5 Oktoberfest Beers to Welcome the Fall

Oktoberfest is when all of the world's best beers come out to play. Whether you prefer bitter, sweet or both, there is an Oktoberfest beer that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.These five American-brewed Oktoberfest beers are bound to be enjoyed by even those who aren't beer connoisseurs.

Shipyard Pumpkinhead is a Fall favorite and a great beer for Oktoberfest. This pumpkin ale smells and tastes like pumpkin topped with the warm spices of Fall. The first sip is full of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg with a surprisingly refreshing finish. Shipyard Pumpkinhead is definitely not a light beer, but its full-body won't stop you from having two or three! The Shipyard microbrewery is located in Portland, Maine. The brewery was founded in 1994 and has been bringing us the great taste of Pumpkinhead Ale for more than 10 years.

Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale is a clear orange pour. Unlike Shipyard's Pumpkinhead, Harvest Moon has a very floral aroma. If you don't enjoy the pumpkin theme, but are looking for a festive way to welcome Oktoberfest, Harvest Moon is a great choice. It has almost no pumpkin flavor and even the Fall spices are subtle, which lets the tangy taste come through, making it lighter and easier to drink than many other pumpkin ales. Harvest Moon is brewed by Coors Brewing Company, one of the largest breweries in the United States, located in Denver, Colorado.

Samuel Adams Octoberfest has a dark amber color that will get anyone excited about Fall. This Oktoberfest favorite shares the bitter taste of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, but adds a warm toffee twist. Your first sip of Octoberfest will refresh you; it will finish with warm undertones of caramel, without being too sweet.The Samuel Adams Brewery was founded in 1984 and they currently have 20 beers in their repertoire.

Broken Rake Amber Ale has a tan creamy head topping of a dark copper pour. The aroma is surprisingly tangy and fruity considering how full of caramel the first sip is. It's a very strong beer that, although creamy, finishes off with a bitter bite. Wherever you're celebrating Oktoberfest 2009, this is a must-try. This amber ale is brewed by Pyramid Breweries which has breweries in Washington, California and Oregon.

Bell's Octoberfest Beer, much like Broken Rake Amber Ale, has a very copper pour. The smell is subtle, but what it lacks in aroma, Bells Octoberfest compensates for in taste. It's a heavy beer, as it has a strong malt taste. The bitter and wonderfully refreshing finish balances the initial sip perfectly.Bell's Brewery, previously Kalamazoo Brewing Company, in Michigan started brewing and selling beer in 1985. They currently brew nearly 20 different beers, many of which, like Octoberfest, are seasonal.

Whether you are new to the Oktoberfest festivities or a seasoned veteran, one of these great brews will be a perfect match for you! You can find most of these beers at your local grocery store at an average of $9 for a six pack. While they may be a bit pricier than your miller and your bud, you are sure to be impressed with these Oktoberfest favorites.

sources:

www.coors.com

www.bellsbeer.com

www.samueladams.com

www.shipyard.com

www.pyrimidbrew.com

www.beeradvocate.com