What’s Up in Beer: Two Rooftop Parties, Oktoberfest, and Pints at the Pizza Festival

Welcome back to the good ol' gloomy days, Beijingers! I know you all had a great time last week, soaking up all the free time, but man oh man have we been paying for it this week by working doubly hard. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at how to deal with what has been a hellish week.

First up, we know Germans don't mess when it comes to beer, so what better way to get things started than with a massive party involving guzzling both beer and sausages? Yep, tomorrow marks the 24th Annual Oktoberfest at Kempinski Hotel's Paulaner Brauhaus, running between October 13 and 30, 6.30-11pm. A special menu package starts at RMB 198, or a opt for a free-flow beer package for RMB 335. Make your reservation by emailing them at paulaner.beijing@kempinski.com.

With one cracking of a keg however, comes the closure of a rooftop, Arrow Factory's Liangma River location specifically. To mark the occasion they're having a closing party this Saturday (Oct 15), from 3pm to midnight. There will be discounts on drinks throughout the day, including 10 kuai off all beers, and RMB 15 off all one liter steins. That’s not all, you'll also have the chance to enter a lucky draw for prizes (including free beers, Arrow Factory merch, and food vouchers). Winners will be drawn every hour until the end of the party.

Next up, Jing-A launch their West Coast, easy-drinkin'-style session IPA Fist Lite with 4 percent ABV. This crisp beer is "inspired by their popular Flying Fist IPA, with the same hoppy kick but a lower ABV." Attention, drinkers: this one's not for sipping.

The team will also hold a Beer Fiesta on October 16, between 3pm and 7pm on the Migas rooftop. For the people who missed Oktoberfest at the Big Smoke on October 1, you might want to jump on this party as Jing-A's Über-Jing Oktoberfest Lager makes a return alongside giant 1.5-meter paellas and other assorted tapas. There'll also be drinking games, beer pong tourney, bocce, cornhole, and more.

Five autumn beers created using much needed warming spices and herbal flavors will be on tap in quick succession soon at Great Leap Brewing (at all three locations). Three of five make their break this week and features Naked General Rye IPA (6.7 percent ABV) as the first. Expect a creamy beer with a strong grapefruit kick and a hint of spiciness from Grungeist hops and 20 percent rye malt.

The second is their Liu the Brave Stout (6.5 percent ABV), touching down on Friday afternoon (Oct 14). Liu has a creamy texture with robust chocolate and coffee flavors thanks to chocolate and roasted malts.

The third release will be GLB's seasonal Imperial Pumpkin Ale (7.5 percent ABV), which will be released on October 15 at all their locations as well as at Great Leap's fourth Harvest Festival at Mutianyu (see photo at the top). RMB 350, or RMB 300 for GLB members, gets you all-you-can-eat food and free-flow on four GLB beers (Imperial Pumpkin, Naked General, Honey Ma Lager, and Edmund Backhouse Pilsner), as well as transportation, and a whole day of fun. Food on the day includes barbecued pork and lamb, freshly caught trout, several salads, and some picnic-style dishes. Get your ticket at all their three locations, or email jimmy@greatleapbrewing.com, or you can also buy them through thehutong.com.

This week also marks the release of three new lunch sets from Slow Boat. Get a classic cheeseburger with french fries or salad, and a soft drink for RMB 70; or their signature fried chicken, beer battered pickle, and a pint of beer for RMB 60; or a house kale salad, popsicle dessert, and IF Juice for RMB 55.

Last but not least, the Beijinger’s October 15-16 Pizza Festival at Wangjing Soho will not be lacking in beers, for sure. Tickets can be bought in advance here or at the door at RMB 25. There will be two dozen brands of pizza on offer and craft beers, details of which will be unveiled on the blog in the coming days, so keep your eyes peeled.

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos courtesy of the venues