This was James Wayman’s second stab at an Oktoberfest shootout and like a fine wine, his reviews get better with age. I love that he notates the dates, the times, and the situations each beer was imbibed in. Without further ado, take it away James!
Oktoberfest starts early in these parts, particularly the arrival of my favorite example of the style (Ayinger). Dropped in at a local Binny’s in mid-August to see if or when the Ayinger will arrive, in hopes of scoring a 4-pak or a couple of pint bottles. There’s been at least two years where it entered and exited in a matter of a few weeks, and waiting until after Labor Day led me to miss out. I guess what I’m saying is that when it arrives, it doesn’t last long. Unfortunately, the Ayinger wasn’t in, but I had the opportunity to do a pick 6 of various Oktoberfest styles to get underway.
M.C. Hammerschlagen – Oktoberfest Style Lager, Eagle Park Brewing Co., – 12 oz can [5.9% alc] – Wed., August 24 – 6:23 pm
Cracked open my first Oktoberfest-styled beer of the season, and it had the unique advantage of being my first beer in several days. This is a decent malt-orange color with a little heft and some noticeable carbonation, but a decent mouthfeel. Served cold, this was quite crisp and satisfying without a ton of complexity. If pushed for any description, there is a slight bready note to it with a yeasty aftertaste; but did not find this off-putting. I want to say a slight caramel aftertaste in a La Croix sort of way in that it is far more a suggestion than a fully-realized reality. It’s beer, but not particularly flavor-forward… yet it’s beer and still quite enjoyable. Overall, this Milwaukee entry exceeded my expectations and has this year’s round up off to a decent start.
Founders Oktoberfest – German-Style Marzen – 12 oz can [6% alc] – Thurs, August 25, 6:38 pm
Love the design of the can and the idea that this beer is made by following strictly the Reinheitsgebot from the original German custom. The beer, on the other hand, is a bit woody, salty, and a little over-carbonated. Fortunately, after a rough first sip; it improves in its consistency. While it maintains a decent mouthfeel, the the pine qualities are throwing me a bit. Considering the limitations a beer crafted to meet the standards of the Reinheitsgebot may encounter; this is nothing short of excellent. However, in comparison to Oktoberfest beers not following this standard; it may fall short.
Allgauer Duble Bier Festbier – 12 oz bottle [5.5% alc] – Fri, August 26, 11:30 pm
Loved the image on the bottle and included it among my first choices for this year’s roundup. Unfortunately, got a whiff while pouring this into a glass and am pretty certain this was one of the duds in last year’s write up. Though before giving it a taste profile, I went online and learned something. Marzen has become the more common offerings for ‘Oktoberfest’-style beers in the US, but Festbier tends to be the authentic style more frequently served at German Oktoberfest events. Unfortunately, even this ‘learning’ didn’t affect my reaction to this entry. Drank very much like grandpa’s beer with a slight smoky quality. It has a bit of skunk in it as well. Despite how it offended the nose on the pour and the first taste; I have to say I found the carbonation very satisfying and that it offsets an otherwise metallic and sour mouthfeel. Though it (still) isn’t a flavor profile I enjoyed; I could see this being a bit more enjoyable as an icy cold chaser to salted pretzels or a particularly dry food; rather than with a clean palate and empty stomach as I had done. The ingredients of this Allgauer also seem to follow the Reinheitgebot standard; though I can’t speak for hop extract? For me there was a lot here, and I just can’t get over the skunky quality or the cigar-like aftertaste to really appreciate this.
Samuel Adams Octoberfest – 12 oz bottle [ alc] – Sat., August 27, 11:25 pm
Was doing an outdoor gig at a lakeside venue, and watching people step up and down from a deck with a variety of craft beers. Some ambers, some darks, and big icy mugs was a temptation that I did my best to stave off until I got home. Was a lot of work setting up and taking down, so I figured it would have to wait until I got home. Not wanting to put too much pressure on tonight’s entry; but knew it wouldn’t disappoint.
