Behind the Scenes of Craft Brewing in Stafford: Oktoberfest Kickoff

As Oktoberfest rolls in, Stafford County’s local breweries are brewing up some incredible seasonal creations. We went behind the scenes with 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Co. and Barley Naked Brewing Co. to uncover what inspires their craft, their brewing processes, and what it takes to make their signature Oktoberfest beers. Here’s what we discovered:

A Passion for Brewing

For the brewers at 6 Bears & a Goat, their passion stems from experiences abroad. “Several trips to Bavaria and time spent in German Biergartens really inspired us. The family vibe centered around great beer was something we wanted to bring back here,” they shared.

Meanwhile, Barley Naked Brewing Co. had a different path to brewing, rooted in education. Their head brewer recalls, “As a junior at James Madison University, I enrolled in a 3-course brewery engineering sequence, which piqued my interest even more. On a break back home in Stafford, I stopped by Barley Naked and convinced Barry to let me intern. I enjoyed it so much that I never left.”

The Craft: Art Meets Science

Brewing may seem like a magical process, but it’s actually a fine balance between art and science. “We start by selecting the best ingredients from around the world to match the flavors in our style guidelines,” says the team at Barley Naked Brewing Co. “From milling the grains to fermenting at precise temperatures, we control every step of the process to create something exceptional.”

At 6 Bears & a Goat, brewing is approached with equal precision. “It all starts with an idea to brew a classic beer style or something that pushes the boundaries of what beer can be. Mixing the right ingredients in the right ratios is where the science comes in, but the art is in crafting the flavors, colors, and aromas.”

Favorite Brewing Moments

When asked what their favorite part of the brewing process is, 6 Bears & a Goat shared, “It’s knowing that at the end of the day, we’ve combined raw materials into a beer that customers enjoy—and keep coming back for more.”

For Barley Naked, it’s all about the senses. “My favorite part is the aroma. When we transfer the wort from the mash tun to the boil kettle, the brewery fills with this malty, biscuity smell. It feels more like a bakery than a brewery in that moment.”

The Creation of Seasonal Beers

When it comes to seasonal releases like Oktoberfest brews, creativity plays a huge role. Barley Naked explained, “We research current trends and listen to customer recommendations. From there, we choose the style that best fits the flavor profiles people are looking for.”

6 Bears & a Goat echoed the sentiment, saying, “We listen to our crew and customers. Not every beer is for everyone, but we aim to have something for everyone—whether it’s a sour ale, dark ale, or our Bar Hafen Oktoberfest bier.”

What Sets Stafford Breweries Apart

Both breweries are proud of their unique approach to brewing in Stafford County. 6 Bears & a Goat lives by their motto of “Simply Better Brew.” “We focus on creating deliberately simple, delicious beer. There are no frills, just malt, hops, yeast, and water. It’s about celebrating the simple moments in life.”

On the other hand, Barley Naked credits their friendly atmosphere and commitment to quality. “Our staff provides great customer service, and our community is incredibly supportive. That welcoming vibe is something we’re proud of.”

Overcoming Challenges

Like any craft, brewing has its challenges. Barley Naked focuses on consistency: “Our customers expect our beers to taste the same each time they visit, especially our flagships. We replicate the process exactly each time—temperature, ingredients, fermentation time—to guarantee that consistency.”

6 Bears & a Goat noted, “We rely on the availability of quality ingredients, and shortages can affect what styles we brew and when. Good communication with our suppliers helps, but it’s always a challenge.”

A Brewer’s Day-to-Day

Life in a brewery isn’t always glamorous. “It’s mostly cleaning,” laughs the team at 6 Bears & a Goat. “Everyone wants to be a brewer until it’s time to do brewer’s stuff. But at the end of the day, we’re making beer, and that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Barley Naked agreed, adding, “We monitor fermentation progress, temperature controls, and stock levels. Every day has a plan, but you never know what unexpected tasks might come up.”

What to Drink This Oktoberfest

Wondering what to sip during Oktoberfest? At Barley Naked, the recommendation is clear: “We’ll have four German-style beers on tap, but our Märzen-style beer is the one to try. It’s got a wonderfully complex malt character and a rich aftertaste that will leave you wanting more.”

Agreeing with the reason for the season, 6 Bears & a Goat encourages trying something new. “Oktoberfest is about celebration. Our Bar Hafen Oktoberfest bier is a great choice, but we also recommend trying something different to appreciate the art and science of beer.”

This Oktoberfest, Stafford’s local breweries are giving you more than just a pint to enjoy—they’re offering a peek behind the curtain at the craft, creativity, and dedication that goes into every beer. Check out our other craft breweries and our month-long Oktoberfest Beer Trail – an Oktoberfest event for every brewery! Cheers to local brewing and the art of great beer!