundee Brewing Company:
Dundee Brewing Company is based in Rochester, New York. The Dundee Brewing Company is part of North American Breweries, which also owns Labatt USA and the Genesee Brewery and a perpetual license for Seagram’s Escape. Please visit www.dundeebeer.com or http://twitter.com/dundeebeer for more information.
Dundee Ales & Lagers is a family of craft beers which includes the year-round IPA and a full line of limited-edition seasonal releases, as well as two variety packs released in the spring and fall.