Top 10 Oktoberfest Beers
Even though Oktoberfest in Munich officially ended Sunday, don’t let that stop you from enjoying some Oktoberfest beers!
1. The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest – Avery Brewing
Pretty much anything Avery makes is golden and their Oktoberfest is no exception. Made from Magnum, Sterling, Tettnang and Hersbrucker hops, the Kaiser Imperial is brewed August 1st of every year. It has a strong, pleasurable aroma. You notice the hops and the expected Oktoberfest odor right away. The tan head is thick and the beer cooper in color. It’s great tasting and, best of all, it’s the strongest beer on the list, coming in at a massive 9.3%.
2. Dogtoberfest – Flying Dog Brewery
Flying Dog Brewery is known for taking a stylistic clue from Ralph Steadman of Gonzo fame and making some pretty unique beers. Take their description of their Oktoberfest lager: “The origins of Dogtoberfest are shrouded in mystery, but scholars think it has everything to do with an insane German king and a crazed Oompah band.” This 5.3% brew is made with 100% imported German ingredients, and features several malts that the average drinker probably hasn’t encountered, including Vienna, Munich 90, Munich 100, and Light Munich malts. This is an extremely well crafted, original take compared to some of your more ordinary lagers. Dogtoberfest also took the 2005 Bronze Medal and the 2008 Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO.
First brewed in 1989, their Octoberfest is billed as “a malt lover’s dream, masterfully blending together five roasts of barley to create a delicious harmony of sweet flavors including caramel and toffee.” To avoid the risk of having the caramel and toffee flavors overpower the taste, they add German Noble hops to bitter it up. At 5.4% ABV, it’s not the strongest Octoberfest you’ll find, but its well-crafted and flavorful taste more than make up for it.
Spaten deserves a place on this list for no other reason that it claims the title of the world’s first Oktoberfest. It was created 137 years ago and is still going strong. Spaten’s version is medium-bodied, with equal parts malts and hops that results in a smooth and slightly rich taste. It’s also one of the stronger beers on the list, with a 5.9% ABV.
This San Diego brewing company opened in 1989 and now makes more than 30 different beers every year. Their Oktoberfest is only available from September – October and is definitely worth picking up. It uses Vienna and Munich malts to help give it an impressive golden color and a nutty, slightly toasted flavor. Karl Strauss also imports their hops from the Hallertau region of Germany. It has a gravity rating of 13 but only a 5% ABV.
6. Premium Oktoberfest – Warsteiner
Another strong entry, this full-bodied lager has a 5.9% ABV. The hops and malts taste rather balanced, making it easier to sit down and drink several of these. This Oktoberfest is made with forest spring water and two-row malted spring barley. All the hops used to make it are German with no chemicals, preservatives or additives.
Located in San Francisco, Rogue Ales have won well over 100 awards for their various brews. This is a tally that their take on Oktoberfest lagers will no doubt add to. Brewmaster John Maier notes, “It has a rich German malt aroma and a very distinct and complex maltness.” The great taste of Maierfest comes largely from the Oktoberfest 2633 yeast, a blend of various lager strains. Like the Warsteiner, there are no preservatives, additives, or chemicals.
8. Oktober Fest-Marzen – Ayinger
Another native of Germany, this one is made entirely in Aying. Here, the bitter hopes are slightly more pronounced than in other brands. It has a burnt, crisp taste and a subdued smell. It’s aftertaste is very smooth but sweet. 5.8% ABV with a thin head that quickly dissipates.
9. Oktoberfest Marzen Amber – Paulaner
This Amber is one of the only Oktoberfests on our list that is actually made in Germany (Munchen, to be exact). It is much darker in color than your typical Oktoberfest, but with the same characteristic amber color. Paulaner’s version has very subtle aromas, which will disappoint those who enjoy more robust Oktoberfests. Initially, it tastes very malty but this slowly passes and the hops take over, which tend to linger. It’s 5.8% and, unlike most versions, is vailable year round.
This New York based beer is an off-colored amber in appearance and the malts are much more noticeable than the hops. It’s IBU rating is only 17. Because of this it has a pretty sweet taste that might turn some off from having more than a couple. If you pay attention you can notice some caramel in the taste.