I remember that I really enjoyed this last year, and it was the only ‘certain’ repeat that I had from 2021 in this first random six. Just like last time, it has a very nice orange/amber color and a proper heft. The carbonation is well-balanced, and the bready flavor is oddly satisfying. While it won’t be the best Octoberfest-style beer I will drink in this round-up; I am so appreciative of this brand’s consistency and standards of excellence across its products. I recognize there is a bit of agita between the hardcore indie-craft drinkers and Jim Koch in terms of recognition and inclusion. Especially when the party invites for Koch started getting lost. Perhaps, Jim Koch has the same difficulty that LeBron James and Tiger Woods encountered after a decade or so of excellence in that they had to start competing against rookies who followed the legends’ excellence to the point where the league gets elevated. Thank you, Jim Koch, for ensuring that there would be high quality alternatives to the mass-market brands of Miller, Coors, and Budweiser; as well as making the market safe for every indie brewer with a dream.
Aries Marzen Oktoberfest, Empyrean Brewing Co. – 12 oz. bottle [ alc] – Mon, August 29, 6.30 pm
The color and pour of this one is perfect, but something just hits me wrong as I drink this. Bready and piney with a slightly skunky quality. Carbonation forward but falling flat toward the finish with a woody aftertaste. I respect that while Marzens are usually enjoyed during the autumn months that the work for a marzen is generally started and left to mature during the Aries cycle of the zodiac calendar. The aftertaste is somewhere between popsicle stick and earwax; and it is killing me. Would have enjoyed this more if they had attempted to commit to a sweeter (caramel perhaps?) profile, or if they had decided to give it a more salty/buttery quality. Though I was able to finish this bottle, I am feeling that Aries is the beer equivalent to a Malort shot, and grateful that I only had to account for the one in the mix-6. Flip a coin between this and Allgauer for bringing up the rear so far.
Festbier Oktoberfest Marzen, Victory Brewing Co., -12 oz bottle [ alc] – Tues., August 30, 9:30 pm
This is a little darker and more carbonated for a Festbier. I’m also getting strong mocha notes and a slight cigar trace in the early sips. It feels a little heavier than I’m accustomed to, and drinks more like a hefty amber or lighter IPA than a traditional Marzen. My second season into this kind of a roundup, and I’m recognizing that I haven’t gotten much more sophisticated in this time. This is hitting me with some hefty bitterness and a very awkward black coffee taste (if it were carbonated after being brewed). It’s almost work to drink through this… and feels like this was mislabeled. Even icy cold doesn’t temper this, and it tastes like it missed a major refining step. If the Sam Adams was a consistent room at nearly any Days Inn or Red Roof Inn; then this Victory entry would be sleeping on the floor of a boy scout tent in a marshy area under a mid-March fog. To completely mix metaphors, this pre-season of this year’s Oktoberfest-style roundup has not shown much promise yet. Hopefully my luck changes soon.
Goose Island Oktoberfest, German Style Marzen – 12 oz. can [ alc] – Thurs., September 1, 6:50 pm
Honkers Ale was one of the first local craft beers I’ve embraced; followed later by 312. Goose Island has had a fairly consistent quality across the various styles; so I was really looking forward to giving this a try. Good color and heft, but the taste is not quite what I hoped. It opens with a nice dark rye quality; but finishes with a piney aftertaste. Ice cold, this would still be fairly refreshing; but the bitter piney-ness is still a little overwhelming for me. Still better than the last two I’ve had, but unsure if that’s really saying anything.
Warsteiner Oktoberfest – 12 oz. bottle [ alc] – Sat., September 3, 11:35 pm
It’s Saturday night of Labor Day weekend, and I finally felt like I was up for a beer. Poured this bottle into a red Solo cup and threw on some music to wind down. It has a decent balance of heft, mouthfeel, and carbonation. Unfortunately, I’m beginning to wonder if the last few beers had been subjected to heat for extended periods or if I’m having an issue because the taste on this seems a bit off. I remember enjoying last year’s entry, but this one has a bit of grandpa’s beer quality and there’s also an aftertaste that is quite reminiscent of cigar smoke. It is a somewhat acrid sourness, rather than the hoppy bitterness I’ve been experiencing. At some point, ALL of the beers can’t be bad, unless they were mishandled along the chain from brewer to store shelf. (They spent no more than 30 minutes in an air conditioned car with me, and were immediately refrigerated when I got home.) So far it’s been a rough season, and maybe I just started this pursuit a little too early.
