Best Places For Oktoberfest Beer In The United States

Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, is synonymous with beer, but not just any beer. Oktoberfest beers are a special category brewed with tradition, precision, and centuries of Bavarian craftsmanship. While official Oktoberfest beers can only be brewed in Munich, the style has inspired breweries worldwide to produce their own versions. In the United States, several options are available for those looking to buy genuine Oktoberfest beer. Some popular choices include the Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier, the Hacker-Pschorr Original Oktoberfest Amber Märzen, and the Hofbrau Oktoberfestbier. These beers can often be found at specialty beer stores or online retailers. Additionally, American craft brewers have put their modern spin on the German classic, such as the Festbier by Human Robot and the Lager Town by Half Acre Beer Co. So, whether you're looking for a traditional Oktoberfest beer or a contemporary twist, there are plenty of options to choose from in the United States.

Where to buy Oktoberfest beer in-store

If you're looking to buy Oktoberfest beer in-store, there are several options available to you. Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of Oktoberfest beers. While the official Oktoberfest beers are brewed in Munich, Germany, and include brands such as Augustiner Bräu, Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, and Hofbräu, there are also many craft breweries in the United States that create their own interpretations of this traditional style.

When shopping for Oktoberfest beers in the United States, look for those labeled as Märzen or Festbier, as these are often brewed in a similar style to the traditional German beers. Here are some options for where to buy Oktoberfest beer in-store:

• Total Wine & More: They offer a wide variety of Oktoberfest/Märzen beers, including well-known brands such as Spaten, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Warsteiner. You can check their website to see if they have a location near you and what specific beers they have in stock.
• Local craft breweries: Many local craft breweries across the United States create their own versions of Oktoberfest beers, especially during the fall season. Check out breweries in your area and inquire about their seasonal offerings. For example, the Athletic Brewing Company offers a non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beer that may be available at a store near you.
• Specialty beer stores: Depending on your location, there may be specialty beer stores that carry a wide selection of craft beers, including Oktoberfest styles. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you in the right direction.
• Grocery and liquor stores: During the fall season, many grocery and liquor stores will stock up on seasonal beers, including Oktoberfest offerings. Keep an eye out at your local stores, and you may be able to find some options to choose from.

Remember, when purchasing Oktoberfest beer in-store, it's always a good idea to call ahead or check the store's website to ensure they have the specific beer you're looking for in stock. Cheers!

Where to buy Oktoberfest beer online

If you're in the United States and looking to buy genuine Oktoberfest beer online, there are several options available to you.

Firstly, it's important to understand the criteria for a beer to be officially recognised as an Oktoberfest beer. These beers must be brewed in Munich, adhere to the German Beer Purity Law of 1516 (Reinheitsgebot) which allows the use of only water, barley, and hops in brewing, and have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 5.8% to 6.3%.

With that in mind, let's look at some places where you can buy Oktoberfest beer online:

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More offers a wide range of Oktoberfest beers, including well-known brands such as Spaten, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Hofbräu. They offer a variety of pack sizes, from 4-packs to 12-packs, and different types of beer, such as bottles and cans. However, it seems that many of their Oktoberfest beers are currently out of stock, both online and in-store.

Half Time Beverage

If you're looking for the German version of Oktoberfest beer, Half Time Beverage offers Spaten Oktoberfest, a medium amber-coloured, slightly hoppy beer with an ABV of 5.9%. This beer is described as pairing well with German foods.

Athletic Brewing Company

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, Athletic Brewing Company offers a non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beer inspired by traditional Bavarian Festbiers. It boasts a clean malt backbone, a slightly sweet body, and a sunny golden hue. They offer free shipping on orders over $50.

BuyRite Wines

Although not specifically mentioned, BuyRite Wines could be another option for purchasing Oktoberfest beer online, as they advertise a "best selection" of craft beer.

So, whether you're looking for the traditional, full-strength Oktoberfest beer or a non-alcoholic alternative, these online retailers can help you celebrate Oktoberfest from the comfort of your home. Prost!

Where to buy non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beer

If you're looking to get your hands on some non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beer in the United States, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can check out the Athletic Brewing Company, which offers a non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beer inspired by traditional Bavarian Festbiers. Their beer is a golden fest brew with bready aromas and a delicate sweetness. It's available for purchase on their website, with prices starting at $13.99 for a 6-pack.

