Sierra Nevada Brewing, one of America’s oldest and most highly respected breweries, has been partnering with European breweries over the past few years to brew a special Oktoberfest beer. Next on the collaboration list is a German Brewery most of us know and admire: Bitburger Brewery. The partnering effort will be brewed and released in mid- summer for an early Oktoberfest experience.
Bitburger is unique among breweries for the simple fact that its beer is brewed using a secret blend of hops. No one knows the exact hop bill used to brew the beer with the exception of those who brew it. The Oktoberfest beer will share in some of this secrecy and will also feature Bitburger’s custom yeast. It will be the first time that another brewery’s beer has used this special yeast.
Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada’s owner and founder, says the family ownership of both breweries and the interaction he and his family have had with Bitburger over the years make the famous German brewery an excellent choice for a partnership brew.
“Our breweries’ shared commitment to quality and family ownership made this an obvious fit,” said Grossman. “Together, our families have shared great times telling stories, enjoying food and drinking beer—the perfect conditions for a great Oktoberfest.”
Bitburger was founded in 1817 and has been family owned from the beginning. Seven generations have operated this German brewery, famous for its pilsner beer that most every beer lover has tasted at least once. Jan Niewodniczanski, Managing Director of Bitburger, looks forward to this partnership with Sierra Nevada Brewing, a brewery whose personnel- and commitment to excellent- are right in line with Bitburger’s passionate folks.
We are thrilled to be brewing together with our friends from the iconic Sierra Nevada Brewery,” said Niewodniczanski. “Not only are we united by our passion for exceptional beer and truly unique hop flavors, we also share a long history of transatlantic exchange, leading to this exciting collaboration.”
The collaboration Oktoberfest will feature a rich amber color, smooth malty flavor and balanced hop character. Bitburger is planning a visit to Sierra Nevada’s Mills River, North Carolina brewery on May 11 to taste a test batch and celebrate Sierra Nevada’s Springtoberfest. For more information this special beer and brewing collaboration, visit online at www.sierranevada.com/beer/oktoberfest.
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