It’s October, and we all know that in Hawaii, it means one thing: North Shore swells are on their way. And for those of us who love beer, it also means return of the Märzens, the return of Oktoberfest. No, not pumpkin beer, but real lager. Malty, toasty, biscuity goodness.
Traditionally, these lagers were the last ones produced in March (where Märzens derives its name) before reaching maturity in the fall. There are many different Oktoberfest beers to choose from nowadays, and there are some options for us here in Hawai’i. Let’s take a look at a few of them. If they’re not at Foodland or Times, be sure to check out Tamuras or Bonzer Front in Haleiwa (be warned, they’re closed on Mondays).
Sam Adams
The standard American Oktoberfest beer is Sam Adam’s October Fest. It’s alcohol autumn in a glass. When you pour it out, you’ll notice the resemblance of falling autumn leaves. But you live in Hawai’i and the only falling leaves are those palm branches from your neighbor’s yard. But for now, just imagine you were on the mainland with red, yellow, and orange leave trees. This amber colored beer is easy to drink with a light body and hints of the usual Oktoberfest toffee and caramel flavors. It’s a classic that never gets old—we’d drink it year around if we could, but we always forget to stock up.
Ballast Point
San Diego brewery, Ballast Point, created a Märzen twist. Theirs is called Dead Ringer. And it’s a 2012 San Diego International Beer Festival & Competition Gold award winner. You can taste their hat tip to the famous German beer festival, but you won’t find it surprising that they’re flavor remains true to themselves. It doesn’t have that much of a hop bitterness, and tastes a bit sweeter than other beers (but it’s not too sweet!)
Becks
If you’re looking for quantity, you might want to check out Beck’s Oktoberfest. They don’t sell these things in a six pack. It’s darker than your usual Märzen, goes down pretty smooth, and you get the caramel flavor the instant it touches your tongue. You’ll also taste that dry biscuit flavor also. Although Becks might be a mediocre beer, this one might be worth trying out.
Spaten
If you’re a Heineken lover, and are looking for a quality Oktoberfest beer that’s not as mainstream as Sam Adams or Sierra Nevada, but is still pretty well-known, try Spaten’s Oktoberfestbier Ur- Märzen. It tastes nutty with spices, and finishes with an earthy flavor. It is a bit hoppy in comparison to other Märzen’s, but the maltiness contrasts it nicely.
Brewed in Munich, Germany
Erdinger
Erdinger’s Oktoberfest is killer. Think golden leaves on a tree. Now imagine your golden beer in a glass. This one’s it. You get a scent of wheat and fruits such as apples and pears. And you can taste it too. Some might argue it tastes more like a white beer (weisbeer), and with the grassy hoppy taste, we can see why. Give it a shot though.
If you’re daring, you might want to grab a Goose Island Oktoberfest. It’s not as popular as the other beers on this list, and many find it pedestrian for their taste. Unfortunately, we agree, but give it a try. It’s heavier on the toffee flavor, with hints of fruits. Hoppy and bitter? Check. Enjoyable? Check. Oktoberfest approved? Check.
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is on its second year of collaborating with different German brewers. They started collaborating last year for their version of an Oktoberfest beer. The recipe differs from last year’s version, which was a hit. They partnered with Augsburg’s Brauhaus Riegele, which had a very distinct caramel flavor, and this year they partnered with Mahrs Brau. They did release it a bit earlier this year, but you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. When compared to last year’s beer, we can’t remember it well enough to make an accurate comparison, but we recommend it nonetheless!
Ayinger
Our favorite is Ayinger’s Oktober Fest-Märzen. Golden-amber. Medium body. Dominant floral notes and a hint of bread. Getting a whiff of it prior to taking a sip will be a pleasant delight to your senses, and the spices are pretty strong while drinking it also. You do get a metallic flavor, but will be immediately sucker-punched with a cornucopia of autumn fruits. It’s crisp and finishes smoothly.
Ayinger amid fallen autumn plumeria leaves
What’s your favorite Oktoberfest beer? Try one of these, and maybe we’ll see you at the beach! Prost!
