Oktoberfest season has officially arrived! As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, it is the perfect time to bring the taste of Bavaria to your beverage lineup. Whether you’re planning a themed event or simply want to offer your customers something festive and flavorful, Columbia Distributing has a stellar selection of Märzen and Festbier styles available across Washington and Oregon.
What Is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest isn’t just a festival; it’s a centuries-old tradition that began in Munich in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding. Today, it’s one of the world’s largest and most beloved beer celebrations, marked by lively music, hearty food, and, of course, exceptional beer. Oktoberfest beers are steeped in tradition, with roots tracing back to 19th-century Bavaria. The two hallmark styles, Märzen and Festbier, capture the spirit of the season. Märzen is a rich, amber lager originally brewed in March and stored until fall. It’s known for its malty sweetness, smooth body, and toasty finish. Festbier, the lighter cousin, is golden, crisp, and brewed to be highly drinkable, which is perfect for long days of celebration.
Oktoberfest Beers Available in Washington and Oregon
For bars, restaurants, and beverage retailers, Oktoberfest beers offer a unique opportunity to tap into seasonal excitement. These brews are typically available from late summer through early fall, making them ideal for themed events, fall menus, and limited-time promotions. Available options include:
Athletic Brewing Co.
- Non-Alcoholic Festbier: Brewed with Vienna and Munich malts and Hallertau hops, this golden lager delivers bready aromas and a smooth, slightly sweet finish, minus the buzz. (ABV: 0.5%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
Bell’s Brewery
- Märzen: Toasted caramel malt, subtle herbal hops, and a clean finish make this brew a crowd-pleaser. (ABV: 5.5%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
BJ’s Brewhouse
- Märzen: Malty and toasty with a hint of citrusy hops, this smooth lager is made for sipping. Available in draft only, this lager is a local crowd-pleaser. (ABV: 5.6%, 12 oz)(Available in OR)
Buoy Beer Company
- Festbier: Crisp and full-bodied with notes of biscuit, honey, and soft floral spice, this lager is perfect for tasting the notes of autumn. (ABV: 5.5%, 12 oz) (Available in WA)
Crux Fermentation Project
- Triplecross, Belgian Style Ale: Brewed with care, Triplecross Ale is lightly bodied with yeast notes and sweet summer fruits on the edge of innovation. (ABV: 7.5%, 12 oz)(Available in OR and WA)
Dru Bru
- Oktoberfest-Style Lager, Festbier: This brew is designed with layers of German malt and an edge of soft hops, with an aroma of subtle herbs and spices. (ABV: 5.6%, 12 oz)(Available in WA)
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
- Märzen: Rich and biscuity with Vienna and Munich malts, fermented with house lager yeast and aged in oak barrels for added depth, this brew is perfect for Oktoberfest or year-round. (ABV: 5.2%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
Founders Brewing Co.
- Oktoberfest: This beverage is ideal to sip on, offering hints of caramel malt, cereal grain, and fruitiness with a balanced finish. (ABV: 6.0%, 12 oz) (Available in OR)
Full Sail Brewing Co.
- Nut Brown Ale: Rich with autumn spices, this brew tastes of caramel, molasses, and a hint of smokiness. Crafted with Maris Otter malt and chocolate malt, the profile boasts a rich flavor profile of toffee, bread, and caramel. (ABV: 5.6%, 12 oz)(Available in WA)
Hacker-Pschorr
- Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen: Smooth and honey-colored with hints of malt sweetness and noble hops, this brew is sure to please any beer enthusiast. (ABV: 5.8%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
Hofbräu München
- Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier: Golden and full-bodied with aromas of caramel, dried fruit, fig, honey, and a touch of grapefruit, this brew is perfect to pair with roast pork or grilled chicken. (ABV: 6.3%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
Josephsbrau
- Josephsbrau Oktoberfest: With toasty caramel malt and hints of chocolate and berry, this ale offers a light body with good carbonation.(ABV: 5.3%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
Kulshan Brewing Company
- Oktoberfest: With bready malt, subtle floral hops, and notes of apple, pear, and spice, this brew is ideal for enjoying the genuine German malts and hops flavoring.(ABV: 6.0%, 12 oz) (Available in WA)
Métier Brewing Company
- Métier Pale Ale: This pale ale is perfect for the season, with notes of crisp hop profile and a wonderful aroma of tropical fruit and citrus. (ABV: 6.2%, 12 oz)(Available in WA)
New Belgium Brewing
- Festbier: Made as a traditional German lager, this brew is true to tradition with 100% German malts and hops, brewed for 12 weeks to achieve a rich, smooth finish. (ABV: 7.0%, 12 oz)
Ommegang
- Oktommegang: This German-style lager has caramel malts balanced by noble hops to offer a simple and clean flavor with bready notes. (ABV: 5.8%, 12 oz)(Available in WA)
Paulaner
- Oktoberfest Märzen: Amber-colored and smooth, this brew ensures peak flavor for celebration and enjoyment. (ABV: 5.8%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
pFriem Family Brewers
- Oktoberfest: This brew with honey, sourdough, white grape, and wildflower notes provides a smooth, round finish. (ABV: 6.1%, 12 oz) (Available in WA)
Rogue Ales
- Oktoberfest: This brew has caramel malt, wheat, subtle fruit, and balanced hop notes accompanied by honey, sourdough, and white grape flavor. (ABV: 6.1%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
Samuel Adams
- Octoberfest: This brew offers deep amber coloring, with a smooth finish of roasted malt and sweet caramel, with mild hop character. (ABV: 5.3%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
Shiner (Spoetzl Brewery)
- Shiner Oktoberfest: This brew is made with high-quality barley, caramel malts, and hops. (ABV: 5.7%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- Oktoberfest Brew: This brew is award-winning with traditional German hops, a spicy aroma, and a clean finish. (ABV: 6%, 12 oz)(Available in OR and WA)
Silver City Brewery
- Imperial Märzen: Crafted with care and German tradition, this lager is rich, light, and crisp, with caramel notes and sweet hops. (ABV: 8.0%, 12 oz)(Available in OR and WA)
Warsteiner
- Premium Dunkel: A rich dark amber beer has a full-flavored, smooth taste that is nicely accented with satisfying notes of roasted malt and yeast tones.(ABV: 4.8%, 12 oz) (Available in OR and WA)
How to Order Oktoberfest Beers from Columbia Distributing
Oktoberfest beers are a surefire way to enjoy the German festival, with great food and friends. And a quick reminder to stay safe, call for a ride, and keep an eye on friend while out and about while enjoying the festivities!
If you’re looking for any of these beers, please visit their site’s brew finder to locate product locally, or visit your local Oktoberfest events.
If you’re a retailer, to order these beers, add them to your Fridge account online or contact us today to learn more.