Tag Archives: OC Beer Blog

Show 543, September 16, 2023: Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival, Anaheim, with Producer Greg Nagel

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Greg Nagel of FirkFest

“What would have been the 7th annual Firkfest in Anaheim in 2020 is finally back in 2023 as Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival. Note that it’s no longer cask only. The only prerequisite is breweries are required to bring something special made just for the event.”

“Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival is happening on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. in Downtown Anaheim surrounding the city’s decorated Halloween tree on West Center Street Promenade, including 30 plus of California’s best breweries, including Monkish, Green Cheek, Highland Park, Moonlight, Everywhere, and others”

“It’s not only a fall beer festival where you can get dressed up, but your beer can too,” notes founder and organizer Greg Nagel @OCBeerBlog. “Two of my favorite things are Halloween and Oktoberfest, both of which happen near each other, so why not have a Halloweenish Oktoberfest?” he continued. Most beers are specially made just for the event, meaning you can only get a taste for them at the festival.

“Around thirty of SoCal’s best brewers are invited, and the event is heavily attended by the beer industry, brewers, and beer lovers alike. The festival is never oversold, capping guests at around 600, which sells out every year it’s been around.” “The venue is slightly larger than previous years, so we may add a little bit,” notes Nagel.

“The festival supports the Anaheim Fall Festival and Parade, which is in its 100th year this October. The Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival will feature local chefs, music, and have a costume contest.”

Founder and Organizer Greg Nagel of OC Beer Blog is our guest to tap the keg of the upcoming Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival.

Greg has a special offer for our Listeners. Ticket price is $59 plus processing fee. If you buy your ticket and use in the Promo Code Box : “AM830” you’ll earn a $10 discount. The event typically sells out early so plan accordingly!

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Show 265, March 17, 2018: Greg Nagel, Founder & Producer, Firkfest Castaway Tiki Cask Beer Festival

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Greg NagelThe 5th Annual Firkfest Cask Beer Festival is back on March 24th at the Anaheim Packing District Farmers Park. This year, again, it’s a Tiki theme. All the cask beers served are made specifically for the event. They may never be brewed again.

“Of the hundreds of different flavors of beer, a large portion can be described as “tropical”. Whether it be IPAs bursting with mango, pineapple, or passion fruit hoppy notes; stouts with Pina Colada and Mai Tai vibes, or even Belgian-style beers with Zombie cocktail overtones…don’t be surprised to see this year’s Firkfest beers to include “aged in rum barrel” or have actual barbecued pineapple making up the event’s beers.”

New this year is the well-respected OC Bartenders Cabinet will be shaking up actual Tiki cocktails for demonstration and sampling. Several bartenders are teaming up with breweries to also collaborate on tropical/tiki-style cask beers.

“Looking at the previous Firkfest events, I saw a common denominator: tropical-style beers seemed to stand out. As a huge cocktail nerd that loves Tiki culture, it’s time for the area’s craft brewers to come together, throw on some grass skirts, and make something truly unique,” says founder, organizer, and local beer writer Greg Nagel, @OCBeerBlog.

Tickets are $50 including fees, all profits supporting the historic Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, an event that celebrates a 95-year history. Event tickets are by-design, limited, as the producer keeps things intimate. “It’s a park-like atmosphere, where people chill on beach blankets and chairs,” says fest-man Nagel.

Murrieta’s Inland Wharf Brewing Co. (previous guests on the show) will be there as well as El Segundo Brewing Co., Smog City Brewing Co. and TAPS.

Founder, organizer, and local beer writer Greg Nagel taps the cask for us.

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Show 213, March 4, 2017: Greg Nagel, Founder, FirkFest Caskaway

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Greg NagelThe 4th Annual FirkFest is back at the Anaheim Packing District on Saturday, March 11th and this year it’s a Tiki theme. It’s unlimited tastes from 50 casks. Talk about wild & unrestrained. It’s beers, food and all-Tiki-themed décor.

“Looking at the previous three Firkfest events, I saw a common denominator: tropical-style beers seemed to stand out. As a huge cocktail nerd that loves Tiki culture, it’s time for the area’s craft brewers to come together, throw on some grass skirts, and make something truly unique,” says founder, organizer, and local beer writer Greg Nagel, @OCBeerBlog.

Food vendors include Tiki-style slider restaurant Hatch and the Iron Press bringing pulled-pork fries and sliders, Adya: Fresh Indian Flavors is bringing tropical Kebab and nacho-like pineapple chaat, and Salt & Ash from P-town is coming up with a pork Musubi-like dish (tbd).

FirkFert is offering a generous $10 off the regular admission price of $55.00 to “SoCal Restaurant Show” listeners. The Discount Code to enter on the Ticket Buying Page is : SoCalRestaurantShow. Cheers…

Founder Greg Nagel taps the keg for us on this year’s event to benefit the Orange County Brewer’s Guild.

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