When it comes to Oktoberfest beers, there are several breweries that consistently produce outstanding brews. Here are nine of the best Oktoberfest beers to sip this fall:
1. Green Bench Festbier Lager (Florida, US): This American take on the classic Oktoberfest beer is light amber in color with a smooth maltiness and a crisp finish. It’s a well-balanced and refreshing brew that captures the spirit of the traditional German style.
2. Left Hand Oktoberfest Märzen Lager (Colorado, US): Left Hand Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest beer is a rich and malty Märzen Lager with caramel and toffee flavors. It has a medium body and a clean, smooth finish that makes it a delight to drink.
3. Rosenstadt Festbier (Oregon, US): Rosenstadt Brewery’s Festbier is a traditional German-style Märzen Lager that is brewed with imported German malts and hops. It has a deep amber color, a slight sweetness, and a clean, crisp finish. It’s a great representation of the classic Oktoberfest beer.
4. Victory Festbier (Pennsylvania, US): Victory Brewing Company’s Festbier is a full-bodied amber Lager with a rich malty flavor. It has notes of caramel and toasted bread, with a hint of hop bitterness to balance out the sweetness. It’s a well-crafted beer that is perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest.
5. Spaten Oktoberfest Ur-Märzen (Germany): Spaten Brewery in Munich, Germany, is one of the six breweries allowed to serve their beer at the official Oktoberfest celebration. Their Oktoberfest Ur-Märzen is a classic example of the style, with a deep golden color, a malty sweetness, and a slightly spicy hop character. It’s a must-try for any Oktoberfest beer aficionado.
6. Shiner Märzen-Style Oktoberfest (Texas, US): The Spoetzl Brewery in Texas brews a fantastic Märzen-style Oktoberfest beer that combines German brewing traditions with a Texan twist. It has a rich, smooth maltiness with flavors of caramel and toasted grains. It’s a delicious and approachable beer for both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.
7. Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen (Germany): Paulaner Brewery is another Munich-based brewery that is known for its exceptional Oktoberfest beers. Their Oktoberfest Märzen is a classic example of the style, with a deep amber color, a rich malt character, and a clean, dry finish. It’s a true taste of Bavaria and a favorite among Oktoberfest enthusiasts.
8. Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen (Germany): Ayinger Brewery, located just outside of Munich, is renowned for its outstanding German-style beers. Their Oktober Fest-Märzen is a full-bodied, malty Lager with flavors of caramel, toffee, and toasted bread. It’s a smooth and flavorful beer that pairs perfectly with traditional Oktoberfest fare.
9. Weihenstephaner Festbier (Germany): Weihenstephan Brewery, the oldest brewery in the world, produces a Festbier that is a true delight. It has a deep golden color, a rich maltiness, and a clean, crisp finish. It’s a well-balanced and flavorful beer that showcases the expertise and tradition of German brewing.
These nine breweries, both in the US and Germany, consistently produce exceptional Oktoberfest beers that capture the essence of the traditional style. Whether you prefer a classic German Märzen or an American take on the style, these beers are sure to enhance your Oktoberfest celebrations. Prost!