Can’t get to Munich to stumble around Bavaria’s annual block party? Fear not, thirsty compatriots. Westover Market and Beer Garden owner Devin Hicks is pumped to help you DIY your own Oktoberfest. Regulars have been stopping by his establishment for more than two decades to stock up on brews, brats and other fall party essentials.
While diehards may wish to preorder kegs—traditional half barrels (about 150 beers) or the slimmer sixtel (about 55 beers)—another option is to mix and match six-packs for variety. That is, to build your own tasting lineup, from crisp pilsners and wheat-based Hefeweizens to bolder, boozier Maibocks and doppelbocks. And don’t forget the seasonally inspired Marzens, which Hicks describes in Goldilocks terms as being “not too thin…but not overly heavy.”
If you’re aiming to host a beer-tasting event, Hicks suggests this fantasy lineup:
- Einbecker Pils: a mildly hoppy, golden rarity prized for its clean finish.
- Port City Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest or Solace Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest—for the sake of drinking local. “Mix it up,” says Hicks. “Support your local brewery.”
- Weihenstephaner Helles: a classic golden lager.
- Erdinger Dunkel: a “full bodied, spicy and roasted” dark lager.
- Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen: mellow and caramelly with a flavor that befits the season.
- And for fun, a wild card. If pumpkin you must, Hicks is fond of Southern Tier Brewing Co.’s Pumking Imperial Ale. He’s also looking forward to this year’s companion cider, Pump Queen.
When it comes to food pairings, think salt-studded soft pretzels (Westover Market sources them from Das Pretzel Haus in Alexandria); chunky potato salad; lightly breaded schnitzel (the market prepares a pork loin version); plump bratwurst, weisswurst, knockwurst and other savory sausages; and, of course, gobs of whole-grain mustard to slather on “anything and everything,” Hicks says.
Heavy steins may be emblematic of the 216-year-old German celebration, but if you’re hosting at home, he says any glassware will do: “As long as you’ve got a beer in your hand, you’ll be fine.”
