Hog Haus Nails Oktoberfest

Fayetteville's own Hog Haus Brewing's Oktoberfest beer. (STAFF PHOTO: J.T. WAMPLER)

Locally made but world-class good

Wamp’s Wisdom

Brewmaster Mehmet Kadiev at Hog Haus Brewing Co. on Dickson Street in Fayetteville really nailed this year’s Oktoberfest seasonal lager.
It pours a cloudy amber with substantial head. Aroma is of gentle, noble hops balanced nicely with rich malt overtones. Taste is a wonderful harmony of malt and hops with neither overwhelming the other. The hops have the last word though, leaving a lingering bitterness on the palette that makes the mouth water for the next drink.
This is a highly drinkable beer that won’t last long. Get some while you can. Pair with a reuben or hot wings.
Rating: 5 bottle caps

Rico’s Reaction

I’ve always loved Fayetteville’s brew pub, whether as the original Ozark Brewing Co. or under it’s current banner as the Hog Haus.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time there since the building was renovated in early ’90s, having once even taped part of a short, lame parody titled “Indiana Jones and the Desperate Cry for Adventure” (www.spike.com/video/indiana-jones/2402140) in this beautiful location. In recent times though, I’ve slacked off on my visits — no more than once a year.
This Oktoberfest brew makes me really regret that.
This tall drink of fall festiveness was a delight from beginning to end. The only thing I wanted to pair it with after the first one was done was a second brew (I had a heavy lunch, OK!). And being able to conduct the tasting in this vista of rich wood and brick with some excellent conversation made the experience that much better.
Since Beer O’ The Week began, we’ve had some tasty sips from some bottles. For me, nothing so far has compared to the pleasure of getting this fine concoction straight from the tap.
Rating: 6 bottle caps (no one was scantily clad, not even me, but it was just that good)

Oktoberfest

The Dickson Street Oktoberfest Family Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.
The were be activities for children including kid bouncers, a petting zoo and camel and pony rides.
Other activities include pig races, barrel races, a stein hoisting contest, a bratwurst eating contest and a pumpkin painting contest.
There will be live music, concession booths, craft vendors and a Hog Haus tent. Winners in the 2010 home brew competition will be announced.

▲ Beer O’ The Week is a joint production of two beer enthusiasts — J.T. Wampler and Richard Davis.