By Herr Mike
It’s that time of year when the biggest party in Germany kicks off and if you didn’t know, it’s called Oktoberfest.
One of the premier beers that are served at Oktoberfest is Marzen beer and there are some really good German breweries that brew it including Paulaner, Spaten, Ayinger, Weihenstephan, Hofbrau and Hacker-Pschorr just to name a few.
To find out more about the history of this beer check out this video
I’ve decided to write about some really good American versions of the Marzen style beer.
Some of these beers have been around for a while (although not as long as Oktoberfest has been celebrated). You may not be able to find all these beers in your area, except for maybe Sam Adams Oktoberfest which is probably in every liquor store and bar in the country! LOL!
The list I compiled isn’t in any special order and the link to the full review and ratings of each beer can be found by clicking in the beer’s name.
If you can’t participate in Munich and want to celebrate Oktoberfest American style, check out the reviews, grab some brews, and party on! PROST!
Left Hand Oktoberfest
A nice Marzen from Left Hand. More on the sweet side but easy to drink.
AleSmith Oktoberfest
A good Oktoberfest from Alesmith. Nice flavors but it might be a tad sweet for me to session. I still think it’s a solid brew.
Jack’s Abby Copper Legend
I love Jack’s Abby but this wasn’t one of their better beers. It wasn’t the worst Oktoberfest I’ve ever had but for nine bucks and change it was a good deal
Narragansett Fest Marzen Lager
A nice Oktoberfest offering from Narragansett. Quaffable for those fall days and you can’t beat the price for a six pack of tall boys.
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest
The beer had some nice flavors but it’s not up to par with it’s past collab brews.
Flying Dog Dogtoberfest
Marzen is not my favorite style but this beer is what it is, a classic German style Oktoberfest and that’s not a bad thing.
Victory Festbier
I’m not a huge Oktoberfest beer drinker but I love Victory beers and this is one of the best Märzens in the country.
Samuel Adams Octoberfest
This beer used to be at the top of American Oktoberfest list back in the day but now there are so many better Marzens brewed in the US that this beer has slid down the list. Still a good beer, just not the go to Oktoberfest beer for me anymore.
von Trapp Oktoberfest
This is one of the best American Marzens I’ve had so far. For a style that I don’t drink much of I couldn’t stop drinking this beer.
Great Lakes Oktoberfest
Another great Märzen and beer from a great brewery (Great is even in the brewery’s name) LOL! Very easy to drink so get some if you like the style and Oktoberfest on. PROST!
Founders Oktoberfest
I wasn’t planning on buying a 15 pack of this beer just to try it but for the money it was worth it. Tasty enough for me to pick up another 15 pack next season.
Check out hundreds of beer reviews here: Planet Beer Reviews
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Sadly we miss it this year also.
The city of Munich made the official announcement that the largest folk festival in the world has been cancelled.