Okay, so "around the corner" translates literally as "um die Ecke" in German, but the English idiom may not. Nonetheless, Oktoberfest is not far off and various breweries have got their versions of Bavarian-style dark beer supposedly fit for Oktoberfest for sale.
Here's the question. Is there a better version of an Oktoberfest-style beer available commercially in the US than the Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen that Trader Joe sells by the 0.5l bottle? The rejects so far include:
Real Ale's Oktoberfest (third tier) and
Spaten Oktoberfest (also third tier)
Trader Josef's house brand Oktoberfest is better than the two previously listed, but is still second tier.
? I would think Spaten Octoberfest Bier would be a pretty good example of a genuine German Octoberfest brewed beer. Minus that it's in a bottle thousands of miles from it's origin...
Hofbrau has a pretty good one. They usually have the biggest tent at the festivities. About as authentic as it gets here in the USA, and the rest of the world...
I went to Octoberfest in Munich in 1983. It was a real good time.
Hofbrau has quite a history....
Hier ist etwas gutes Bier
Only had it in Milwaukee. Don't know if any of it gets down Texas way.
Looking for a good beer at Oktoberfest...I can't imagine a more exciting quest! It could take a while, you'd better get started. B-)
> ? I would think Spaten Octoberfest Bier would be a pretty good example of a genuine German Octoberfest brewed beer. Minus that it's in a bottle thousands of miles from it's origin...
>
> Hofbrau has a pretty good one. They usually have the biggest tent at the festivities. About as authentic as it gets here in the USA, and the rest of the world...
I thought that the Spaten was on the watery side, with little complexity. Maybe third tier was a bit extreme, but not above second tier.
Hier ist etwas gutes Bier
> Hofbräu Oktoberfest
>
> Only had it in Milwaukee. Don't know if any of it gets down Texas way.
>
> Looking for a good beer at Oktoberfest...I can't imagine a more exciting quest! It could take a while, you'd better get started.
It's a tough job, but someone must do it. :> I'll find the Hofbrau Oktoberfest and see how it compares. As far as I know, virtually every beer sold commercially anywhere in the world can be purchased in Austin, Texas. In Oklahoma, of course, your mileage may vary.
>
> I thought that the Spaten was on the watery side, with little complexity. Maybe third tier was a bit extreme, but not above second tier.
Funny thing you would say this but I have never found the USA imported versions of German beer to taste as good as they do in Germany. Those 5 Liter little kegs would be your best bet. They usually taste better than their bottled version. Perhaps a casualty of shipping? I dunno...
Hier ist etwas gutes Bier
A trip to Milwaukee might be very educational for your beer-tasting buds. They take their German heritage and beer drinking very, very seriously.
Good beer in Oklahoma
..kind of an oxymoron...like military intelligence. The only beer I actually drink around here is Miller that I drive to Texas to purchase. Oklahoma is a wasteland of real beer. Sadly, between the politicians, the liquor distributors and the Baptists I'll never have a good beer in this state.
But I always enjoy my travels.
It is hard to find a good beer that suits me. A lot of the bottom-brewed lagers are delicious, but too rich to suck down a large quantity. The summer grain pilsners are nice and light, but there's always a little something missing it seems.
I know I have strange tastes in beer. My favorites among bottled beer are (not necessarily in this order) Miller Genuine Draft, Jax, Choc and one or two of the Shiners. The two later brands are by no means heirloom quality beer, but I have an affection for cheap grog. I mean, after all, it's just beer! B-)
I will definitely concede that the nette Leute aus Bayern perfected the art of brewing a few hundred years ago. Gott segne sie!
Good luck in your quest. You should send us all postcards.
The brewery on the can!
Some say it's the building in the background...
some say it's the team of Belgians! :pinch:
Good beer in Oklahoma
> ..kind of an oxymoron...like military intelligence. The only beer I actually drink around here is Miller that I drive to Texas to purchase. Oklahoma is a wasteland of real beer. Sadly, between the politicians, the liquor distributors and the Baptists I'll never have a good beer in this state.
>
> But I always enjoy my travels.
I can still recall one parched Summer (about 40 years ago) that I drove through Oklahoma thirsty for lager, only to find 3.2 beer in every refrigerated case and with no relief in sight.
> I will definitely concede that the nette Leute aus Bayern perfected the art of brewing a few hundred years ago. Gott segne sie!
>
> Good luck in your quest. You should send us all postcards.
The Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen is so excellent that it makes the quest easy. I mean, you find the Holy Grail right off and the cheap knock-offs pretty much are a snap to spot. At $3.50 per 0.5L bottle, there may be a good reason for its quality.
I would try the Paulaner. I don't distinctly recall their Oktoberfest Marzen...
But this is a favorite of mine...
https://surveyorconnect.com/images/uploaded/20140918041435541a5c2b6ec77.jp g" alt="" />
>I thought that the Spaten was on the watery side, with little complexity. Maybe third tier was a bit extreme, but not above second tier.
I like the Spaten, but I drink it on tap at my local Bavarian restaurant
The brewery on the can!
Well now I am thirsty. Got to wait till 8PM before I can even think about popping my first top.
Thank you so much.
Hier ist etwas gutes Bier
Glad to see my Parish Brew made the Louisiana list. Not German and off topic, but glad to see it get some recognition.
No love for Sam Adams in this thread? I wait all year for this one to come out.
die älteste Brauerei in Amerika
I wonder if Yuengling gets all the way to the Lone Star...
Sorry for the hijack. But with all the micro brews etc, can anyone recommend some non-alcoholic brews? I am about a year and a half into "taking a break", but I do miss the taste and smell, etc sometimes. O'Douls and NA St Pauli Girl are the only ones I have tried so far.
