Hoppy’s next stop was at Sierra Nevad Brewing, at their Mills River location. He has visited there several times before, and a more detailed visit can be found here.
During this visit, Hoppy quaffed a Chinook Wet Hop IPA. It is a classic American-Style IPA brewed with freshly harvested Chinook hops from Hop Head Farms in Hickory Corners, MI. It is described as having flavors of grapefruit, lemon, fresh hops and candies pineapple. It clocked in at 7.2% ABV, 54 IBU.
Pictures from the visit follow:
TaproomDraft BoardDraft ListChinook Wet Hop IPASignage
Hoppy visited Zillicoah Beer Company in mid-October. They opened their doors in October 2017. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters, from the French Broad River, damaged Zillicoah heavily. The brewery shut down operations and faced major recovery and rebuilding. They spent eleven months rebuilding their structure and spirit which included restarting brewing with collaborations, repairing the facilities, and restoring the taproom. They reopened their taproom on August 21st of this year.
Scan the QR code below, should you wish to contribute to recovery efforts in the area.
While Hoppy was there, he enjoyed a Nelson IPA described as a single hop IPA brewed with Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand. 5.7% ABV.
Photos from the visit follow:
ExteriorBarDraft BoardTapsNelson IPABreweryBreweryTaproomTaproom/Outdoor Food TrucksLogoDecorOutdoor SeatingOutdoor Seating/Food TruckOutdoor Draft ListOne of Three Display Cases with Items Recovered from the FloodMerchandise
Hoppy stopped by Creatures of Habit Brewing for their Oktoberfest celebration yesterday. He enjoyed the house-made bratwurst, sauerkraut balls and German apple cake.
While there, he quaffed a WeldWerks Brewing Dino Bits Imperial Hazy IPA. This is a collaboration with Toppling Goliath Brewing. 8.2% ABV.
He also sampled a Creatures of HabitOktoberfest Märzen. 5.9% ABV, 20 IBU.
Pictures from the visit follow:
Oktoberfest MenuHoppy Attacked the Delicious Bratwurst and Sauerkraut BallsDigital Draft ListWildWerks Dino Bits
Hoppy attended the Guggman Haus Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday. It was the main day of a five-day celebration which ran from October 17th through October 21st.
During the visit, Hoppy enjoyed a pint of their American IPA Expedition #17. It is described as being run through their hopback of fresh, wet El Dorado hops and then dry-hopped with Krush and Maui Nelson Hop Kief from Freestyle Hops. It is said to be bursting with bold tropical aromas and layered hop character. 6.2% ABV.
Pictures from the visit follow:
Bar/Draft Board/TapsBeer LineAmerican IPA Expedition #17Members of Indianapolis Liederkranz German BandGuggman Haus Oktoberfest Merchandise
Hoppy attended the eighth annual Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus on Saturday. While there, he sampled the following beers and watched a preliminary wiener dog race.
Gnosis Brewing Within My Mind Hazy IPA – Brewed with Citra hops. 7.6% ABV, 20 IBU.
Hog Molly Brewing Knockin Gourds Pumpkin Ale – Described as using real spices to add an autumn bite to this hearty amber. Real pumpkin is used to balance the spices in this classic seasonal ale. 6.6% ABV, 19 IBU.
Field Brewing Reunion Citrus IPA – Described as a refreshing IPA brewed with real tangerine and grapefruit, moderately dry hopped with Ahtanum and Cascade hops. 6.3% ABV, 64 IBU.
Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery Pineapple IPA – Described as having infused pineapple into their Hop Hugger IPA. They state that it pairs well with all spicy foods, or it just pairs well with you! 7.1% ABV, 70 IBU.
King JuggBrewing Oktoberfest Märzen – 5.8% ABV, 21 IBU
Bier Brewery South Simcoe DDH Hazy IPA – Described as having aroma and flavor of fresh mango with a soft pineapple finish. An upfront flavor from Simcoe and Denali hops with a juicy finish. It’s smooth, hazy and totally chill. 5% ABV, 40 IBU.
Pictures from the event follow:
OktoberfestOktoberfestOktoberfestStarting Line for Wiener Dog RacePreliminary Heat of Wiener Dog RacingFort Wayne Tanzer Dance Group MembersOktoberfestOktoberfest
Tired of Oktoberfests where food is an afterthought? Then this is for you! Evil Czech Brewery in Mishawaka is presenting Porktoberfest2025, an all-you-can-eat feast that includes pork tacos, rib tips, sliders, raw oysters on the half shell, pretzel bites, black bean soup, and a whole fire-roasted hog! You will also receive two tokens for any of their draft beers.
Cadillac Jack will be rocking the event all evening with a high-energy mix of rock, country, and crowd favorites.
The Evil Czech draft beers include the Oktoberfest Märzen Lager – 5.6% ABV • 20 IBU – Described as a classic Märzen lager, light-bodied, slightly sweet, and very crisp with a mild lingering bitterness to balance it out. Copper-orange in appearance.
Other drafts that will be pouring are: Old Prague, Corndance, Higgins’ Haze, GG Patton, Evil Czech-Munk, Static Chipmunk, Jesús, Nefarious Harbor, Bigsby, Voodoo, John the One-Eyed, Hang It in the Leuven, and Chucky’s Mistress.
This will all take place in the Evil Czech Beer Garden at 3703 North Main Street, Mishawaka, on Saturday, October 11th, 5-9pm EDT. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased here. VIP Mug Club Members can call the brewery to register and receive a complimentary ticket.
Tickets are limited, and this event sells out every year. Don’t wait — secure yours today and get ready to celebrate Porktoberfest in the Beer Garden!
You can find more information on the events calendar here.
