Bavaria Comes to Somerville

Mike Proske

Michael Proske,  Somerville's Baron of Bier and Wunderkind of Tapastre, launched another successful beer event on the streets of Somerville over the weekend. 

This time it was a two-day Oktoberfest which featured a host of breweries pouring their best beers. As usual, there were so many beers and so little belly space, especially if one took advantage of the many food offerings around the grounds provided by the Court House Sub Shop, Blue Salt Culinary, Hansel 'n' Griddle, Division Cafe and more.

As the pictures will attest, it was a popular event, what with dirndl-clad madschens pouring marzens,  lads leaping in lederhosen, brat-eating contests and even a periodic Masskrugstemmen contest for the strong of shoulder. The beer used in the steins is a closely-guarded secret.

There were other contests to engage the fest-goers, including a "Shoot the Boot" event which saw Hofbrau Hopefuls attempt to drain a liter-boot of beer. This particular event used non-alcoholic beer for the sake of safety.The beneficiary of Proske's efforts this year was the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, and you could subtract $2 off your entry fee if you brought along some canned goods to donate.

Shot of the Fest from the Tapastre Roof

Breweries present were Weyerbacher, Hofbraukeller Munchen, Sly Fox, Troegs Flying Dog, Lancaster, Abita, Neshaminy Creek, Penn Brewery, Sierra Nevada, Left Hand, Boulevard, New Holland, Cricket Hill, Scholarly, B. Nektar Meadery and the Downeast Cider House.

The PubScout was immediately drawn to the Sierra Nevada tap, where their outstanding OTO collaboration with Brauhaus Riegele was being poured, but having had it already, he eschewed that for a pint of Penn Brewery's Oktoberfest, which was excellent. So was Left Hand's and Bob's 47/Boulevard's versions of the seasonal favorite. Flying Dog's Dogtoberfest was also there, but also previously enjoyed.

Misses Masskrugstemmen

Abita's Oktoberfest offering was also sampled (without the benefit of the pierogi/hot dog meal depicted above), but the star of the show in my opinion was Neshaminy Creek's Punkless Dunkel. If you can find it, you will not be disappointed.

The diverse clientele included singles, groups and even families with small children, and they all seemed to be enjoying the event, including the new venue, which stretched right in front of Tapastre's building.

Proske continues to do right by our favorite beverage while remaining committed to community involvement and improvement. His efforts deserve a hearty thanks and a loud "Ein Prosit!"

Cheers!
The PubScout