Interview with Greg Zaccardi of High Point Brewing Co.
Whats the best Oktoberfest beer on the market, hard to say, everyone has different tastes in beer. If you ask me or the reviewers on Beer Advocate, The Ramstein Oktoberfest beer is one of the best. Greg Zaccardi has been being brewing Ramstein Beer out of his High Point Brewing facility since the early 90’s after apprenticing at the Edelweiss Brewery in Germany. He came back to the United States and opened the first exclusive wheat brewery in Butler NJ.
After a brewing exclusively wheat beers for several years with great success, Greg expanded into German style lagers and one of his tastiest beers is the Seasonal Oktoberfest. His Oktoberfest is only available on draft in NY, NJ, and eastern PA. If you are lucky enough to find it, try it, with out hesitation one of the best Oktoberfest beers out there. In early October, I was at an Oktoberfest sponsored by Amanti Vino in Montclair NJ. This was a small fest party, he poured out his 1/6 of the fest beer in about an hour. Fortunately for me I was able to share a glass with Greg, take a listen to what he has to say about his beer.
Greg Zaccardi Interview (7:08)
That’s awesome! I was going to say I never have seen this stuff, then I read its draft only. Off the top, you know anywhere local that has it? I’d love to try it.
It was great beer, the only place I’ve seen it have been Andy’s Corner Bar I think it was also at The Shepherd & Knuckle Head as well as the Cloverleaf. Not sure if it is around that much being the end of October and all.
You know, I was doing some thinking… very rare though it is. And, I thought maybe we could all chip in and keep track of what beers are being served on draft at our favorite local spots. It’s hard to find certain releases since many bars and pubs stick to the macros, usual suspect imports, and regional favorite, Yuengling. I’d love to know if Brooklyn Manhattan Project is still floating around…
Kevin, according to my “sources” the Manhattan Project will be on draft at the Cloverleaf for another week or so. There is almost always a Ramstein beer on tap at Andys in Bogota and usually on at the Knucklehead in Haldon(?).
Crown Liquors in Wanaque carries most everything High Point makes. “T” (Crown’s owner and a total craft beer nut) is up at the brewery a lot and has a close relationship with Greg. Last weekend T had no Ocktoberfest because of the huge demand after the recent accolades.
But if you’re interested in High Point beers or the other brands Greg brews (Ramstein, Boaks and Addis) stop by Crown and ask for T. He’ll hook you up and probably teach you something about craft beer. At least that’s what happens every time I stop by.
Big fan of Boaks beer, especially the Monster Mash. BTW the monster Mash ages very well, get a bottle and age it.
I don’t think I’ve had any Addis before, what is there flagship brew?