BEST OKTOBERFEST BEERS IN CHICAGO
No matter where you are, you can celebrate by drinking delicious oktoberfest-style lagers. While we’ve been recently tasting the classic Spaten Ur-Marzen on our Virtual Hoppy Hour Beer Tasting Classes, many local craft breweries brew some great season suds. In no particular order, here are some of our Chicagoland favorites:
Fruhauf by Pollyanna Brewing Company
As the 2016 GABF Bronze Medal Winner for German-Style Maerzen, this beer is considered by many to be one of, if not the best, Marzen style beer in the Chicagoland area. At 5.4%, it is a delicious reproduction of the style. Beautiful, subtle complexity with the maltiness highlighted. Brewed by Pollyanna Brewing Company based in Lemont, Illinois. Learn more.
Afterburner by Metropolitan Brewing
As a lager-focused brewery, Metropolitan brewing knows what’s what. At 6.1%, their Afterburner blasts off with the roasty, toasty malty notes that we’ve come to expect from the style. A bit heftier compared to other similar beers, yet still quite drinkable. Brewery link.
Festbier by Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
When I think of Oktoberfest, I generally think of the marzen style, that amber-y delicious brew that features the biscuity goodness of some darker more amber malts. However, the actual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich now features festbier, a paler lager that similar to a strong helles lager. Maplewood brews a great one here. At 4.5%, it is quite session-able. Learn more.
Lager Town by Half Acre Beer Company
Half Acre’s Lager Town is brewed well with the excellence you have come to expect from Half Acre. At 5.7%, right in the middle strength of them. Learn more.
Oktoberfest by Revolution Brewing
Chicago is lucky to have such an excellent large brewery with Revolution. Therefore, you can find their representation of the style all over the area when in-season. This beer has come to encapsulate the style for me on a local level. Delicious. Learn more.
Atom Smasher by Two Brothers Brewing
