Ska Brewing 'Oktoberfest' German Style Lager Beer, Colorado

Ska Brewing 'Oktoberfest' German Style Lager Beer, Colorado is a seasonal amber lager built around German-sourced Munich and Vienna malts and classic lagering techniques. Nutty, bready malt character, a gently toasted edge, and a clean finish make this Durango-brewed release a welcome return each fall.

Product Details:

• Alcohol by Volume: 6.1%
• IBU: 22
• Style: German-style lager
• Malt: German-sourced Munich and Vienna malts
• Hops: Noble hops
• Production: Brewed using classic German lagering techniques
• Producer: Ska Brewing
• Current Owner: Ariano and West families
• Brewer: Ska Brewing production team
• Release: Seasonal

Sensory Description:

Amber-brown in color, the beer opens with nutty, bready malt aromas and a toasted edge. The palate follows with substantial malt flavor and a smooth, rounded texture, balanced by restrained hop bitterness. Ska describes the finish as clean, with neutral yeast character; a 2021 independent review also noted earthy hops, floral impressions, and a light bitter edge.

Awards & Accolades:

• Great American Beer Festival: Gold medal, Vienna-Style Lager, 2018.
• European Beer Star: Gold medal, Red and Amber Lager / Vienna Style Lager, 2018.
• Stockholm Beer & Whiskey Festival: Silver medal, Vienna-Style Lager, 2018.
• Stockholm Beer & Whiskey Festival: Silver medal, Semi Dark and Dark Lager, 2019.
• Craft Beer & Brewing: 87 points, review dated June 8, 2021; the editors described “big but dry well-toasted bread” with an earthy hop note.

Producer’s Background:

Ska Brewing began in Durango in 1995, founded by Dave Thibodeau, Bill Graham, and Matt Vincent. The brewery’s identity grew from their shared enthusiasm for brewing and ska music. In 2025, ownership passed to the Ariano and West families. Thibodeau remained involved in a leadership and strategic capacity after the sale, while Graham and Vincent stepped away. Ska’s Oktoberfest first appeared in cans in 2018, and its early competition success helped establish it as a recurring seasonal release.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled in a lager glass or pint glass. Enjoy it with Bavarian soft pretzels and beer mustard, pork schnitzel, roasted pork, sausages, or other hearty fall fare.