Quality beer is what keeps customers coming back to Burning Beard Brewing, but creatively epic events are the bonus factor that’s converted many a patron into members of The Beard’s faithful flock. Over the past four years, El Cajon’s rock- and literature-inspired brewery has put on many a suds soiree. Its ownership and staff revel in putting on bacchanalian anniversary parties, thoughtful members-only affairs and impromptu themed services. Last year, they conspired to throw the first ever BEARDtoberfest in celebration of Germany’s Oktoberfest harvest celebration. It was a big hit and a lot of fun. Enough that Burning Beard’s crew decided not to let a pandemic keep them from extending it into an annual tradition.
“The COVID restrictions have actually enabled us to expand our outdoor service area, so while our tasting room is open for a smaller number of customers, our outdoor space is significantly larger than in years past,” says Brand and Marketing Director Mike Maass. “We’re also following state and local mandates for sanitation and safe physical distancing, so it’s perhaps the cleanest and most germ-free Oktoberfest one could hope for.”
While admirable, cleanliness isn’t what inspires fans of ales and lagers to visit breweries. That’s what beer is for, and Burning Beard has an extensive menu of Old World-inspired seasonal offerings lined up for its festivities, which will take place from September 18 to October 4.
- Hammer of the Malts Festbier
- Lieber Augustine Vienna Lager
- Klausbier German Leichtbier
- Where Eagles Dare Dortmunder Export
- Where Vultures Fare German Pils
- Normcore Czech Pils
- Threee Kings Kölsch
- Atlas Complex Baltic Porter
- Burning in Stereo Pale Ale
“I’m most excited about our three newest additions to the line-up: Atlas Complex, Where Eagles Dare and Where Vultures Fare,” says Maass. “All of them are excellent, unique and perfect for the season. Burning in Stereo, which was brewed in collaboration with Stereo Brewing from Placentia, is quite delicious, as well, albeit a classic old-school American pale ale.”
In addition to specialty beers, Burning Beard will have a limited number of branded steins available for purchase along with food service by Angry Pete’s Pizza, plus a staff-crafted delicacy: pierogis. Why a Polish snack food during a German celebration?
“This is the time of year when we head to Denver with our hearts hopeful we’ll bring back medals from the Great American Beer Festival. What usually transpires is a cavalcade of ill-mannered frivolity punctuated with many trips to Tooey’s Off Colfax to sling back cheap beer and even cheaper bourbon,” explains Tasting Room and Hospitality Manager Shannon Lynnette. “To survive these endeavors, we order mountains of pierogis from the neighboring Polish restaurant, Kinga’s Lounge. We may not all be headed to GABF this year, but we still require debauchery and pierogis, as is Beard tradition.”
Burning Beard will open at noon daily over the 17-day celebratory span. Per regulatory mandates, food purchase is required for on-site beer consumption and customers will be required to wear face masks when not seated. Additionally, groups will be limited to six people or less.
Burning Beard Brewing is located at 785 Vernon Way in El Cajon