The Bar Towel

dale cannon · Joined: 08 Jun 2012 Posts: 148

Any KW folks know whether there are any craft beer focussed Octoberfest events, or Octoberfest events that will at least feature some decent beer planned in the area this weekend?
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Kish84 · Joined: 25 Mar 2010 Posts: 319 Location: Kitchener

As far as I know, there is none at all. I believe all official events are sponsored by Molson or Labatts.

I think the only place that even has German beer is the Concordia Club, and that's only in their dining hall, not the banquet hall, or tent. However, they're pretty much sold out. When I went on Friday they said they had a few tickets left for the 10th.

ErkLR · Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 294 Location: London, ON

I've never heard of a craft-focused event, maybe a smaller venue or a restaurant would have it. The only things I've ever seen at a large venue besides Molbatts (this won't be very helpful):

The Rec Complex had a couple of Creemore beers 2 years ago. I only drank the UrBock, I don't remember what else there was. They were from cans or bottles.

Bingeman-Marshall Hall used to do a cash bar with Brick products. It was at the end of the hall, separate from the Molson cups. Bottles or cans. I haven't been there in 3+ years though.

I think they had non-Molbatt at Queensmount last year... but for some reason my memory is fuzzy....

I would say the rule of thumb is, the larger the venue, the less likely they are to have interesting beer.

xocoatl · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:59 pm Post subject:

I have always thought that it would be awesome for Grand River, Wellington, and F&M to get together and run some tents or a hall somewhere. Brew some real german style beers, and some good entertainment, for those of us who would rather not go to the glorified university party they call octoberfest in KW.

ErkLR · Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 294 Location: London, ON

I'd be all over that. Moreover, if they held it in Cambridge, you'd actually be able to get a hotel without booking 3 months in advance. They'd probably draw a lot of the crowd who are sick of the undergrad dance-club theme most places have. I know I've been questioning why I'm really going anymore.

dale cannon · Joined: 08 Jun 2012 Posts: 148

Kish84 · Joined: 25 Mar 2010 Posts: 319 Location: Kitchener

Well Imbibe just opened this week and is looking promising. I haven't been yet (while opened), but will most likely be going tomorrow. 6-7 craft beers on tap. Not sure if they're doing anything for the fest.

In what technically is some craft beer news during Octoberfest, Beertown is offering 1L stein's of Steamwhistle and you can keep the stein.

NRman · Joined: 07 Feb 2010 Posts: 513 Location: Waterloo

I walked by the tent in downtown Kitchener (King and Frederick) on my way home... no time to stop in but i "was told" the Creemore Oktoberfest" is back

As reported last year...
http://www.bartowel.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=7258
.. its OK. certainly the best beer there.
If you are headed to Imbibe it might be worth stopping by. Not a fan of Oktoberfest myself.

JeffPorter · Joined: 26 Jul 2011 Posts: 2123 Location: Brampton, ON

NRman · Joined: 07 Feb 2010 Posts: 513 Location: Waterloo