By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer
It’s fall, which means colorful foliage, brisk mornings and homecoming football games.
But if you’re a craft beer fan, it also means fall beers, namely – Oktoberfest!
“I’m a huge Lager and Pilsner fan,” says Carley Morrison, manager at the Horrocks Market Tavern, “so I like that Oktoberfest has a little bit more than that.
“It’s such a good style, and a lot of people agree because we sell so many of them. It’s a huge hype.”
The change of seasons, especially for craft beer lovers, is a good opportunity to try new styles and break out of your comfort zone.
Horrocks Farm Market, 4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, is the perfect place to do it with more than 50 taps of cider, seltzers and beer, of course. In addition, you can find aisles of packaged beers and singles, as well as wine from all over the world.
Morrison’s goal is to keep the taps rotating, “and always craft,” with a huge variety of Michigan beer. But she also works hard to get brands from popular breweries across the country, such as 3 Floyds Brewing Co., in Munster, Ind., which just began distribution in Michigan.
Horrocks is one of a few places in the Grand Rapids area to have 3 Floyds’ “Munsterfest” on tap.
And it’s tasty.
“It has a lot of bready notes to it,” Morrison said. “It’s super crisp and clean; a little bit of an Amber flavor. I think 3 Floyds really knocked it out with Munsterfest.”
Morrison was also able to snag some of Rake Beer Project’s “FESTIVōL,” an anticipated beer from the popular Muskegon brewery.
“It’s a little unique; a Farmhouse style,” Morrison said. “It’s not too funky, just a little different. It’s really good.”
Other popular Oktoberfest beers available this weekend:
On Tap:
3 Floyds “Munsterfest” Oktoberfest
Hofbrau “Oktoberfest”
In Bottles or Cans:
Fair State “Festbier” German Style Festbier
Rake “FESTIVōL” Oktoberfest Style Farmhouse
Hacker Pschorr “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager
Hofbrau “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager
Brew Detroit “Corktoberfest” Marzen Style Lager
And there are always new beers coming in, so be sure to ask Morrison or anyone in the taproom about new releases.
If you’re not familiar with “Oktoberfest” (also known as a German Marzen-style), Morrison recommends you try some of the German beers – “at least a couple of them” – to better understand the style.
“It’s nice because at Horrock’s you can buy singles, so you don’t have to commit to a full pack of anything,” Morrison said.
You can’t go wrong with Oktoberfest beers from Hacker Pschorr, Paulaner and Hofbrau.
“All of those are going to be great,” she said.
Horrocks Market Tavern also offers samples at the bar, a beer garden, and a dining area to enjoy pizza, sushi, soups and salads, and beverages, too. It has a separate entrance on the west side of the parking lot off Breton Road SE.
Even if you’re not a craft beer fan, this is a perfect time to check out Horrocks Farm Market, Morrison said.
“In addition to all the great seasonal beers, we also have all the fun seasonal items like mums, caramel apples, and popcorn…you’re definitely going to find something you love.”
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at
