Munich’s annual beer-soaked folk festival, also known as Oktoberfest, is over. It started in mid-September with the tapping of the first barrel and concluded on October 3 with the final 12-gun salute. So, friends, put away your dirndls because we missed it.
But the good news is there is still beer.
My local BevMo stocks several different brands of Oktoberfest (and other German) beers. Each year when the calendar rolls over into the tenth month, I like to buy one or two or four of them to quaff.
Since you may be wondering which beers to buy and try, here is a rundown of the Oktoberfest and German beers I enjoyed this month. Included are tasting notes and what to pair them with. As much as I would like to say I savored these with large and chewy salt-studded pretzels with mustard and cheese spread, I didn’t. My husband and I split a beer with whatever dinner I prepared that night.
The Beers
Ayinger Oktober Fest-Marzen
ABV 5.8%
Looks: This looks like fall in a beer glass. It is clear, golden amber in color and has a light tan head.
Taste: Medium-bodied and malty, I thought it smelled a bit like caramel. Definitely tastes like an autumnal beer!
Pairing: It was perfect with the pork schnitzel and roasted sweet potatoes we had for dinner that night. I think it would be good with any meat and potato dish.
Erdinger Weissbier
ABV 5.3%
Looks: A hazy golden beer with a creamy white head.
Taste: It is a wheat beer which explains its bready, malty, and yeasty aroma. This beer is bottle-fermented, so it is fizzy and sparkly similar to champagne. Very refreshing.
Pairing: We enjoyed this with a French Dip sandwich with au jus and mayo-less cole slaw. I think it would be delicious with pizza, hot sandwiches, or anything fried because of the beer’s effervescence.
Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen
ABV 5.8%
Looks: Clear, light amber beer with a cream-colored head.
Taste: Pleasantly bittersweet. It is medium-bodied and smooth, not overly carbonated.
Pairing: It held its own with the curried cauliflower and couscous dish I made that night. I think the beer is robust enough to enjoy with any meat dish or something with stronger spice flavors.
Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier
ABV 5.4%
Looks: Such a pretty beer! Clear, light gold with a foamy white head.
Taste: Very light, crisp, and fresh. Obviously, it’s not an Oktoberfest beer, but it’s great for warm fall days like we are having in Southern California.
Pairing: It was great with the roast chicken and Caesar salad we ate that night. I think it would be good with tacos or any kind of Mexican food, lol.
Tell Me
Have you tried any of these beers? What are your favorite ones to drink this time of year?