American craft breweries have typically embraced Oktoberfest as a must-have style for the early fall season. “Oktoberfest can come in two different types being either the traditional Märzen or the Festbier, which is the main beer style at the modern German Oktoberfest tents,” says Chris Enegren of California’s Enegren Brewing. “These styles fit well with the modern drinker because they’re designed for drinkability while maintaining a sense of complexity and flavor depth.”
A proper Oktoberfest Märzen comprises varying percentages of Pilsner, Vienna and Munich Malts. “It shouldn‘t be as dry as a Vienna lager and not as malty as a Dunkel,” he says. On the other hand, the Festbier can be thought of as more of a special helles where the abv is around 6% and is made up of mostly pilsner malt. The Paulaner Brauerei München pioneered the Festbier style in the 1970s believing the Märzen was too filling for full days of drinking. It eventually caught on with other brewers.
In Munich, Oktoberfest runs from early September into the beginning of October. Stateside, many will celebrate the season through the end of October, sometimes into November. National brands like Samuel Adams and Yuengling can have their Oktoberfest lagers on shelves as early as July.
“It is still hard to beat traditional German malt and hops for both the Märzen and Festbier style, and everything in between,” says Justin Slotnick the production manager of New Hampshire’s Schilling Beer Co. “A clean traditional German lager yeast strain that will let that malt character shine is of utmost importance.” Floral hops, like Hallertau Mittelfruh, Tettnanger and Hersbrucker increase the drinkability of the style.
He notes the beers should be crystal clear, with a nice ample cap of foam. Spunding (a natural carbonation method), increased lagering time and proper filtration can all help achieve that result.
“I feel like at this point we are nearing the apex of the switch in the American craft beer market. Märzen is more niche and Festbier is the name of the game now,” he says. “To me this makes sense: as craft beer becomes more mainstream and mature, we are noticing an increase in appreciation of pale lager.”
Biers to Try
If you are feeling the Oktoberfest spirit, seek one of these out.
Carton Brewing Festy 5.5% ABV
A sweet malt profile brings biscuit, caramel and richness to the stein, while the hops add a floral and spicy aspect. Easy drinking for the full season without bringing on palate fatigue.
$26.99 / 12 oz. 12-pk Total Wine
Enegren Brewing Co. Oktoberfest 5.5% ABV
Copper colored, refreshing and smooth, this classically brewed lager boasts a lovely floral hop profile that is balanced by rich yet crisp malts. Pair with a pretzel and another round.
$12.99 / 16 oz. 12-pk Total Wine
Firestone Walker Brewing Company Oaktoberfest 5.2% ABV
Aged on oak during the lagering process, this full-flavored Oktoberset has a richness and rustic sweetness not found in other versions. Good with the heartier section of an Oktoberfest menu, like a pork shank.
$11.49 / 12 oz. 6-pk Total Wine
Jack’s Abby Copper Legend 5.7% ABV
Malt forward with a light sweet caramel touch. Enjoyable fresh in early autumn in outdoor beer gardens, it also continues to drink well late into the season, offering up a touch of warmth as the weather turns.
$12.49 / 16 oz. 4-pk Total Wine
KC Bier Co. Festiber 5.5% ABV
This honey-biscuit, malt-forward lager is easy drinking and pairs nicely with roast chicken (a Fest staple). The noble hops offer a floral and spicy experience on the finish.
$7.49 / 12 oz. 6-pk Total Wine
Notch Brewing Festbier 5.7% ABV
Lively and welcoming, the release date of this annual offering from the celebrated lager brewer should be circled on calendars. Malt forward, with a scant hop presence, the lightly golden lager is a delight round after round.
$14.49 / 16 oz. 4-pk Total Wine
Schilling Beer Co. Konstantin 5% ABV
Modeled after the Austrian take on a Märzen, with a light amber color and pleasant bready maltiness, a balanced hop character, and great drinkability. It is lighter in abv and drier than other examples.
$3.75 / 16 oz. Empire Wine
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest 6% ABV
The famed U.S. brewery pairs up with a German brewery every year for a collaboration Oktoberfest. This year it’s for a version made with Brauerei Gutmann, a family-owned German brewer established in 1707.
$11.99 / 12 oz. 6-pk Total WineThis article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!
Our Coverage of Oktoberfest
- Here are 8 things to know about Oktoberfest.
- Learn how Oktoberfest became a worldwide sensation.
- Oktoberfest, in Palestine? Behind the scenes of a poignant festival in a warn-torn region.
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Published: August 26, 2024
