Dave Hoops from Fitger’s Brewhouse has put together a huge beer list for Oktoberfest at Tycoons (September 20-21). He’s got 11 beers in classic Oktoberfest styles Wiesn and Märzen, and five are from Minnesota microbreweries (two of course are from Germany, and three are from the greater Midwest). It’s the largest collection of Oktoberfest microbrews in Duluth. Check it out!
Fitger’s Brewhouse Oktoberfest Wiesn 6.1%
Duluth, MinnesotaBrewed strictly according to the Bavarian beer purity law of 1516, it has the character of a typical light bottom-fermented festival beer with a balanced harmonious taste and the pleasant fragrance of hops.
Paulaner Oktoberfest Wiesn 5.8%
Munich, GermanyThis bier with a clean, malty nose has fruitiness and nutty notes too, along with a hint of baking spices. The mouth features a precise, clean palate with light body. The balance of nutty flavors and fruity Munich malt is more careful here than the other Oktoberfests we tasted, but the intensity is less, as well. The finish has a touch of crisp bitterness and nice malt.
Bell’s Octoberfest 5.5%
Galesburg, MichiganOctoberfest trades in the assertive hop presence of some lagers for a focus on a light caramel malt note, lending body without too much sweetness.
Surlyfest 6.0%
Brooklyn Center, MinnesotaA traditional Oktoberfest bier from Surly? Nein! Malted Rye, Flaked Rye, and Crystal Rye impart a biscuit flavor to the lush Vienna Malt body, and dry-hopping with Sterling Hops adds bright, floral hop aromas.
Summit Oktoberfest 6.6%
St. Paul, MinnesotaBrewed in the classic Märzen style with Northern Brewer hops from Germany. Rich, toffee malt flavors up front with a clean hop finish as crisp as the autumn air.
Samuel Adams Oktoberfest 5.3%
Boston, MassachusettsThis brew masterfully blends together five roasts of malt to create a delicious harmony of sweet flavors including caramel and toffee. The malt is complemented by the elegant bitterness imparted by the Bavarian Noble hops.
Schell’s Oktoberfest 5.5%
New Ulm, MinnesotaBrewed with the perfect balance of Pale, Munich, and Cara Pils malt with Liberty and Perle hops to create a rich, smooth taste.
Goose Island Oktoberfest 6.4%
Chicago, IllinoisNotes of toffee and burnt sugar in the aroma and flavors of sweet dried apricots are delivered in a dry malty body with the mild earthy bitterness that is the hallmark of Hallertau hops.
Ayinger Oktoberfest 5.6%
Aying, GermanyAmple fruity Munich malt does most of the driving, giving a fresh, almost sweet character that one identified as “juicy.” There’s soft bitterness to balance here, and the overall impression is of a deeply drinkable, full and round beer with a clean character.
Great Lakes Oktoberfest 6.5%
Cleveland, OhioLike the crazy but lovable relative you only see once a year, our Oktoberfest is a heartwarming reunion in a glass — preferably of the heavy, handled German stein variety.
Lift Bridge Oktoberfest 5.5%
Stillwater, MinnesotaBrewed in the style of the modern day Oktoberfest, our beer is on the lighter side of a Märzen and is brewed with traditional European malts and hops, which combine to create a beer with a pleasant roasted malt flavor.
