The Oktoberfest tradition started in 1810 in Munich, Germany when the town celebrated the Crown Prince’s wedding with a special beer and a 2-week party. Some 200 years later, the tradition of celebration continues in Germany and around the world. Bring the fest to your home with some of these Oktoberfest brews!

Sierra Nevada 2016 Oktoberfest: Each year, Sierra Nevada picks a different German brewery to collaborate with on their Oktoberfest beer. This year they choose Mahrs Bräu, from Bramberg. What makes this version of the classic festival beer different is the use of the long forgotten German hop variety, Record. This hop brings a noticeable spicy hop character to the beer, which balances out the rich malty complexity.

Sam Adams Oktoberfest: Brewed with a variety of German noble hops and traditional Munich malts, this deep red amber beer is very malt forward. The dominant flavors are roasted grains and caramel sweetness, with just a touch of floral hop notes to keep it balanced.

Deschutes Hopzeit Autumn IPA: Inspired by the traditional Oktoberfest beer, this IPA kicks it up a notch with the addition of the latest hop varietals from Germany. Along with the malty qualities you would expect from a Märzen beer, fruity and herbal hop overtones are front and center.

Erdinger Oktoberfest: The use of wheat in this “Oktoberfest Weissbier” from Germany makes this version of the classic just a little different. Instead of the roasted malt and caramel sweetness associated with traditional Oktoberfest beer, this light golden, unfiltered, light-bodied beer has more pear, banana and clove flavors with just a hint of roasted grains.

Paulaner Oktoberfest: Established in Munich in 1634, this brewery has been making great beer for centuries, and their version of the classic Oktoberfest brew is no exception. A nice deep copper color, this full-bodied beer very smooth and easy to drink. It’s full of caramel malt flavors as well as fig and toffee, with just enough hoppy qualities and a nutty lingering finish.

So you’ve got the brews, but don’t stop there! Find your perfect Oktoberfest pairings with these delicious German Cheeses!