It's Octoberfest beer time.

September 06, 2023, 09:38 AM

quote:
Originally posted by BigSwede:
I will see if I can find some Spaten today and enjoy

While Spaten is not my #1 favorite of the German offerings - coming in around #4 behind Hoffbrau, Ayinger, and Paulaner - the cool thing about Spaten's Oktoberfest is that it's right about the only real German Oktoberfest beer that's produced and imported year-round. So as long as your local beer place is willing to stock it, or at least special order it for you, you can scratch that Oktoberfest itch any time of the year, not just during the late summer/early fall.

(Paulaner is sometimes available year-round, but often only as 2 bottles apiece in their 12 pack sampler packs.)

September 06, 2023, 10:01 AM

Chris17404

I much prefer the classic Märzen which is a little darker, a little richer, a little heavier, and a little higher in alcohol than Festbier. My recent 2 favorite Märzens I get at my local beer store include Thin Man Brewery and Bell's.

September 06, 2023, 11:41 AM

BigSwede

quote:
Originally posted by RogueJSK:
quote:
Originally posted by BigSwede:
I will see if I can find some Spaten today and enjoy

While Spaten is not my #1 favorite of the German offerings - coming in around #4 behind Hoffbrau, Ayinger, and Paulaner - the cool thing about Spaten's Oktoberfest is that it's right about the only real German Oktoberfest beer that's produced and imported year-round. So as long as your local beer place is willing to stock it, or at least special order it for you, you can scratch that Oktoberfest itch any time of the year, not just during the late summer/early fall.

(Paulaner is sometimes available year-round, but often only as 2 bottles apiece in their 12 pack sampler packs.)

I stopped in one store, all they had in bottles was Spaten and a surprise 1L mug and 1L can of Paulaner for $10

September 06, 2023, 12:35 PM

tatortodd

Picked up some Ayinger Oktoberfest Marzen over the weekend and it was excellent. They've been consistently good year after year.

They had Paulaner but just in the overpriced commemorative edition with some sort of glassware so I passed.

Picked up 3 locals but haven't had a chance to try:

Back Pew (Porter, TX). I like their Hefeweizen, Lucy, so thought I'd give their Oktoberfest a try

urban south (both New Orleans and Houston). It's a marzen so thought I'd give it a shot.

Karbach (Houston). It's a marzen and I've liked it in the past.

EDIT: Tried the Back Pew and it's the newer, lighter festbier style. Not as flavorful as a marzen, but decent for the genre.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tatortodd,