After a week-long surprise of summer-like temps, we’re ready for an autumn weekend that actually feels like fall. With the end of October looming just around the corner, what better way way to celebrate the month than to drink in its namesake honor; this weekend, there’s nothing else you should be drinking besides Oktoberfest. Celebrate our favorite month with some of the best seasonal beers out there. Grab ‘em while they’re still fresh and get to sipping — flannels, fire pits and friends required.
Oktoberfest beers find their origins back in Munich, where the original Oktoberfest took place. The first 16 to 18-day festival came to life in 1810; however, eight years later, Oktoberfest beers became the official beverage of choice. These days, Oktoberfests are supplied by six local breweries: Spaten, Paulaner, Hacker-Pshorr, Augustiner-Braü, Hofbraü-München and Lowenbrau. These six breweries are known as the Club of Munich Brewers. So what exactly is an Oktoberfest beer?
Oktoberfest beers are technically Bavarian Marzens, lagers brewed in March that slowly ferment over the summer months. They are medium bodied, amber in color and have dry, spicy finishes. As time has passed, Oktoberfests have become lighter in color but maintain their general ABV of 5.5 to 6 percent. True Oktoberfest beers must come from within the city of Munich; Oktoberfest-style beers produced elsewhere must be labeled as such. Their toasty, refreshing flavor profiles are the perfect transition from light summer ales to wintery porters and stouts. Prost to the weekend!
