A forthcoming fresh-hop fest bier

The Original 40 Brewing will release Fresh Hop Special Lager on Saturday, September 23 at its North Park brewpub. The Czech-style beer was made in collaboration with North Park neighbor Seek Beer Co. and Del Mar’s Viewpoint Brewing.

Fresh Hop Special Lager is 5.8% alcohol by volume and was brewed with Centennial hops that were fresh picked and overnighted from Crosby Hop Farms in Woodburn, Oregon to use for the brew day. Saaz hops, which come from the town of Žatec in the Czech Republic, were also used.

The beer, which will be available on draft and in four packs of 16-ounce cans, was fermented with a Czech lager yeast strain before the hops were added. Fresh Hop Special Lager has a smooth biscuit and light honey malt character, and finishes dry.

“I couldn’t be happier to welcome the fall season with this latest creation with Seek and Viewpoint that is reminiscent of German fest biers, but not a malt bomb by any means,” said The Original 40 Head Brewer Zack Kaplan. “Being a lighter style, the hops stand out more than they would a traditional fresh-hop IPA or heavier style, but it’s very much drinkable and super enjoyable.”

Saturday also marks Original 40’s third annual Oktoberfest Games in honor of the annual German beer-drinking celebration. Beginning at 3 p.m., four different competitions will be held, including Best Lederhosen and Drindl Outfits, Bavarian Pretzel Eating Contest, a Stein-Holding Competition and Partner Pretzel Toss. Gift cards will be awarded to the winners.

“We’re celebrating Oktoberfest with Czech-style beers, American-style beers and everything in between,” said The Original 40 founder Steve Billings. “I am confident that all will enjoy Zack’s latest beer, and to that I say, ‘Czech it out’.”

Original 40 was voted as one of San Diego’s Best Micro Brew Pubs in The San Diego Union-Tribune’s 2023 Readers Poll. Only 10 made the list.