Favorite Oktoberfest beer this year?

[remilard]

Left hand is good.

Ayinger on draught is good and represents the best example of an authentic (decoction + long boil with a vienna type malt) marzen you are likely to find in the US.

As for beers that are served at Oktoberfest (as opposed to marzen), the Paulanar Weisn can's are pretty good.

 

[BogusOwnz]

As for beers that are served at Oktoberfest (as opposed to marzen), the Paulanar Weisn can's are pretty good.

you talking about the 1 litre cans that come with the steins? those are mighty tasty imo

 

[adam01]

Wow, I've just had 4 okotberfests (shared)
Spaten
Paulaner
Shiner
St. Arnolds

3 people, 3 different tastes on which is best. Son liked Spaten - clean balanced.
Wife liked Paulaner, sweeter.

Both St. Arnolds and Shiner were a bit sweeter. Wish I could tell what the tastes came from. The St. Arnolds had a sweeter taste than most but dark. Shiner had a sweet taste, but more hops.

Wish I could try Midwest varities (sic)

 

[Lodovico]

Another vote for Great Lakes Oktoberfest.

 

[jmo88]

I've tried several American versions this year. Victory was pretty good, but it was so rich that I couldn't sit down and have a session with it. A buddy brought over a Sam Adams the other day, and that was so far the best Oktoberfest this year. Though it's ubiquitous, it's still my favorite.

 

[straycat]

Tried the SA Oktoberfest after a few years of not really enjoying it. This years still didn't do anything for me. Then I tried Trader Joe's Josephs Brau Oktoberfest. I like it better, not nearly as malty and sweet, but still probably not a second purchase in line. Finally, I went back to my favorite from last year, Becks. This years is tasting great. Anybody else drink any and have any thoughts?

 

[sensortech]

I always enjoy Otter Creek Octoberfest.

 

[Bassman]

I tried Brooklyn Breweries Octoberfest this year and was very happy. I'm loving Victory Festbier. I had it on draught and in the bottle.

I tried Bluepoint's and was not overly impressed, although I love Bluepoint Toasted Lager.

 

[BraveSirRobin]

So far this year I've had Hofbrau, Capital, and Beck's. None of them have really stood out to me which is disappointing as Hofbrau was one of my favorite's last year. It seems this year's version is more like a Helles than a Marzen.

 

[944play]

Also got what I think is a yeast-derived 'meaty' aroma.

I did too.

Had a GB Festbier that was slightly better than SA, but have yet to come across a real standout.

 

[McKBrew]

I've always liked Sam Adams Oktoberfest. Some years it's better than others, but I've never really been let down.

Drinking an Oktoberfest from my local brewery right now and it's damn good.

 

[msumike2001]

The best so far for me has been the Pauliner. I picked it in a Mug with a large can of the 200th aniv Beer

 

[beowulf]

I got that same stein at one of our local Oktoberfests. It's pretty awesome! I've had Paulaner, Spaten and Hacker-Pschorr so far this year and I'll give Paulaner the win.

 

[BogusOwnz]

Ayinger is pretty tasty I had one last night.

 

[thataintchicken]

Every year at this time World of Warcraft has brewfest.

geeky as it is, I make a batch of brew for this to share with guildies and SWMBO.

This year it's a Dampfbier. and It is gooooooood.
This is my favorite brew. and will be my longshot entry next year.

last year's Marzen was good, but I knocked it out of the park this year.

saving all my Hefeweizen and Dunkel for Oaktoberfest ( Oakland, CA ) in 2 weeks..

 

[remilard]

Ayinger is pretty tasty I had one last night.

Yeah, thats pretty much the best marzen you are going to get in the US (whereas the liter cans of Paulaner are the best modern festbier you are likely to get in the US). It has been really easy to get draft this year.

 

[janitorjerm]

I liked the St. Arnolds and Real Ale's Oktoberfests. May be a Texas thing.

 

[dataz722]

I haven't had to many this year but over in the past paulaner, spaten and a local brewpub have always had my favorites. I was also really surprised when I tried the michelob marzen a few years ago. I wouldn't say it was great but it was surprisingly good. On the other hand, just last night I had Old Dominion oktoberfest and it was god aweful. Possibly the worst Oktober I have ever had.

I am also going to have to go against everyone here and say that I really do not like SA Oktober much at all. It is drinkable but I just think it is far too bitter for the style. I have not tried it yet this year though.

 

[BraveSirRobin]

I picked up several Oktoberfests this morning on my way back to school. I stopped at a grocery store and they had half a dozen different ones in their 'mix and match' section so now I have Sam Adams, Spaten, Great Lakes, Dundee, and Point to try.

 

[steinsato]

I've been enjoying the Spaten this year. I've drank a case and half so far.

 

[dataz722]

I did get a 6er of Dogtoberfest and it is really damn good.

 

[nepatsfan1]

I was really surprised by Narragansett's Fest Beer. For a cheap american lager company it was pretty damn good and it comes in 16oz tall boy cans.

 

[SourHopHead]

Sly Fox Oktoberfest, but have a bunch to try this weekend.