Some say BrewDog is to craft beer what KISS is to rock and roll. Both want you to believe it’s all about the music, but all that the music and tongue exhibition amount to is window dressing on a scandal-ridden marketing machine. Can we separate art from artist? Do the ends justify the means?

That is the question we’ll seek to answer in relation to BrewDog’s often dubious business practices, which have helped it grow into the multi-billion dollar empire it is today.

The Origin of Dog

Scotland’s own James Watt and Martin Dickie founded BrewDog in their garage in 2007, in the small coastal town of Fraserburgh. Within a few years they’d be the country’s largest brewer, moving into a state-of-the-art brewing facility in nearby Ellon. Prior to the dogged duo, Ellon’s most notable luminaries included legendary deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie and the first man to use bone meal as fertilizer, perhaps providing inspiration for BrewDog’s offbeat marketing and penchant for finding out-of-the-box solutions to grow its business.

As the demand for healthier and more mindful drinking options grows, non-alcoholic beers have become increasingly popular. No longer confined to a niche market, the alcohol-free brew offers a sophisticated alternative for those seeking the pleasures of beer without the buzz (or a nasty hangover).

Here, we will cover everything about non-alcoholic beers including their characteristics, origin and history, attributes, types, how to properly serve, food pairings, benefits, customized recipe, myths and misconceptions, popular brands, beer reviews and best brands and FAQs.

Non-Alcoholic Beer Characteristics

Non-alcoholic beer, also known as alcohol-free or NA beer, is a type of beer that has had most or all of its alcohol content removed. Despite the minimal alcohol content, these beverages retain the essential flavors and aromas of traditional beers. Let's explore the characteristics that define non-alcoholic beers.

Low Alcohol Content

Non-alcoholic beers are defined by their very low alcohol content, typically 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) or less. This makes them a safe option for those avoiding alcohol due to health, personal or religious reasons, while still allowing the enjoyment of a beer-like beverage.

Oktoberfest is more than just a festival; it's a global celebration of Bavarian culture, tradition and—most importantly—beer. Originating in Munich in 1810, this iconic event has grown into the world's largest Volksfest, attracting millions of beer enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Whether you're a seasoned beer traveler or a first-time visitor, Oktoberfest offers a unique blend of history, communal spirit and, of course, some of the finest brews you'll ever taste.

Here, we will cover everything about Oktoberfest including its history and origin, famous traditions, beer tents and recommended options, top beers offered, best time and route to visit, tickets, accommodations and FAQs. Get ready to raise your stein and immerse yourself in the ultimate beer travel adventure!

History And Origins Of The Oktoberfest Festival

Oktoberfest traces its origins to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join the festivities, which included horse races, to celebrate the royal wedding. The event was so popular that it became an annual tradition.

Festbier, a celebrated style of German lager that is served during Munich's famed Oktoberfest, carries with it a rich history and a unique character that embodies the spirit of Bavarian festivals. Its roots are deeply entwined with tradition, and its evolution tells a story of cultural heritage, seasonal celebrations and a deep-seated love for finely crafted brews. 

Here, we will cover everything about the Festbier style including its origin and history, characteristics, flavor profile, attributes, how to serve, food pairings, popular and best brands around the world and in the U.S., a customized recipe and FAQs.

The Origin And History Of Festbier

Festbier, also known as Oktoberfest, Wiesn or Festibiere, is a traditional German beer style closely associated with Oktoberfest, the world-renowned beer festival held annually in Munich. Its origins and history are deeply intertwined with the development of Oktoberfest itself and the evolution of beer styles in Bavaria.

Oktoberfest Beginnings (1810)

The roots of Festbier are linked to the first Oktoberfest, held in October 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

Imagine wandering through rows of apple trees, their branches heavy with ripe, vibrant fruit, set against a backdrop of breathtaking autumnal landscapes. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the serene valleys of Vermont, apple orchards around the world offer not just delicious fruit but also stunning scenery that captivates the senses.

Whether you're an avid traveler, a nature lover or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of orchards, join us as we explore 20 of the most beautifully scenic apple orchards around the world in this story. Each one promises a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing the splendor of nature's bounty.

Apple Plateau - Naz-Sciaves, Italy

The Naz-Sciaves High Apple Plateau, located in the heart of South Tyrol, stands as Italy’s northernmost apple cultivation zone at an elevation of 730 to 890 meters. This enchanting plateau produces over 11,000 tons of apples annually, including popular varieties like Jonagold, Elstar, Golden Delicious, and Gala.

There is always something newsworthy taking place in the beer industry. That's why we dedicate Monday of each week to publishing the top stories from the previous week in our Industry News e-newsletter. Here you'll find a compilation of all the news we've covered since the last issue, with links to the full stories.

Industry & People

Bud Light Boycott Continues to Impact Brand: Drops to Third Place in US Beer Sales

Judging Process
Our reviews are conducted in a single-blind tasting format. This method provides the best opportunity to rely on facts and to avoid favoritism, insuring a level playing field for all brewers. It serves both the industry and the consumer to have unbiased and objective scores from qualified experts. To best implement this approach, the Judges Review is open to those with established experience as a Master Cicerone® from the Cicerone® Certification Program or as a judge that has accomplished the rank of National or higher from the Beer Judge Certification Program. In the single-blind tasting format, judges are presented with a chilled, properly poured beer and given its style category. Scoring is then done on the following basis using a 100-point scale:

Score Breakdown:
100 to 96: World Class – You need this beer in your life.
95 to 91: Exceptional – Don’t hesitate.
90 to 86: Very Good – A brew to savor.
85 to 75: Average – Somewhat unimpressive.
74 and below: Not Recommended – Just walk away.

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.