Oktoberfest style. I’m talking about a style of beer, like stouts and pilsners, not how to drink in style at Oktoberfest, nor about the girl to the right… though, maybe we should…

The German Oktoberfest style of beer is actually a Märzen, and as the name implies, it is brewed in March. However, it is stored and aged over the summer and it gets its common name from the time in which you drink it, namely, Oktoberfest.

Märzen/Oktoberfest beers are lagers. (from the German word ‘lagern’ which means “to store”) A lager, which deserves its own blog entry, uses a different type of yeast that ferments at the bottom and at cooler temperatures. This long fermentation process helps clarify and add complexity to the beer.

The Oktoberfest style of beer is a medium bodied beer that is sweet yet balanced out with Noble hops. The sweet malt should be the dominant flavor. It comes in a variety of color ranges, from light orange to dark copper. You will find light toasty notes in the malt. Caramel/toffee flavors are also acceptable for the style. Additionally, bread or biscuit like flavors may be present. The aroma will be notable, but low to medium, and clean.

There is also an American Oktoberfest style where the only difference is a slightly stronger hop presence, but sweetness remains the predominant characteristic of the beer.

Next up for me us is to review as many of these beers as I can… all in the name of research and informing our readers.

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