Time to dust off your lederhosen and/or dirndl, it’s Oktoberfest! The 183rd annual German beer festival kicks off year this weekend and we’re here to give you a rundown of some of our favorite Märzens to celebrate with.
Spaten Oktoberfest
The beer of Munich’s first Oktoberfests, Spaten is basically the OG of the Märzen style. Not only is it one of six official “Oktoberfestbiers”—beers that have been at every festival since 1818—Munich Oktoberfest doesn’t officially start until the mayor ceremoniously taps the first keg of Spaten beer. This medium bodied beer achieves its taste by balancing the roasted malt flavor with the perfect amount of hops. 5.9% ABV
Goose Island Oktoberfest
Goose Island Oktoberfest is brewed in the traditional Märzen style. A dry, malty body delivers sweet dried fruit flavors complemented with an earthy bitterness from the Hallertau hops. Aromas of toffee and burnt sugar along with flavors of sweet, dried apricots make up this medium bodied beer. 6.4% ABV
Old Style Oktoberfest
The beer of so many of our fathers, grandfathers, hell, maybe even great-grandfathers decided to make an Oktoberfest this year and we couldn’t be happier. Old Style Oktoberfest returned production to City Brewery in La Crosse, WI and is made with classic German malts and hops to give it a complex, full body and a clean finish. 6.3% ABV
Urban Chestnut Oachkatzlschwoaf
Growing up in Bavaria, Urban Chestnut’s Brewmaster, Florian Kuplent, was no stranger to the traditions of Oktoberfest. His Oachkatzleschwoaf (pronounced “oh-cat-zel-schwof”) pours a brilliant amber color with a rich, off-white head. Lightly roasted malt aroma with a slight sweetness balanced by floral hops round out this fine Märzen offering. 5.4% ABV
Central Waters Octoberfest Lager
With an enticing, bready maltiness characteristic of traditional Märzen-style lagers, Central Waters Octoberfest is a radiant amber-colored brew that finishes crisp and clean. Enjoy this fall seasonal as summer turns to autumn and the colors of their native Wisconsin Northwoods are ablaze. 4.5% ABV
Upland Oktoberfest
Coming in at 6.7% ABV, Upland Oktoberfest packs a subtle punch. Flavors of caramel, toffee, and lightly roasted malt are complemented by a blend of three German hop varieties providing perfect balance and a refreshing finish. 6.7% ABV
Shiner Oktoberfest
This classic Oktoberfest bier is made with two-row barley and Munich and caramel malts along with German-grown Hallertau and Hersbrucker hops. A 2010 European Beer Star Gold Medalist, Shiner Oktoberfest is proven to delivery on flavor and drinkability. 5.8% ABV
Burnt City Brewing Oktober-Rex
Burnt City’s Oktoberfest Märzen celebrates the wonderful German tradition as respectfully as possible. Fancy German barley malts and hops were used in this flavorful, quaffable amber lager. Malt notes are prominent, but the beer finishes dry. Hop character is subtle, adding a gentle floral aroma. 5.3% ABV
Brooklyn Oktoberfest, Bell’s Octoberfest, Church Street Itascafest, and Summit Oktoberfest round out our list of Märzens to celebrate with. See a list of all our Oktoberfest offerings here.
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