Karl Strauss Brewing

Oans, zwoa, g'suffa! Oktoberfest is here!

Late September is a time of celebration for beer lovers around the world as Oktoberfest gets underway. Making the pilgrimage to Munich each year isn’t realistic for most, but local breweries make it possible to raise a few steins of Märzen without sacrificing time that might be spent enjoying San Diego’s local summer.

Karl Strauss Brewmaster Paul Segura describes the thrill of bringing an iconic beer to local taps, “Our Oktoberfest is the ideal fall brew for celebrating the world’s biggest beer party. With hops imported directly from the Hallertau region of Germany, and Vienna and Munich malts producing toasted flavors and nutty undertones, this Märzen-style beer is begging to be enjoyed from a stein — over and over again.”

The 35th annual Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is a 5.0% ABV Märzen/Oktoberfest Lager with a deep golden color and nutty undertones. As Segura noted, Vienna Malt and Munich Malt, plus Carahell, Pale 2-Row, and Caramel 60 help deliver a toasted malt flavor characteristic of the well-known Bavarian beer style. To Segura, hewing close to tradition is important, “In a world of ever-changing beer styles, our Oktoberfest stands as a timeless classic — an original masterpiece that pays homage to the heart and soul of this Bavarian brewing tradition. No doubt, this is one that both our team and our fans get most excited for each year.”

Prost to Oktoberfest

Societe Brewing

Doug Constantiner, CEO and founder of Societe Brewing, agrees. Speaking of his Fest Bier, Constantiner notes, “We made this beer to embrace the history and tradition of celebrating Oktoberfest. The beer is 4.6% ABV to allow the consumer to enjoy plenty of it, even on a hot day in the sun. Drinkability is the name of the game with this beer.” Societe’s Oktoberfest Lager is available for the seventh year and features Pilsner malt, Vienna malt, and Czech Saaz hops. The result is a smooth, crisp, and clean lager with floral notes and hints of lemony citrus zest.

Prinz des Oktoberfestes

Black Plague Brewing

Another Oktoberfest offering of note is Black Plague Brewing’s Prince of Bavaria, which will be available for the third year. Jordan Hoffart, co-founder and president of Black Plague, explains the brewery’s modernized take, “In honor of the very first Oktoberfest, we present a libation that embodies the essence of Bavarian heritage and celebration,” one that “pays homage to the roots of Oktoberfest while adding a touch of modern craftsmanship. Brewed with Hallertau Mittelfruh hops, and the finest German Pilsner malt, this brew embodies the crispness and purity that defines traditional German brewing. Marris Otter and Munich 2 malts are carefully selected for their depth and character, lending the brew a rich and nuanced body, while still being light in color and soft on the palate. Prince of Bavaria Festbier stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Oktoberfest and the spirit of unity that binds us all.” At 5.5%, Prince of Bavaria is an approachable, balanced beer with hints of toffee, caramel, and logtly toasted biscuit.

San Diego breweries provide the Märzen; now all that’s needed for Oktoberfest at home are the schnitzel, spaetzle, German potato salad, and pretzels.