(Courtesy Firestone Walker)

There are few beers that we look forward to more than Firestone Walker’s annual take on the European “Festbiers” which are synonymous with Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest celebration. And signaling the waning days of summer and the onset of fall, the 2025 Oaktoberfest Oak Aged Lager begins rolling out to all Firestone Walker markets this week.

Oaktoberfest is made for this transition time from summer to fall,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “It’s malty and full flavored, yet also light-bodied, crushable and built for drinking.”

Oaktoberfest (a riff on Firestone Walker’s longtime commitment to brewing and aging beer in oak barrels) has been a seasonal staple for Paso Robles craft brewery dating back to the inaugural release in 2006. Each year, however, Firestone Walker changes things up a little  and the 2025 release mixes things up by featuring two classic German hops—Tettnanger and Hersbrucker.

“These hops are loved by German brewers for delivering pronounced aromatics and noble character with a low bitterness profile,” Brynildson said. “The delicate hop influence is herbal, floral and spicy with subtle citrus notes—exactly what you want for a festbier like Oaktoberfest.”

Brewed in a manner that pretty much defines what Firestone Walker is all about, the 2025 Oaktoberfest Oak Aged Lager is  a robust 5.2% ABV tribute to both European tradition and California innovation.

It was cold lagered in French oak barrels inherited from a Napa Valley winery. The barrels were previously used to mature the winery’s acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon. The oak-barrel lagering allows for an even smoother texture, all while remaining true to the beer’s crisp malt profile and hints of noble hops.

“Oak barrel lagering adds a cool complexity that makes the beer completely unique,” Brynildson said. “It provides subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak that play well with the Vienna malts, and you might even pick up just the slightest hint of red wine fruitiness.”

“Oaktoberfest delivers the best of both worlds,” Brynildson added, full, malty flavor with a crisp, easygoing body that’s perfect as summer fades into fall. It’s a beer that carries the spirit of our journeys through Germany’s hop fields and the vibes of Oktoberfest itself, all with a dash of California character.”

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