From the Editor, Issue 74

Fall is just around the corner, so you know what means: it’s time for another issue of The Beer Connoisseur magazine!

This issue is chock-full of topical stories, intriguing education pieces, an opinion piece and all of the beer reviews, brewer Q&As and industry news you’ve come to expect from us.

Issue 74 begins with an opinion piece from Jim Dykstra regarding BrewDog, one of the most notable breweries in Scotland’s history. The story delves into the brewery’s “punk” ethos, which stands in stark contrast to their highly corporatized business tactics.

Next up is our story on Beer Recommendations for Fall 2024, which feature a bevy of notable styles including a Festbier, a Munich Helles, a Munich Dunkel and, of course, a Double IPA – no list of beers would be complete without one!

A detailed compendium of Munich Oktoberfest follows that, with details on the best ways to get to the festival, the history of this storied beer celebration as well as notable occurrences during the weeks-long event. If this story doesn’t convince you to visit Munich for Oktoberfest, nothing will!

Then, it’s a deep dive into the wonderful world of scenic apple orchards. Apple picking is a terrific fall activity, and these wondrous orchards from all over the world are among the best places to go if you’re looking for the best views while harvesting bushels of apples. They do keep the doctor away, after all.

While apples might be the healthy option, autumn is also a wonderful time for bratwurst, and the next piece features an enjoyable detour into the wonderful world of brats with a story from Jim Pedley, as well as a detailed recipe and more information about this wonderful sausage.

Non-alcoholic beer has been booming in popularity of late, and we’ve got all the details on this healthier alternative to standard beer with our Beer Lover’s Guide to Non-Alcoholic Beer. The issue finishes off with an in-depth style guide regarding Oktoberfest’s beer (or bier) of choice: Festbier.

As always, the issue concludes with our Official Review, Brewer Q&As and Industry News that are hallmarks of each of our issues.

We hope this issue serves as an exemplary pairing with raking leaves, watching sports or just chilling outdoors with your friends and family.

As always, thanks for reading!

Cheers,

Chris Guest
- Managing Editor