Oktoberfest

As I listlessly scroll through my Facebook, I can tell fall is upon us. Comments like “broke down and turned on the furnace” flood the feed, and though no one wants to see summer go, fall brings happy times with its dropping temperatures and leaves. Along with Fireball and Cider, and spicy mulled wines, Oktoberfest beers are something I look forward to every year. These are my picks for the best of the season!

HofBräu Oktoberfest Münich Germany 

The bright-yellow packaging and cheerful barmaid on the 6-pack holder make this beer jump from the shelves! This is our best seller each year, due in part to it being full-bodied, hoppy, crisp, and refreshing!

Weinhenstephaner Oktoberfestbier 

This beer has everything going for it, from the laughing nuns on the 6-pack holder to being Bavaria’s oldest brewery; Weinhenstephaner is a straight-up great brewery. Perfect for a crisp fall day in the sun, this Oktoberfest is light to medium bodied and has sweet, malty notes with a clean finish.

Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen 

One of the most medal-winning Oktoberfest beers in history, Ayinger is medium bodied with yeasty, toasty, fruity notes on the nose and layered flavors on the palate. Malty and thirst quenching, its finish is clean with hints of pear and apple. These are very limited, so don’t delay!

Rochester Mills Oktoberfest 

New to retail this season, Rochester Mills is the only Oktoberfest in 16-oz cans, making it ideal for tailgating, bonfires, or just raking the leaves. It’s easy drinking with mild tree fruit character and malty richness. Slight hop and bready notes round out the flavors. The can design is fun and festive, with pairing suggestions of pretzels and hot dogs right on it.

Left Hand Brewing Oktoberfest Marzen Lager

Making their Oktoberfest in the most traditional way possible, starting in the spring, waiting two full months of brewing to get the flavors right, and then releasing in the fall, Left Hand is malty, biscuity and just down right tasty! This one is limited and hard to find, but it’s well worth the hunt!

On October 12, 1810, the Crowned Prince Ludwig of Bavaria took the Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen’s hand in marriage, and we have been celebrating ever since! Never one to pass up a good reason to celebrate, I always try to work my way through all of the different Oktoberfest beers. Thank God I have two months to do it!  I hope you try all of my picks and tell us your favorites!

Prost!