Fall is just around the corner, and with the season’s change comes other transitions. You’re going to swap out your shorts and flip-flops for a dirndl or lederhosen, and your shandies and lawnmower beers for seasonally appropriate Oktoberfests. Or…something along those lines. Really, we’re not picky.
Oktoberfest is a malty lager that’s brewed in the spring, lagered in cool environments during the summer months (traditionally in caves, but since few brewers’ have access to a cave, a cool fermentation chamber will do), and tapped in the fall. Its ABV is a tad north of sessionable, with some even falling on the imperial end of the spectrum, and it’s a great beer to enjoy while watching the leaves change.
Not sure where to start? Not to worry—we’ve got you covered!
SurlyFest by Surly Brewing Company (Brooklyn Center, Minnesota)
Surly promotes SurlyFest as “not a German-style Oktoberfest bier.” And it certainly isn’t your typical Oktoberfest. It’s a single-hops beer brewed with malted, flaked, and crystal rye and dry hopped with Sterling hops. The rye adds distinct biscuit notes to the Vienna malt, and the Sterling hops add nice floral hops notes.
Oktoberfest by Fort Collins Brewery (Fort Collins, Colorado)
Made with all German ingredients, this GABF gold-medal winner is brewed with Vienna, Munich, and CaraRed malts. Its hops bill includes Magnum and Hallertauer Mittelfruh hops, which bring an aromatic herbal and spicy character.
Samuel Adams Octoberfest (Boston, Massachusetts)
Notes of caramel and hearty malts create a smooth backbone to spicy hops with a rich, lager yeast that rounds out the flavors in this beer.
Oktoberfest by Payette Brewing Company (Boise, Idaho)
This very drinkable classic Oktoberfest is full bodied and has a sweetness on the nose, light hops bitterness, and a sweet malty finish.
Oaktoberfest by Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Paso Robes, California)
Pilsner and Vienna malts offer a honey-like aroma and impart a malty sweetness that is nicely rounded out by spicy German Hallertau noble hops.
Marzen Oktoberfest VMO 2 by La Cumbre Brewing Company (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Using traditional brewing methods, La Cumbre has created a super smooth example, with toasty malt and noble hops.
Staghorn Oktoberfest by New Glarus Brewing Company (New Glarus, Wisconsin)
Smooth and spicy, with roasted malts and a beautiful amber color, this Oktoberfest is one to try. It finishes clean and has just the right balance of malt, hops, and German yeast.
Oktoberfest by Port Huron Brewing Company (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin)
This brew is nice and malty and full of fruity and bready flavors, and rounded out with earthy spices from the hops.
Liberty Station Mättzen by Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Escondido, California)
Caramel sweetness hits up front, making this a full-bodied, malty treat. The hops add a nice bite at the end, giving it a nice, warm send-off.
Schadenfreude Pumpkin Oktoberfest by Parallel 49 Brewing Company
With this one, you can have your Oktoberfest and pumpkin beer, too. It starts out in the form of a traditional Oktoberfest lager, but pumpkin is added to the mash, and pumpkin pie spice is added to the kettle. The Munich malts add the all-important pie-crust flavor, making this a beer pumpkin-beer aficionados won’t want to miss.
There are so many Oktoberfests available, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. We’d love to know your favorites!