Jocktoberfest
A look back at the history of the Black Isle Brewery Festival
For over a decade, Jocktoberfest was one of the most beloved beer festivals in Scotland. Hosted by the Black Isle Brewery, this celebration of all things beer brought together craft beer enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of music, food, and, of course, delicious beer.
The festival got its start in 2003, when the Black Isle Brewery decided to host a celebration to mark the end of the hop-picking season and the start of the brewing season. They chose the name Jocktoberfest as a nod to the traditional German Oktoberfest, with a Scottish twist. The festival was held annually on the last weekend in September and was quickly embraced by the local community and beer lovers from all over Scotland.
One of the standout features of Jocktoberfest was the variety of beers on offer. The Black Isle Brewery was well-known for its innovative and sustainable brewing practices, and the festival gave visitors a chance to sample some of the brewery's most unique and flavorful creations. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there was something for everyone.
In addition to the beer, Jocktoberfest also featured a range of food stalls, offering everything from traditional German sausages to locally-sourced Scottish seafood. The festival also had a packed schedule of live music, with local bands and musicians performing on the main stage throughout the weekend.
Another popular feature of Jocktoberfest was the brewery tours, which gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the Black Isle Brewery and its brewing process. These tours were always in high demand and often sold out well in advance of the festival.
Jocktoberfest was a highlight of the Scottish calendar for many years, with visitors coming back year after year to enjoy the festival's unique atmosphere and delicious beer.
While Jocktoberfest may be no more, its legacy lives on. The Black Isle Brewery continues to produce some of Scotland's best craft beers, and the festival remains a fond memory for those who were lucky enough to attend. For those who missed out, Jocktoberfest will always be remembered as a unique and special celebration of Scotland's beer culture.