Pure Project

Pure Project goes all out for Oktoberfest.

“We originally brewed our Helles two years ago to have a crisp, refreshing lager that paired well with German fare for our Oktoberfest celebration,” says Pure Project Head Brewer, Demetra Hamill. “Brewed with all German ingredients, Harmony tastes great on any warm autumn San Diego day.” The Helles Lager, called Harmony, will be featured at all five Pure Project taprooms during the brewery’s Oktoberfest celebration, which runs from September 20th through the 29th.

Harmony is a 4.1% ABV full-bodied lager with a slight sweetness to balance out its spicy, lightly bitter German hops. The brewery has brought back its annual Oktoberfest steins (this year in a .5L size), which are available for $25 filled with Harmony or any other non-barrel-aged beer under 6% ABV. Those with this year’s stein or steins from previous years can get .5L refills beers under 6% ABV for $5.50 or full liter fills for $11.

The 2024 Pure Project Steinand Helles Lager in perfect Harmony.

Pure Project

Pure Project’s ten-day celebration is not limited to just the special release of Harmony. As Cheya Swartz, the brewery’s Hospitality Manager, explains, “Oktoberfest at Pure Project is all about bringing people together over great beer and good times. It’s a chance to share some laughs, raise a stein, and enjoy the festive vibe with friends and family. We’re excited to host this celebration, so dust off your lederhosen and come make awesome memories with our community.” 

It’s the time of year when Oktoberfests of varying degrees of authenticity pop up across the county. Pure Project is hoping to make warm September days in San Diego as close to Oktoberfest in Munich as possible. Those who show up on Saturday or Sunday dressed in lederhosen or dirndl will receive a token to get a 16-ounce pour of Harmony for one dollar. Saturday will also feature stein-holding competitions at each location, with winners receiving a Pure Project gift card. Festivities at the Vista location will include a performance by the Gordon Kohl Band on Saturday from 1 to 4 pm.

The Balboa Park taproom offers the most unique take on Oktoberfest, with a bit of German-Argentinian fusion. Along with the Harmony release and stein-holding contest, this location will feature a chicken empanada created specifically to pair with the Helles Lager. According to Chris Leguizamon, Pure Project’s Education Program Manager, “Simplicity is what makes the pairing of Empanada Kitchen’s chicken empanada and Harmony a grand slam. No one element overpowers the other, with the crispy dough complementing herbal notes, and the sofrito flavors popping on top of it.”

In August, Pure Project Balboa Park entered a partnership with Empanada Kitchen to serve freshly baked empanadas in the taproom. Empanada Kitchen, known for its handmade Argentine-style empanadas, offers a variety of fillings, promising to cater to different tastes. Pure Project has selected popular offerings from Empanada Kitchen such as chicken, and sweet corn and basil empanadas, which pair well with Pure Project’s murky IPA, Diamond Dust, and their pilsner, Rain, respectively.

The new chicken empanada will be available throughout Oktoberfest, or while supplies last.