Capital Brewery Oktoberfest – 12 oz. bottle [alc] – Mon., September 5, 6:15 pm
Picked this up as a mixed-six at Binny’s in Highland Park. The pour feels a bit heavy, and the carbonation seems strong; but that first cold sip was really satisfying. The carbonation seems a bit forward in this one, but yields a nice bready flavor with a slightly earthy aftertaste. It is very crisp and though the aftertaste lingers a little, this one was never unpleasant. One of the best I’ve had this early in the season; and looking forward to having another soon. It’s early, but keep an eye on this one…
Surly Brewing Oktoberfest – 12 oz. can [alc] – Sun., September 11, 6 pm
On a weird day where the Chicago Bears win and the Green Bay Packers seem likely to lose, I am feeling a small reprieve from a sinus drip that has made for a rough week. Decided upon a beer before dinner as the Vikings are about to close out Green Bay. This one pours nicely and has a good heft to it. Unfortunately it is kind of an odd taste… a little piney and yeasty for my taste, and not quite catching the ‘malty and sweet’ qualities this beer has been promoted by. It does close with a dry and hoppy taste that is a little cleaner than I’d expect. I don’t hate this, but it drinks more like a darker IPA than a traditional Oktoberfest styled beer. It may appear sweeter with a salty snack, but felt piney and grassy to me in this example. Further reading suggests Surly has built its reputation on being generous with their hops which usually works against my taste. Perhaps this will require a revisit when I am fully past this sinus issue.
Lakefront Brewing Oktoberfest – 12 oz. bottle [alc] – Tues., September 13, 6:10 pm
Was the kind of warming sunny weekday afternoon that begged for an adult beverage, so we go from Minneapolis back to Milwaukee and Lakefront’s entry. Couldn’t really trust my memory on this one, as I am pretty sure that this was one of last year’s entries. Poured well with a decent color and heft. Taste is a little like dark rye with grassy notes that don’t offend here. Can taste the hops, but it is a clean-tasting bitterness within the woody aftertaste. A solid entry, but there is a good percentage of the field left to try. I’ve yet to have had any favorites from last year yet, and imagine its current middling placement will look less impressive when the season is wrapped up.
Shiner Oktoberfest Marzen-styled Beer – 12 oz. bottle [alc] – Wed., September 14, 6 pm
Remembered having this last year and thinking it was an average entry; especially considering my feelings for the rest of Shiner’s products. This time out, I found it to be a refreshing and crisp beer, with woody and yeasty qualities. I appreciated that this wasn’t so piney as previous entries, but I could also taste where more credible critics might knock this down for its simplicity. Despite noticeable carbonation, it doesn’t have the heft of other beers offered in a Marzen style. For lack of a better description, it is a direct taste that is a little sweet and bready, but goes down easily, clean, and light. May not be the best example of Oktoberfest or Marzen-styled beer you’ll encounter; but I imagine this would be the perfect beer should it be kept ice cold as outside temps at an Oktoberfest climbed into humid high 80’s or low 90’s… Not the exemplar, but still an enjoyable beer under the right conditions.
Hofbrau Munchen – Oktoberfestbier – 12 oz bottle [alc] – Thurs., September 15, 6:40 pm
Another example of short memory, knowing I’ve had this in the past, but feeling uncertain whether it was something I enjoyed or something I tolerated. Foamed heavily when I pulled the cap, but poured like flat Sprite with a lighter tan color than I was expecting into the glass. This is carbonation forward with a slight grassy quality followed by a salted biscuit-y quality. It may not seem impressive from bottle to glass, but I’m fairly impressed from glass to gullet. Given that this is the original beer crafted for Prince Ludwig that set the precedent for Oktoberfest going forward; I am surprised that it hasn’t been messed with in the time since establishing the tradition. It is crisp with a slightly hoppy aftertaste, but refreshing all the same. The best of Oktoberfest beers crafted to the Reinheitsgebot standard so far. I’m looking forward to the next one that I can enjoy off-the-record.
Sew Hop’d – Oktoberfest: German-Inspired Marzen Lager – 16 oz can [alc] – Sat., September 17, 10:06 pm.
