Top Five Oktoberfest Beers

Oktoberfest is a sixteen day event held annually in Munich, Germany, starting in late September. This year it runs from September 19 - October 4. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and celebrates the Bavarian culture. The event has spawned many copy cat fests all over the world. It has also inspired its own type of beer. Here are five of the best Octoberfest beers available:

Sam Adams Octoberfest, Boston Beer Company (5.70% ABV) - Sam Adams' Octoberfest is one of the better Märzen beers available. It was first brewed in 1989 and is available from August through October. The beer is dark amber brown in color. It has a sweet aroma of hops and malts. It has a wonderful taste of caramel and sweet toasted malts. It has a crisp taste with a smooth. It is a very enjoyable beer and is a must have for the fall season.

For more info on this beer, check out: www.samueladams.com/world_of_beer.aspx

Warsteiner Premium Oktoberfest, Warsteiner Brauerei (5.90% ABV) - The Warsteiner Brauerei has been operating in Warsteiner, Germany for more than 250 years. Their Premium Oktoberfest, only available during the Oktoberfest season, is one of their best seasonal beers and is one of the best in the Märzen style. This beer is a clear golden color and has a sweet malty aroma. The taste is also very malty and has just a hint of spice. This Oktoberfest has a medium to light body and goes down pretty easy.

Check out: http://www.warsteiner-usa.com/productoktoberfest.jsp for more information.

Spaten Oktoberfestbier Ur-Marzen, Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu (5.90% ABV) - This Märzen beer from München, Germany was created in 1872 and claims to be the first Oktoberfest beer in the world. It has a beautiful golden body with nice white fluffy head. It smells of toasted malts and grains and has a malty taste with a nice caramel sweetness. It has a medium body feel with moderate carbonation. This is another seasonal beer only available from August through October. The very first Oktoberfest beer is another must try for the season.

Check out: http://spatenusa.com/6_what_new/6_3_promotions/index.htm

Paulaner Oktoberfest-Märzen, Paulaner Salvator Thomasbraeu (5.80% ABV) - The Oktoberfest-Märzen was originally a seasonal brew, but is now brewed and available all year long and is one of Paulaner's best beers. It pours a dark copper color and has a malty aroma with hints of caramel and toffee. It has a caramel, malty flavor with some nuttiness to it. This beer has a nice crisp bite, with a medium body, and a clean finish. Paulaner's is definitely one of my favorite Oktoberfest beers.

Go to: http://www.paulaner.com/start.php for more.

Dogtoberfest, Flying Dog Brewery (5.30% ABV) - This Märzen comes from the Flying Dog Brewery in Maryland and is one of their best seasonal brews. It has a deep amber color. Its aroma is somewhat fruity mixed with toffee and caramel. It has a malty taste with some hints of caramel and a hoppy finish to it. It has a medium body with a thick creamy feel and moderate carbonation. Make sure to try some of this beer during the fall when it is available.

Go to: http://www.flyingdogales.com/Beer-Dogtober.aspx to check it out.