Top Ocktoberfest Beers

Beer is a central element of Oktoberfest, the 16-day celebration of all things Bavarian, held in Munich, Germany, and running from September 22 to October 7. “Oktoberfest beers are characterized by a long brewing tradition and the strict adherence of the Reinheitsgebot or Bavarian Purity Requirements [beer made with only water, barley, and hops],” says Joe Vicidomini, owner of The Craftsman Ale House (235 Harrison Ave, Harrison 914-630-7484; craftsmanalehouse.com). Keep in mind that traditional Oktoberfest beers have high alcohol content, so go easy, lest you end up among the bierleichen (i.e., beer corpses).
            
Joe Vicidomini’s beers to say Prost! to:

	Spaten Oktoberfest This amber-colored, medium-bodied beer has a rich-textured palate with an underlying sweetness; it achieves an exact balance between roasted malt and hops flavor. Alcohol: 6%
	Hofbrau Oktober-festbier This brew smells slightly skunky but also sweet. It’s light and crisp, and it has a mildly bitter finish. Alcohol: 6%
	Ayinger Oktoberfest-Marzen This beer has a deep, golden color tinted with amber. It’s lightly sweet with a malty nose balanced with floral hops. Alcohol: 5.8%
	Hacker-Pschorr Original This rich, red-amber-colored brew tastes moderately sweet with a hint of caramel in the beginning and finishes with a malty, sweet, mild hoppiness flavor. Alcohol: 5.8%
	Paulaner Oktoberfest More than one million steins of this Märzen are served at Oktoberfest. It’s a yellowy-gold seasonal specialty (available only July through October) with a light hops taste. Alcohol: 5.8%