On the way home from this evening’s gig I was able to stop at the Sew Hop’d taproom in Huntley, IL and brought back a four-pack of their Oktoberfest. As I walked into the tap room, most people were hanging outside with lawn chairs and tables for their Oktoberfest-inspired event. With rain coming and not wanting to drive with heavy beer on my breath (or in my blood), I just bought the pack and let it cool further in the fridge. It poured a little flat and chunky, but had a lacey head and strong biscuity and burnt toffee notes. It does drink a little heavy for the style, but is quite tasty. The only real thing throwing me about this entry is in the aftertaste. It starts a bit sweet and carbonated, but finished for me in a very earthy, woody way. Had it stuck the landing, this would have been the best entry so far; but it is still quite good, and I don’t think the other 3 are going to go to waste.
Scorched Earth Brewing – Oktoberfest German Style Lager – 16 oz. can [alc] – Sun., September 18, 6:35 pm.
Normally, I’ve struggled to get beyond a basic understanding of just about anything that I develop an interest in. However, I often feel super-basic when I read about the beers I’ve tried and how different many of these experiences have been for me. Something in the high 90’s on Beer Advocate ends up being super-hopped or ultra complex… while many of my favorites have fallen into that 75-85 rating range. But let me tell you that the first can I’m drinking from this 4-pack I got at Scorched Earth in Algonquin is downright righteous. Nice dark color with a lacy head, slightly sweet and bready taste with a little carbonation at the start of the taste. It ends with an equally refreshing earthy salt-biscuit quality and cleans out. We’ve got a new leader and it has momentum. Last year, I was unable to get the pre-packaged Oktoberfest and had to make do with a Crowler. This is noticeably crisper and more stable than what I remembered. Without going into last year’s notes, I remembered this being a good experience… but this leveled up and will be a challenge to share with others.
Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen – 12 oz. bottle [alc] – Wed., September 21, 6:03 pm
Bought this and held onto it as it ended up being one of my favorites from last year’s round of Oktoberfest entries. Though this bottle had a slightly skunky quality, everything else about this was an exemplar to the Marzen style. Deep caramel color, slight carbonation, salted biscuit notes, and a clean finish. While not my overall favorite, this is still really good. For all of the misses I’ve encountered in chasing down various Oktoberfests to try, it might be smarter money and saved time to just pick up a case of this to help pass the season.
Firestone Oktoberfest Oak Aged Lager – 12 oz. bottle [alc] – Thurs, September 22, 5:15 pm
Having a quick swig before heading off to Face N Time rehearsal. Unsure what characterizes this as an Oktoberfest beyond color, but will admit that this one is good and tasty. Decent dark amber color, balanced carbonation, and a full crusty-bread quality in the initial part of the sip to a very clean and crisp finish. Likely not held anywhere close to the Reinheitsgebot standard, but in the spirit of the season, this one was quite enjoyable.
Cary Ale House, Das Bier Von Satan Marzen – 32 oz. Crowler [alc] – Mon., September 26, 5:45 pm
I will admit over the many visits to Cary Ale House that Laurie and I do for dinner, the highlight is that short period of time when their Oktoberfest beer is available. I’ve been fortunate enough a few years to have been able to enjoy a live pint draw onsite without any degradation of the beer. The last couple of years though, I’ve supplemented the onsite pour with a take-home Crowler (32 oz.) that enables me to ensure the full Oktoberfest experience. The 2022 batch is every bit as good as I remember. Great color, great balance, and great mouthfeel. A little bready at the start, but ending with a slightly toffee-esque note. That perfect balance of carbonation and heft. It is one of my favorite local Oktoberfest beers, and was really looking forward to this one. The only problem I have with Das Bier Von Satan is that when the crowler is empty, I am generally in an intoxicated state. Still among the best I’ve had in this style, and hoping to enjoy a couple of more before the season ends.
Great Lakes Brewing Co., Oktoberfest Marzen-Styled Lager – 12 oz. bottle [6.5% alc] – Tues., September 27, 5 pm
I have to admit that Great Lakes Brewing Co., has become like a local Samuel Adams-type of beer in the Midwest in that it is ‘craft’ in reputation, but fairly easy to find in bottle and draft forms throughout the Chicagoland area. This entry ticks all of the boxes when looking for an example of Marzen-styled Oktoberfest beer. A decent heft, some carbonation, a darker amber color, and a bready scent to it. On the sip, it is easy to detect notes of yeast, salted toffee, and breadcrust. It is a little sweeter than most of the beers I’ve tasted in this style, but the grainy creamed-coffee-like aftertaste is a little disappointing. Would have ranked higher had it finished more cleanly. Still this is worlds better than any beer in the lower half of this list.
