Stiegel, Stein, and Aprés all the time: Oktoberfest in Vail

On this episode of Cocktails With Friends, Bob Cutler and his brother in aprés Rich Stoner talk about the distinguished drinker’s favorite time of the year: but this one is far closer to home. With special guest stars Jeremy Gross, Events Program Manager of the city of Vail, Colorado, and Event Producer Brian Nolan, Bob and Rich bring to you the glad tidings of Oktoberfest… in Vail.

But before that, the Mountain Mixer Cocktail Contest has crowned its 2025 champion, and Bob and Rich have much to share about the decisive winning drink, a spirit-forward creation called “Melt“, whose taste evolves over time to delicious effect. Much like Oktoberfest in Vail, which is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year.

Bringing to the stage Brian, the friends get to talking about all the high spirits and tall steins that Oktoberfest has to offer; the number of pints that will be poured over the two weekends will astound you, and the number of kegs they ship in all the way from Austria will knock your socks off. Even more so, they’ll knock down a couple of pins: Vail may have very well invented the game of keg bowling— it’s reason enough to come!

Whether you come for the beer, the music, or to try your hand at keg bowling, Vail’s Oktoberfest is après culture at its finest. Don’t forget, friends don’t let friends miss our weekly episodes of Cocktails with Friends. Check them out wherever you find your podcasts, and make sure you share the conversation.

Cheers!