Beau’s All Natural Brewing’s Oktoberfest Mix Pack hits shelves

Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. launched its Oktoberfest Mix Pack in anticipation of the brewery’s fifth annual Oktoberfest. The limited-edition mixed four-pack will be available starting this week at the brewery and will be available at select Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores beginning next week.

The Mix Pack, containing Smokin’ Banana Peels, Two Weeks Notice, Mr. Hyde and Oktobock will allow Oktoberfest ticket holders a chance to preview a selection of the beer offerings, while also providing those unable to attend with an opportunity to partake in a piece of the festival from home.

“I’m so excited that our Oktoberfest experience is now growing beyond the event itself. For folks who can’t get to Vankleek Hill on October fourth or fifth , and for those who love the beers during the festival and are thirsty for more, this Mix Pack lets our Oktoberfest celebration live on and that’s just wunderbar,” said Beau’s Co-Founder Steve Beauchesne.

Each beer featured in the Mix Pack is part of Beau’s Wild Oats Series, a family of beers designed to challenge the drinker’s palate with bold flavors, interesting ingredients and innovative styles that begin with respect for brewing traditions — but aren’t afraid to break the rules. Here’s a roundup:

• Smokin’ Banana Peels, a Rauch Weissbier (smoked wheat beer) displays a banana aroma that has been matched with a bacon-like smokiness, and offers flavours of banana, bacon, and clove.
• Two Weeks Notice, a German Porter featuring aromas of chocolate, coffee, and a malty sweetness. It is medium-bodied with flavours of roasted malt, and a crisp finish with a lingering mocha character.
• Mr. Hyde, a Roggenbier which displays floral aromas and herbal, peppery flavors. Mr. Hyde features the use of German hops which provides a characteristic bitterness in the flavor and hoppiness in the aroma, while rye malt provides a spiciness to the beer.
• Oktobock, a reinterpretation of the Maibock style, was created specifically for Oktoberfest. Oktobock pours an orange-gold and features aromas of biscuit, candy sweetness, and spicy hop bitterness. Its medium body is complemented by peppery flavor and a malty sweetness.

Presented in Beau’s signature 600-ml bottles, the Oktoberfest Mix Pack will be available at LCBO stores for a retail price of $24 including tax and deposits. The Oktoberfest Mix Pack will also be available at select restaurants and pubs, the Beau’s retail store at the brewery, and through the Ottawa-based home delivery service BYBO.

Beau’s fifth annual Oktoberfest will be held Oct. 4 and 5 at the Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds. Oktoberfest tickets can still be purchased online at www.beaus.ca/oktoberfest, at all Bridgehead locations, and at the brewery retail store in Vankleek Hill. Tickets include admission, parking, an alpine hat, pretzel and first beverage (beer, coffee, pop or water).