Holzlager Brewing Co., Oktoberfest Marzen-Styled Lager – 16 oz. can – Sun., October 2, 6:40 pm
Picked this one up from my hometown brewer, Holzlager, and having a bit of deja vu. Holding off on reviewing last year’s list until this year’s has been completed, but until seeing the cans, I didn’t think I had this last year. When I got home and poured myself one, it also felt familiar. A good color and a good heft, but there is a burnt wheat and piney quality to this that is throwing me… and finishes with a buttery wood nut aftertaste that lingers. It may be a little over-hopped for a less sophisticated beer drinker like me. The carbonation seems a little off as well because of the way it finishes, to be fully honest. As a beer, it feels like it is trying too hard, and seriously overthinking the flavor profile. This is a great base beer in terms of color, heft, and mouthfeel; but I would love for it to have a sweeter profile (say brown sugar or toffee) on entry and to finish with a crispness. It is almost a tease that this is so piney and nutty for a style that should be simpler and finish cleanly. If this were a traditional craft dark lager, I could respect this as it is and appreciate its complexity. However, I can’t help but break out the red pen in response to this being labeled a Festbier. Overall, still better than a number of others on this list, but this one could roll throughout cold-weather season without much change otherwise.
Breckenridge Brewery, Oktoberfest Marzen Lager – 12 oz. bottle – Wed., October 5, 6:40 pm
Poured neatly, foamed gently, right dark copper color, and proper heft. On the first cold sip, had a great mouthfeel and notes of dark crusty bread. A little sour yeast on the aftertaste, but still quite good. Much better luck than I’ve traditionally had with Breckenridge’s other products. So looking forward to having another one of these later in the season.
Crystal Lake Brewing, Oktoberfest: German-Styled Oktoberfest Lager – 12 oz. can – Fri., October 7, 10:10 pm
Winding down my night with an adult beverage. The color matches a handful of popcorn kernels; it isn’t too heavy… but not exactly thin or light; and has a slightly creamy mouthfeel. If it weren’t for a noticeably piney note at the intake and in the aftertaste; I would’ve ranked this a bit higher. Would’ve loved if they could have mellowed the hops with a caramel or a toffee quality; but this comes out a bit woodier than I would normally enjoy. This was definitely targeted for a more sophisticated demographic than I currently inhabit.
The Fermentorium Cedarburg Oktoberfest – 20 oz draft.- Sat., October 8, 4:15 pm
Enjoyed this one onsite at the Fermentorium north of Cedarburg proper. Cool microbrewery with live entertainment, an outdoor seating area, and several other activities to facilitate drinking beer. Ordered this as well as a 4-pack of their Hefeweizen. This came directly from the tap, with a healthy caramel-colored pour, good heft, decent mouthfeel, and clean aftertaste. A little sour and piney as well, though I will admit I am tasting mostly yeast and hops as I write this. Still found it refreshing and enjoyable overall. Better than most in the middle of the list but wishing for a more memorable taste profile to get it higher into this list….
Foxtown Brewing Oktoberfest Lager – 12 oz can – Fri., November 4, 10:30 pm
Last year I was fortunate enough to catch a draft pour of this very good beer. This year, I bought a six-pack on my way up to Port Washington and Cedarburg; but got too ill to be able to drink them until now. (The upper-respiratory infection from hell, that took four days to process before leaving a wheezing cough for another three weeks….) Let me tell you after nearly a month since my last Oktoberfest-styled beer that this was really tasty. Decent dark caramel color with proper heft and carbonation; carrying notes of crusty bread with a biscuit-y sweetness, and finishing clean. Though I’m really enjoying this, I wish I had slowed down and had a pint from the tap while I was onsite buying the sixer. The length of time may exaggerate my perception of quality, but this one chases down the Ayinger and Piece Oktoberfest memories of old; and will become an annual taste for me.
