A Look at the 2025 Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Malt Row
I’ve always been a pretty big fan of Chicago’s craft beer scene, you know? The city just has this incredible collection of breweries, and frankly, Malt Row in Ravenswood is the heart of it all. So, when I heard they were doing a special Oktoberfest-themed walking tour for 2025, I honestly had to sign up. I mean, it sounded like a perfect way to celebrate the season. It’s almost a given that a walking tour here would be good. The idea of strolling from brewery to brewery, sampling special festive beers without worrying about driving, well, that seemed very appealing. So my friends and I booked our tickets, obviously curious to see if this tour lived up to its promise. At the end of the day, we were just hoping for good beer and a good time.
First Steps: The Tour’s Beginning
Our tour group met just outside Begyle Brewing, which, by the way, is a super convenient spot to start. The instructions we received via email were actually very clear. We found our guide, a really friendly person named Alex, pretty easily. Alex, in fact, was holding a small sign and wearing a festive-looking hat, so he was sort of hard to miss. The group size was, I would say, just right, at about 15 people. You see, it felt small enough to be personal but large enough that you could mingle a bit. Alex gave us a quick rundown of the afternoon, and honestly, his enthusiasm was kind of contagious. He explained that we’d be visiting three breweries along Malt Row, each with its own special Oktoberfest offering. We also got these cool little tasting glasses on lanyards to wear around our necks, which, as a matter of fact, was a very practical touch. It pretty much set a fun, relaxed tone right from the start, you know?
The Guide and the Group Dynamic
Alex, our guide, really made the experience, to be honest. He wasn’t just there to lead us from point A to point B; he actually knew a lot about the history of beer in Chicago and stuff. For instance, he shared some interesting stories about how Malt Row got its name, which I frankly had no idea about. He was incredibly approachable and managed the group very well. The group itself was a nice mix of people, you know, some locals and some visitors. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, which obviously helped. We chatted with a couple from Wisconsin who were in town just for the weekend. In short, the social part of the tour was definitely a highlight.
The Main Event: Tasting at the Breweries
Okay, so this is what we all came for, right? The beer. Each stop offered something a little different, and frankly, the selections were spot-on for the Oktoberfest theme. The walk between breweries was just a few blocks, so it was a very easy and pleasant stroll. Honestly, it was a great way to see the neighborhood.
Stop 1: Begyle Brewing
Our first stop was, of course, where we started: Begyle Brewing. They had a special brew called the “Ravenswood Festbier” just for the occasion. This beer was, in a way, the perfect starter. It was a golden lager, very clean and crisp, with a slightly malty sweetness that wasn’t overpowering. Alex explained that a Festbier is typically a little lighter than a traditional Märzen, which is what they serve at Munich’s Oktoberfest. We actually got a decent-sized pour, more than just a tiny sample. The brewery itself had some decorations up, and the atmosphere was really lively. We also got a behind-the-scenes peek at their canning line, which was a nice little bonus. In that case, it was a strong opening to the tour.
Stop 2: Dovetail Brewery
Next, we walked over to Dovetail Brewery, which, as a matter of fact, is famous for its traditional, old-world brewing methods. Their taproom is absolutely beautiful, with lots of dark wood and a very classic European feel. Here, we tried their Oktoberfest Lager, which was a more traditional Märzen style. This one had a lovely amber color and a much richer, toastier malt character, which I really liked. It was, you know, a bit more complex than the Festbier at Begyle. You could sort of taste the care they put into their beer.
“You can’t rush this kind of beer,” Alex told us. “Dovetail uses old-school techniques like decoction mashing, and honestly, you can taste the difference.”
He was completely right. We also got a soft pretzel with mustard here, which was included with the tour. It was, frankly, the perfect pairing and a very welcome snack.
Stop 3: Half Acre Beer Company
Our final brewery was the well-known Half Acre Beer Company on Balmoral. It was probably the biggest and most modern of the three stops. They had a special beer on tap called “Lager Town,” their take on an Oktoberfest Märzen. This one, unlike the others, had a slightly hoppier finish, which gave it a more American craft beer twist. It was a really interesting contrast to the very traditional style at Dovetail. The energy at Half Acre was buzzing, with a big, open taproom and an outdoor patio. It was, in other words, a great place to end the tour. We had our final sample and then had the option to stick around and order a full pint, which nearly everyone in our group did. At the end of the day, it was a good way to wrap things up and chat with our new friends.
Beyond the Beer: Food and Festive Feelings
Well, this tour was about more than just drinking beer. The Oktoberfest theme was pretty well integrated, you know? The pretzel at Dovetail was a very nice touch, as I was saying. It definitely helped to have something to eat along the way. Alex, meanwhile, carried a small bag with extra snacks, like little bags of crackers, which was really thoughtful. Some of the breweries had oompah music playing softly in the background, which, to be honest, added to the festive atmosphere without being cheesy. It felt like a proper, if somewhat low-key, celebration of the season. I sort of appreciated that it wasn’t a wild party. Instead, it was more of a relaxed appreciation for German-style beer and culture. For instance, the focus was squarely on the craftsmanship of the breweries.
My Honest Opinion: Who Is This For?
So, who would really enjoy this tour? Frankly, I think it’s perfect for a few different kinds of people. It’s obviously great for craft beer lovers who want to explore some of Chicago’s best breweries with a fun, seasonal theme. It’s also really good for people who are new to craft beer, basically. Alex did a fantastic job of explaining the styles in a way that was super easy to understand. You don’t need to be a beer expert to have a good time. It’s also, at the end of the day, an excellent activity for couples or a small group of friends looking for a unique afternoon out. However, if you’re looking for a rowdy pub crawl, this might be a little too low-key for you. The vibe is definitely more educational and appreciative. In short, it’s about savoring the beer, not just consuming it. The walking aspect also means you should be comfortable being on your feet for a couple of hours, though the pace is, you know, very leisurely.
Summarizing the Experience
Basically, the 2025 Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Malt Row was a really well-organized and enjoyable experience. It’s almost the perfect balance of information, socializing, and, of course, tasting some truly excellent seasonal beers. The guide was knowledgeable, the brewery choices were fantastic, and the overall pace was just right. I left feeling like I’d not only had a great time but also learned a little something. It’s an activity I would honestly recommend to anyone looking to celebrate Oktoberfest in a way that feels authentically Chicago.
Key Highlights
- You get to visit three of Malt Row’s top breweries: Begyle, Dovetail, and Half Acre.
- The tour is expertly guided, so you get some history and context with your beer.
- Tastings are included, and they’re, frankly, generously sized.
- A soft pretzel snack is part of the deal, which is a nice touch.
- It’s a really easy walk, suitable for most fitness levels.
- The group size is small enough to feel personal and engaging, you know?
Read our full review: [Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Malt Row Full Review and Details]
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