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Unlike In Europe, where Oktoberfest traditionally starts in the third weekend in September and on ends the first Sunday of October – it’s become more associated with the fall season in general here in the state. We’ve still plenty of Oktoberfest celebrations scheduled to happen – and hundreds of Oktoberfest lagers that you still haven’t tried.
So here are 5 more Oktoberfest beers that you need to try before you kick it…
Augustiner Bräu Märzen Bier (Salzburg, Austria) – There’s no better to start any discussion of Oktoberfest beers than with a true original from the region’s oldest independent brewery – and it still remains one of the very best in the world. Pumped out of its mind on Austria’s distinctive Stadlau Pilsen and Kara-Extra-Hell malts, Augustiner Bräu Märzen Bier is 4.6% lager that’s pretty close to Oktoberfest perfection.
SurlyFest (Minneapolis, MN) – Maybe it’s the fact that lots of German immigrants settled in Great Plains cities, or the brewery’s proximity to the homes of America’s most successful malt producers, but whatever the reason, Minneapolis-based Surly makes one of the best Oktoberfest beers to be found anywhere. Brewed with three different types of rye and a single variety of American hops SurlyFest is a brilliant 6% ABV take on the classic tradition.
Shiner Oktoberfest (Shiner, TX) – When one thinks Oktoberfest beers, the mind doesn’t automatically wander to a small town in Texas – but it should because the fine folks at the Spoetzl Brewery (who understand lagers better than most craft breweries) brew one of the best around. Shiner Oktoberfest is an award-winning special-edition 5.7% ABV Märzen-style Ale that’s rich, dry, and flawless for this time of year.
Schlafly Oktoberfest (St Louis, MO) – No slouch when it comes to brewing lagers either, all of Schlafly has shown a deep understanding of European traditions and their fall festival “bier” is legend. Smooth and rich, yet surprisingly crisp and drinkable at the same time Schlafly Oktoberfest is a 5.5% ABV Bavarian Märzen with a toasty malt aroma and subtle caramel taste.
Odell Oktoberfest (Ft Collins, CO) – From its beautiful artisan label design to its rich golden copper pour, Odell’s spectacular fall seasonal nails the style in spectacular fashion. Sweetly tethered to a rich Munich malt backbone and spiced with a Noble hop finish Odell’s Oktoberfest is a 6.1% ABV Märzen that will win over those that tend to dismiss malt-forward beers.
