Making the cut

Fall beer and film pairings

Statewide outfits like COOP and Mustang Brewery offer Oktoberfest beers this time of the year, and Anthem’s Lost Ogle-themed Ogletoberfest will be available in Tulsa liquor stores by the end of the month. Apart from this handful, the Okie craft scene is light on fall beers, but there are plenty of options available in Tulsa through national breweries. Here’s my guide to what you should, and shouldn’t, be leder-hosen’ past your tonsils. For those who prefer a Hamm’s and some horror to remember the reason for the season, I’ve paired each brew with a fall film recommendation.

A+

Marshall Oktoberfest
The only fall seasonal offered by a Tulsa brewer, this is the best of its kind for my dollar. Oktoberfests aren’t a big deal in the craft world, but Marshall’s isn’t just a great Oktoberfest—it’s probably my favorite beer from the brewery. No surprise really, considering brewmaster Eric Marshall learned his craft in Germany and is a student of the country’s strict beer purity laws. This beer has a lively amount of carbonation and none of the overly spiced or syrupy flavors found elsewhere on this list. Good for Teutonic tabletop jackassery, but even better for casual sippage. 

"Demons"
With a healthy amount of action, gore and skullduggery and a welcome lack of more serious atrocity (as in “Hellraiser” or “Last House on the Left”), this is the perfect film to bust out with a group of friends.

A

Stillwater Autumnal
This fine Maryland brewery’s contender in the fall beer category is a farmhouse ale with Oktoberfest tendencies. Later this month, this rich, malty, dark amber beer will be available on tap for the first time in Oklahoma at The Fur Shop. Goes best with Screamin’ Steven’s spicy beef jerky and rumors that The Fur Shop is shutting down their live music. 

“Phantasm II”
 A horror/action hybrid like “Demons,” this film brings the best elements of both genres together in a completely entertaining and intelligent party flick. 

B+

Shiner Oktoberfest
A group of friends and I once went to see Scott Gorham from Thin Lizzy in OKC. After the show, we wanted beers to slam in the hotel room, and only convenience stores were open. My friend Clint, who builds airplanes and looks for quality in food, metal and beer, said the only drinkable three-two beer was Shiner. He bought a ton, and I fell asleep while sitting up and enjoying my first one. Thankfully, I woke up to a trunkful of it. This version wouldn’t be a sad trunkful, either. 

“Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”
Absent the revolutionary genius and social commentary of the original but amping up the comedy and jump-out scares is Tobe Hooper’s sequel to his meat hook masterpiece. You might not leave the couch any smarter after watching it, but it’s sure to put a confused smile on your face.

B-

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest
A decent Oktoberfest, this beer is weak out of the bottle but drinks way better from the tap. Lacking the weight of the (admittedly light) Shiner and (mighty) Marshall, this one might pair well with bratwursts and beer bongs. 

“Army of Darkness”
Not everyone likes this sequel. It’s nearly a pure action film, with only one (huge) bloody scene in the beginning, and devoid of the genuine fright that came with “Evil Dead” 1 and 2. Still, it’s a good movie and goes down a lot better with a group of friends.

C

Traveler Jack-O Shandy
If you like Pumpkin flavor, you might enjoy this, but if you love chai, you’ll probably like it more. The shandy aspect is front and center here, rendering the beer incredibly light. The flavoring is novel, but I’d definitely call this a “one and done.” Better off with a Stiegl Radler and a slice of pumpkin pie.

“Pumpkinhead”
Special effects genius Stan Winston made his directorial debut with this demonic revenge film. Similar to Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary” but preceding the film adaptation by one year, “Pumpkinhead” offers excellent monster effects but not much in the plotline department. Still makes a great party favor, though. 

D

Samuel Adams Pumpkin Batch
Sam Adams is the brewery of choice for folks looking beyond “lawn mower beers” for the first time. Though the name elicits condescending remarks from some beer enthusiasts, the truth is that they have some great beers. This is definitely not one of them. A strong wheat beer body keeps this from the drinkability of an Oktoberfest, and the pumpkin flavor is hard to detect and ultimately unpleasant when you do.

“Pumpkinhead 2”
Like “Pumpkinhead,” but just not good.

F

Leinenkuegel’s Oktoberfest
Wisconsin-based Leinenkugel is known for a Summer Shandy that tastes like Froot Loops and—even when selling for $1 at Soundpony—is not popular. Unsurprisingly, the outfit’s Oktoberfest tastes like a Coors Light with Oktoberfest snow-cone syrup. If you see someone eyeing this in the store, remind them to shop local and point them toward Marshall’s fall offering. 

“Spooky Buddies”
This is an “Air Bud” Halloween sequel. If you enjoy this beer,
every talking puppy has better taste than you.

For more of Mitch's thoughts on beer, read his article on the effects of Oklahoma's archaic alcohol laws on local brewers.