USA, MA: Harpoon Brewery to release its Octoberfest

As the first signs of fall settle into New England, so does the arrival of Harpoon Octoberfest, a local favorite since 1989, Brewbound reported on September, 24.

This seasonal beer is widely available in 6-packs, 12-packs, and on draft beginning late August. It is also the featured beer at the brewery’s annual Octoberfest celebrations held at their breweries in Boston, MA and Windsor, VT.

Harpoon Octoberfest yields a smooth, malty taste and a mild bitterness. Its garnet-red color reflects a unique blend of malts and pours with a thick head due to a small amount of wheat malt.

“Over the years we have kept our award-winning Octoberfest style constant. I am always experimenting with different malts to create a more robust color,” says Al Marzi, Harpoon’s Chief Brewing Officer.

In 2008 Harpoon Octoberfest won two gold medals at renowned beer competitions. Harpoon Octoberfest brought home a Gold Medal from the European Beer Star competition in the Oktoberfest category, which is a style that originated in Germany. Held annually in Nuremburg, Germany, the European Beer Star Award is considered one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the industry. Harpoon Octoberfest also won a gold medal in the Oktoberfest category at the Great International Beer Competition in Providence, RI.

30 September, 2011