Prost to the fest: 2023 Best Oktoberfest beers to enjoy for the festivities

While many people dream of heading to Munich to enjoy Oktoberfest in the most iconic locale, the reality is some people are raising a stein a little closer to home. With the 2023 best Oktoberfest beers, everyone can have a rousing prost to the annual celebration.

Seasonal beers capture a wide variety of flavors. From light, citrus forward flavors during the summer to warm, cozy, spice forward brews during the winter months, the beer conversation often follows a similar path to food choices. Although not necessarily tied quite as closely to the harvest from the farm, the reality is that the calendar does influence the beer in the glass.

With Oktoberfest beers, the annual event is tied to a long, storied history. The German festival in Munich might have more stringent guidelines to those beers served in the raucous halls. The reality is that this style of beer is usually a marizen. The amber colored beer is often malty with a sweetness. Even though the appearance might not be as golden as a lager, the beer style is often quite drinkable.

Many beer brands offer the seasonal brew. From well-known names to some local favorites, there are plenty of bottles to chill in the refrigerator.

Best 2023 Oktoberfest beers to enjoy before the winter comes.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier

Brewed in the old world tradition, the Paulaner Oktoberfest beer is considered Germany’s number one seasonal offering. Served in the Munich Paulaner tents, the limited offering brew has a lovely balance of flavors. While slightly bolder than the traditional larger, the fragrant hops invite that first sip and bring people back for another stein. The 6% ABV might be a little robust, but it is a season to celebrate.

Goose Island Oktoberfest

While many people eagerly anticipate the annual Bourbon County Stout release, the light-bodied German lager invites drinkers into the cooler season. With some rye bread notes and a toasty malt, even the chilly wind from Lake Michigan is no match for this warm, cozy seasonal brew.

Karbach Brewing Co Karbachtoberfest

While Texas might not necessarily be the German stronghold, the Karbach Brewing Co has a delightful Bavarian-style Marzen. Although it is quite enjoyable with a warm, soft pretzel or even that brat, this seasonal beer presents an easy drinking style. From that football tailgate to a simple afternoon in the backyard, it is one to enjoy before the leaves fall.

Blue Point Brewing Company Oktoberfest

The traditional German style Oktoberfest harkens back to the tents. Even though the German story involves a marriage, this particular seasonal beer is a flavor match for the ages. The seasonal flavors are approachable, yet it stands completely on its own.

Devils Backbone Brewing Co. O’Fest

While this beer brand might be willing to push the conversation with some of its other beers, the O’Fest stays true to the tradition style. Although slightly bread forward, the beer is quite smooth and easy drinking.

Yuengling’s Oktoberfest

It might be America’s oldest brewery, but the Yuengling’s Oktoberfest blends the brand’s German roots with its American approach. The medium bodied beer has some lovely caramel notes, but the flavor is both subtle and approachable. From being enjoyed on its own to paired with a robust meal, there are plenty of reasons to open a bottle.

Samuel Adams Oktoberfest

Even if your cousin from Boston might have a unique approach to the “prost,” the Samuel Adams Oktoberfest beer is always a great choice. An easy drinking seasonal beer due to its light hops and slight sweetness from the roasted notes, there is no need to wait for sweater weather to pop open a cold one.

What are your favorite 2023 Best Oktoberfest beers? Do you grab a few extra bottles to enjoy long into winter?