Buffalo Creek on the Challenge of Perfect Lagers: Oktoberfest, Helles, Franconian Rotbier and More

From the rare Franconian Rotbier to crisp Helles, hear how Buffalo Creek tackles the toughest lager challenges to keep German brewing alive in Long Grove, Illinois.

Buffalo Creek Brewing Owner and Brewmeister Mike Marr shares how German brewing tradition thrives in Long Grove, Illinois. He explains why lagers are so difficult yet rewarding to brew, the difference between a brewmeister and brewer, Long Grove’s German roots, what makes a Franconian Rotbier unique, and why lagers are unforgiving for mistakes. Plus: how visiting 300 breweries helped Mike shape his business plan, what drew him to traditional lagers, and which styles Americans just don’t enjoy.

After the beer break, Mike highlights Buffalo Creek’s playful mini stein sampler glasses, explains what defines a Helles Lager, and reviews beers including their BIG Ludwigski Märzen and Obligatory IPA. He also shares stories behind Buffalo Creek’s four major festivals, the origins of Oktoberfest in Germany, and how the Beer Judge Certification Program defines Dunkel vs. Märzen. Mike also explains what beer ingredients can tell us about US history, including how Wisconsin’s Manitowoc grain elevator sorts massive amounts of barley, why Wyoming is perfect for barley growing, and how Buffalo Bill Dam played a role.

About Buffalo Creek Brewing: Located in Long Grove, Illinois, Buffalo Creek Brewing is a German-inspired brewery with a Bavarian style taproom featuring lagers, ales, and rotating seasonal beers, with a one of a kind Biergärten featuring beautiful nature views. Learn more on their website at http://buffalocreekbrewing.com/

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Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: beer style guidelines, taproom design, beer judging certification, beer festivals Illinois, beer clarity, brewery business plan, cold fermentation, lager fermentation, extended lagering, brewing process control, dry hopping, beer glassware, crafting brewery events, Bavarian taproom, beer garden Illinois, one-acre beer garden, wheat in Kolsch, Crystal Red malt, German wheat Kolsch, patience in brewing, brewing mistakes, turning beer into IPA, collaboration brewing, sediment in beer, proper stein glass, brewery taproom features, Steep Ravine Brewing collab, brewing with wheat, beer clarity techniques, brewer’s tools and equipment, yeast health pitching rates, fermentation temperature control, Munich beer traditions, Alpine Fest, May Fest, Beer Rock Fest, brewery festivals schedule, dry hop vs regular hops, historic grain elevators, barley production US, history of beer glassware, and beer garden architecture.