Oktoberfest suggestions

Paulaner is a nice one. Sierra Nevada's is a standout this year. Try Staghorn by New Glarus, Surlyfest by Surly, and Revolution's Oktoberfest.

 

Sierra Nevada is delicious.

 

+1 for Paulaner

 

Not sure, this is the first year I've had it. I agree it isn't exactly along the lines of a traditional marzen but I still enjoyed it for what it is.

 

No denying the quality of Metro's beers, but I'd probably choose Dynamo first.

 

I had a couple of mugs of it this past weekend and, I gotta say, it was the best American Octoberfest brew I've had so far. Blows Sam Adams out of the water...(which is readily available just about anywhere here in MA).

If I had to go for an Octoberfest I'd definitely look at the German ones first (Paulaner and Ayinger are the first that come to mind) with Sierra Nevada not too far behind. I haven't tried Great Lakes but it's well regarded here at BA so I'm sure it's good.

 

This year the Sierra Nevada offering is great. I also enjoyed Paulaner. Just tried the one from Karbach. It is not bad.

 

Allgauer makes a fine Oktoberfest brew if available in your area. Also anything from Augustiner-Brau.

 

Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen is the best I've ever had. And it wasn't even close.

 

I can't wait to come up with a reason to tap mine .

I have already gone through sixers of Sierra Nevada and Weihenstephaner; Hofbrau, Spaten and Ayinger will be waiting in the wings. It's gonna be a great season- prost!

 

Spaten Oktoberfest Ür Märzen
Ayinger Oktober Fest Märzen
Hacker-Pschorr Original Oktoberfest
Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen

US
Sierra Nevada..especially this years
Great Lakes
Staghorn
I actually like Munsterfest from 3F too
Fatheads makes a good one as well

 

Ayinger
Weihenstephan
Hofbrau

 

I agree with the others, but this damn Paulaner Oktoberfest Weizen in my hand right now seems pretty top notch!

 

Wies'n. It's not a Weizen.

 

Instead of having 4 German and 4 American, why not have them try THREE versions.

Pale German Oktoberfests (Festbiers, Wies'n...)

-Hofbrau and Weihenstephan are my favorites

American Oktoberfests

-Brooklyn and Sierra Nevada are my favorites

Amber German Oktoberfests

-Spaten, Hacker Pschorr, and Ayinger are my favorites

Also, the Sierra Nevada and Ayinger's are a lighter amber, almost in between the two styles. They're also two of the highest rated..coincidence?

 

When you think about it there's not a bad Fest beer from any brewer I've had worthy of the name. Maybe one you'd prefer over another, but they all all IMO pretty damn good. Given the season mix a six and try different ones, normally I'd avoid them at all costs, but everything on the market will be in season.

 

Left hand has a very nice oktoberfest for a domestic rendition.

 

Highland Clawhammer . Asheville , NC! Really clean!

 

Not sure if you count Victory's Festbier, but that is delicious.

Also, Ballast Point's Dead Ringer is on point.

Both are up there with SN's Oktoberfest this year.

 

Sierra Nevada's is excellent this year (and I liked last year's as well)
Love Great Divide Hoss - drink it all year
Prost does a really good one
Avery makes an Imperial Marzen that will kick your pants off

I'm drinking Goose Island's right now and that's decent, but was better on draught, I thought. Nothing against Paulaner's quintessential marzen, but I prefer their Oktoberfest Wiesn.