Another popular option is the non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beer by Untitled Art. This beer is a take on the classic German festbier, featuring rich caramel and Vienna malts with a crisp finish. It has won awards, including the 2024 Great American Beer Festival Silver Medal in the Amber to Dark Non-Alcoholic category. You can find it on the Untitled Art website, with prices starting at $5 for a 6-pack.

If you're looking for a Canadian option, One For The Road Brewery offers a non-alcoholic Marzen beer called "No Regrets". It's a full-bodied ale with a great taste, quality, and mouthfeel. It's available on their website for $13.99 for a 4-pack.

Lastly, Harmon's Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer also offers a non-alcoholic Marzen, which is light yet full-flavoured with soft malty notes balanced with light hops. You can find it on their website for $18 for a 6-pack.

So there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to enjoy a non-alcoholic version of this festive beer.

Where to buy Oktoberfest beer in New Jersey

Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival, and while it originated in Germany, it has become a popular autumn event in the United States, especially in New Jersey. The festival is a celebration of German culture, with traditional music, food, and, of course, beer!

If you're looking to buy Oktoberfest beer in New Jersey, there are several events and locations to consider:

Mountain Creek Oktoberfest

Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, New Jersey, hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration that spans two weekends in September and October. The festival features a variety of German beers, including the traditional Oktoberfest style, along with German cuisine and entertainment. This event offers an immersive German experience with traditional attire, decorations, and a keg-tapping ceremony.

Germania Park Oktoberfest

This long-standing Oktoberfest celebration, organized by the German-American Club of Trenton, is held annually in early October. It features authentic German food, beer, and live music. Well-known German beer brands like Paulaner and Spaten are typically available at this festival, along with traditional German attire and souvenirs.

Zeppelin Hall Oktoberfest

Zeppelin Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration in their spacious Biergarten. The festival offers a variety of German brews on tap, including lagers, pilsners, and hefeweizens. Traditional German food, such as sausages, pretzels, and schnitzel, is also served alongside live music and entertainment.

Deutscher Club of Clark's Oktoberfest

The Deutscher Club of Clark in Clark, New Jersey, holds an annual Oktoberfest celebration that is one of the biggest and most popular events in the area. They offer a wide range of German beers, including the traditional Oktoberfest variety, along with authentic German cuisine and entertainment. This festival embraces German culture and traditions, providing a fun and immersive experience.

Hoboken Bar Crawl

For a unique twist on the traditional Oktoberfest celebration, Hoboken hosts an annual Oktoberfest Bar Crawl, where participants hop from bar to bar within the city. This event offers a different take on the festival, allowing you to explore Hoboken's bar scene while enjoying Oktoberfest beers and German-themed drinks.

In addition to these events, New Jersey is home to numerous Biergartens and breweries that celebrate Oktoberfest. The state's diverse German culture ensures that you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy Oktoberfest beers and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

Where to buy Oktoberfest beer in Texas

Texas has a rich German heritage, and its craft breweries celebrate this with Oktoberfest parties and fall festivals. Many Texas breweries offer seasonal selections of Oktoberfest beers, so you can enjoy a taste of the world's largest beer festival without travelling too far from home.

If you're in Austin, you could try the Montecore German lager from Austin Beerworks, or the seasonal beer from the East Austin taproom, Hi Sign Brewing. Houston-based Karbach offers a Bavarian-style Marzen, and St. Arnold Oktoberfest is another option brewed in Houston. Shiner's Marzen-style Oktoberfest is also available, as well as the Oktoberfest beer from the Fredericksburg-based Altstadt Brewery. For an English-style ale, try the Public Ale from Dallas-based Community Beer Co.

You can also find Oktoberfest beers from official Munich breweries in Texas. Look out for the following:

• Augustiner Bräu: The oldest brewery in Munich, dating back to 1328. It is known for its mild, smooth flavour with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
• Paulaner: Famous for its rich, malty flavour and golden amber hue.
• Spaten: Offers a more robust, toasted malt profile with balanced bitterness.
• Hacker-Pschorr: Known for its deep golden colour and slightly fruity, malty taste.
• Löwenbräu: Recognised for its pale colour and full-bodied, malty character.
• Hofbräu: Perhaps the most internationally known, offering a crisp, clean taste with a balanced malt profile.

Total Wine & More also offers a wide range of Oktoberfest beers for purchase online, with pick-up options available in Fort Worth, Texas.

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