Football has taken over Sunday television, the nights are getting downright nippy and I think I hear polka music. That can only mean we’re headed towards October, which means brewers around the world have unveiled the beers they tucked away last spring. Oktoberfest is the time to don your lederhosen, hoist your mug of malty, earthy beer and sing that crazy “Ein Prosit” song with your pals.
According to the “World Encyclopedia of Beer” (and several other sources I found), Oktoberfest began as a wedding celebration. When the Bavarian Prince Ludwig exchanged vows with Princess Theresa in 1810, the city of Munich threw a boisterous celebration. The party became a tradition and in 1872, the Spaten Brewery introduced the first Marzen style Oktoberfest brew.
Today, there is no shortage of Oktoberfest beers to choose from. From classic German styles to newer, American interpretations there are more choices than one ‘fester could possibly try in a year. Being the beer guy I am, I pulled up a stool at Old Chicago and tried the seven that they had on tap while watching my Minnesota Twins make their playoff push. Here are a few notes to help you decide which one might be for you.
Widmer Okto: This one pours a relatively light amber color. The malt is heavy and dominant in this one. The malt even lingers for a while at the end before a light hop finish hits the tongue. I like it. If you like your beers heavy on the malt side, you’ll enjoy this one. Rating: A nice double to the corner.
Millstream Oktoberfest Lager: The pour is quite light in color. Flavor? It follows suit. Very light with a touch more hops and definitely less malt sweetness. A tad light in the lederhosen, but a decent choice for a full day of festing. Rating: Infield single.
Sam Adams Octoberfest: Beautiful copper color. A very smooth beer. There’s a touch of hops at the end, but overall it’s very well balanced. A tasty fest beer that’s not going to wear you down with the malt. For an old American President, Sam Adams does German beer well. Rating: A stand-up double off of the wall.
Spaten Oktoberfest: This one is in the middle, color-wise. Amber. But, wow. It starts out extremely smooth. Not as earthy as some and it finishes with a big flourish of flavor after you swallow. A delicious beer. Spaten did it first and still does it best. Rating: A 137-year Homerun!
Boulevard Bob’s 47 Oktoberfest: Amber color. A very light beer going down, but with a bitter aftertaste. It’s very drinkable until that aftertaste gets you. I think Boulevard should have consulted The Bob’s on this one before brewing. Rating: Take your base. Not undrinkable, but not a hit.
Summit Oktoberfest: Another light colored brew. It opens with a very creamy mouth-feel and remains smooth and mellow throughout. A nice bouquet greets at the end. Lighter than Sam Adams, but a very nice beer. Why pay tribute to Boston when the Twin Cities brews this? Rating: A solid double to the gap.
Beck’s Oktoberfest – Very light amber. Yuck. Beck’s Oktoberfest impresses me as little as their other offerings. They all have that skunky “green bottle” taste. Like the song by Beck, you’re a loser, baby. Rating: Beck’s, Beck’s Dark, Beck’s Oktoberfest. Strike one, two, and three. Take a seat. You’re outta here.
Did you think I’d stop there? Heck no. There are too many. I grabbed a mix and match pack with a few more at Fogies Liquor Gallery to taste while the Twins take on the Tigers. These are, of course, bottled as opposed to taps.
Dundee Oktoberfest: Nice, dark copper color. It starts out very malty and rich but slides to the hops side at the end. A bit too bitter for me at the tail, in fact. Dundee “done well”, but a bit less bitter, please. Rating: Single up the middle
Schell’s Oktoberfest: Moderate, amber color. It kinda looks like an autumn leaf, actually. A nice, light start that builds to a very pleasing malt-to-hops transition. Great finish. “Schell” out for this one. Rating: Into the corner for a triple.
Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest – Nice copper color. It drinks a bit malty and quite smooth. A tad lacking in flavor, but easy to drink. It claims to use “four specialty hops,” but my tongue couldn’t find them. I like Leinie’s but don’t love it. Rating: Hard hit single.
OK, I know there are many, many more Oktoberfest brews out there, but I hope this helps a few of you make a choice. Did I miss your favorite? Give us a comment and let me know.
Until next time, keep eye on the ball and your hand on a pint.
Ty Omoth is a beer scribe for The Post and lives in Sioux Falls.
RATING KEY
Single – Drinkable. Gets the job done, but that’s about it.
Double – A little extra effort puts this beer a bit further ahead.
Triple – An exciting beer. One to remember.
Homerun – Out of the park! This one could be headed to Cooperstown!
Base on Balls – Not good, but not really bad either. Take your base.
Strikeout – Sit down and just go away. You’re terrible.
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