Beers To Help You Keep Oktoberfest Alive

Oktoberfest, the world’s most famous beer festival, takes place every year in Munich, Germany, from late September into early October. Typically, this annual festival attracts millions of visitors to Munich to imbibe the beer that is traditionally served on the holiday, namely Märzen or Märzenbier, a Bavarian lager. With 16 percent of the U.S. population claiming German ancestry, it’s no wonder the annual celebration of German culture, food, and drink is such a popular event here. To help you commemorate Oktoberfest properly at home, we’ve compiled 10 of our favorite German and American brews for your consideration. Enjoy and próst!

German Beers

Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen

The Hacker Pschorr Brewery originated in 1417 in Munich, Germany, so it knows a thing or two about beer. Based on an age-old recipe that includes slow-roasting Bavarian barley, this Oktoberfest Märzen is an authentic brew with a clear copper color. Balanced by Hallertau hops, this beer possesses a commanding malt flavor. A very drinkable Märzen, it has an ABV of 5.8%.

$12+

Buy Now

Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier

Hofbräu’s Oktoberfestbier is a rich, full-bodied lager that is best imbibed with traditional Bavarian cuisine. Known for its clean, crisp edge, it pours a shiny golden color thanks to light barley and Munich malts. With its bold taste and at 6.3% ABV, Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier is a great beer to add to your Oktoberfest celebration.

$11+

Buy Now

Spaten Oktoberfest

Considered to be the world’s oldest version of this particular style of beer, Spaten Oktoberfestbier is a Lager-Märzen style beer brewed in Munich. Medium-bodied, this beer balances a roasted malt flavor with just the right amount of hops. It has a malty, herbal aroma and finishes with an underlying sweetness that is true to the tradition of this beer.

$11+

Buy Now

American Beers

Brooklyn Oktoberfest

Brooklyn Brewery’s Oktoberfest is true to the classic Märzen lager style beer, complete with sweet, bready malts and German Noble hops. This is a full-bodied brew with a bready aroma and a light hop bitterness. Brooklyn Oktoberfest pairs well with all meats and strong cheeses like Gruyere or Stilton.

$15+

Buy Now

Jack’s Abby Copper Legend Oktoberfest

Using locally grown wheat from its home state of Massachusetts, along with Munich malt and Noble hops, Jack’s Abby Copper Legend Oktoberfest is a medium-bodied beer with good carbonation. Taking its name from the rich copper color it pours, this malty, smooth brew has a finish that is full and crisp.

$11+

Buy Now

Karbach Brewing Co. Karbachtoberfest

Based in Texas, Karbach Brewing’s Karbachtoberfest is an authentic, Bavarian-style Märzen made with Vienna and Munich malts. Cold-fermented and aged for six weeks, this beer has a thick, frothy, head of foam and a clear, gold-orange-amber appearance. It starts off a bit tangy, then it becomes sweet and malty and finishes with a subtle hop crispness.

$12+

Buy Now

Founders Oktoberfest

Michigan-based brewery, Founders, has crafted its Oktoberfest German-style Märzen with the intent to be “all in on tradition.” Founders imports the malt and hops straight from Germany for its Oktoberfest beer. With an ABV of 6%, it pours a copper color and has a rich, malty, yet slightly sweet flavor.

$11+

Buy Now

AleSmith Brewing Company, AleSchmidt Oktoberfest

AleSchmidt Oktoberfest is an award-winning Lager-Märzen style beer brewed by AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego. The brand’s take on this classic beer can best be described as having a clean and toasty malt character, derived from the Munich and Vienna malts used. It pours a dark amber color with a flavor that is crisp and refreshing.

$11+

Buy Now

Samuel Adams Octoberfest

Samuel Adams Octoberfest was originally released in October 1989 and has become the number one fall seasonal beer in the 32 years since. Pouring a deep golden amber hue, this classic German lager is back for another season. This is a mellow brew with a light hop character blended with the flavors of caramel and toffee.

$13+

Buy Now

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest

Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest pours a clear deep amber color with aromas of honey and bread with light coffee and sweet toffee notes. It also boasts some herbal and floral hop notes to provide a little balance. This is a medium-bodied beer with delicate hop bitterness, making this a solid example of the traditional Amber Märzen style.

$13

Buy Now