Some beers demand a skip and a hop, while others might be difficult to swallow. Either way, one is all but guaranteed a jolly time at Parktoberfest.
This Sunday marked the 14th annual Parktoberfest held at Brackenridge Park. The festival celebrates German culture through a variety of music, food and beer — with the name being a play on Oktoberfest.
Some festival goers donned Tyrolean hats and lederhosen as they perused the beer selection — the main event of the night. Schilo’s offered schnitzel and non-alcoholic root beer. Unfortunately, this is the only German centered food booth to help one pillage through the vast beer selection.
Throughout the park, beer companies set up sampling tents. Each vendor had a variety of beverages available to sample from Kölsch’s to Ambers to IPAs.
By far, the best-tasting beer came from Blue Star. They offered two options: Peach Geyser and Bulverde Hills Pilsner. The pilsner was crisp and refreshing, but Blue Star truly outdid themselves with the Peach Geyser. The peach perfectly countered the sourness of the beer so neither flavor was overbearing.
Although Blue Star had some of the best beer, they were not the star of the festival. That title goes to Bexar Brewers. It is one thing to drink beer and an entirely other thing to appreciate beer. The people over at Bexar Brewers have the utmost respect for beer and the brewing process, which shone through in their answering of questions as people waited in line.
Not all the beers were as alluring as the ones from Blue Star and the Bexar Brewers. The disappointment of the night came from VIVA Brewery. Their Dia De Los Muertos beer had neat packaging which was sure to lure plenty of unknowing souls. Perhaps the beer was a little too warm for tasting, but the texture felt a tad milky. Still, free beer is free beer.
With music from Beethoven Männerchor and The Dirty River Jazz Band to keep patrons company while they wait in line and enough beer to have one skipping through the park, Parktober Fest provides an easygoing and accessible environment for anyone interested in beer, German culture or a good time.