Haymarket Beer Co., HFest Bier – German Style Lager – 12 oz. can – Tues., November 15, 4:50 pm
This entry was gifted to me, and I am finally home early enough from work to be able to sit and enjoy it. I thought I had had this before, but this taste is not bringing back the memories that the packaging did. It is really crisp with a good mouthfeel. It is a little piney / hoppy, but still carries notes of earthy grain bread with a little sweetness at the aftertaste. The piney quality would prevent this from being a regular drinker for me, but as a single can on a wintry day, I’m finding it quite refreshing. Better than I remembered it.
Buckledown Brewing., Oktoberfest German-Styled Lager – 16 oz. can – Wed., November 16, 6:04 pm
Sometimes I can imagine there is a vast difference between tap beer and the packaged version; and this seems a prime example. A deep amber color with a decent bit of heft; this entry totally appears as an Oktoberfest. Scent notes of toffee and sweet biscuit at the start of the sip; and all seems promising. Had this finished cleanly, it would be in the top tier for this round up. The best way I can describe the overly sweet aftertaste is like the heavy syrup that was once used for canned peaches or fruit cocktail. So unexpected, and it really tripped me up. I’m sure I could get used to the fruity sweetness in time, but it is unexpected in this beer style. Live by the sweet, die by it as well.
O’Dell Brewing Company, Oktoberfest Marzen-Styled Lager – 12 oz. can – Thur., November 17, 5:55 pm
I remember vaguely having O’Dell in the ’21 lineup, but struggling to consider whether it made much of an impression on me. The pour is a pumpkin-orange color with a bit of carbonation. On first sip, I’m catching a lot of the carbonation and a mild grainy bread note in the taste. It is so subtle that you barely notice it as it finishes clean. I don’t know if it was time or travel, but this was really mild. It is pleasant enough though, and it would be easy to knock down a few cans of this on a sunny warm day. Though, as I watch the snow fall, I’m not disliking this either.
Bell’s Oktoberfest Beer, Marzen – 12 oz. bottle – Fri., November 18, 6:35 pm
Sadly it is a shortened season for ’22, and this is the last of the Oktoberfest beers I was able to gather for this roundup. The pour appears promising with a dark copper color and reassuring carbonation. The smell upon the first taste a bit bready with a gentle sweetness and finishing with a slight piney quality. Bell’s consistency among their products is one of their strengths; but this Marzen example is a bit… typical. Had this been more hopped up or overly sweet, it would’ve seemed more unique, but I would have been more critical. This is the general example of how a Marzen should appear, feel, and taste; like a 70% grade on an assignment. Enough to show competency, but not enough to really impress or to claim excellence. Somehow the way this season went, it seems apt to finish at a beer that feels like a starting point; and to hope that next autumn will bring better health and better options to explore within this beer category.
Recap:
28. Allgauer – Duble Bier Festbier
27. Aries Marzen Oktoberfest, Empyrean Brewing Co.
26. Victory Festbier Oktoberfest Marzen
25. Founders German Style Marzen
24. Surly Brewing Oktoberfest
23. Goose Island Oktoberfest German Style Marzen
22. Bell’s Oktoberfest Beer, Marzen
21. Warsteiner Oktoberfest
20. Lakefront Brewing Oktoberfest
19. Buckledown Brewing Oktoberfest German-Styled Lager
18. Crystal Lake Brewing Oktoberfest: German-Styled Oktoberfest Lager
17. Shiner Oktoberfest Marzen-Styled Beer
16. The Fermentorium Oktoberfest
15. Holzlager Brewing Co. Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager
14. O’Dell Brewing Company, Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Lager
13. Samuel Adams Octoberfest
12. Great Lakes Brewing Co., Oktoberfest Marzen-Styled Lager
11. Breckenridge Brewery Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
10. Sew Hop’d Oktoberfest, German-Inspired Marzen Lager
9. Hofbrau Munchen – Oktoberfestbier
8. M.C. Hammerschlagen – Oktoberfest Style Lager, Eagle Park Brewing Co
7. Haymarket Beer Co., HFest Bier German-Style Lager
6. Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen
5. Capital Brewery Oktoberfest
4. Cary Ale House, Das Bier Von Satan Marzen
3. Firestone Oktoberfest Oak Aged Lager
2. Foxtown Brewing Oktoberfest Lager
1. Scorched Earth Brewing Oktoberfest German Style Lager
And your ears shall hear... 
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