Our favorite Oktoberfest lagers

We launched our Foul Ball Fest beer giveaway this morning, so I figured we should take some time and actually talk about Oktoberfest beers. To me, Oktoberfest lagers (the actual style is called MÚÚarzen) are some of the best beers you can drink. I really got into them last fall, and now it's my most checked-in style of beer on Untappd. 

While the real Munich Oktoberfest celebration isn't happening this year, you can still celebrate at home with some of these beers. 

1. Legend Brewing Company Oktoberfest

I've spent a lot of time in Richmond over the past few years, and one of the best things to do in town is visit the local breweries. Legend is one of the first craft breweries in Richmond, and their Oktoberfest is among the best. 

This beer is brewed on a base of Vienna malt, with generous helpings of Munich and Caramel malts as well, giving it a rich malty, and smooth flavor. 

Untappd Rating: 4.25 out of 5

2. Devils Backbone O'Fest

Devils Backbone is one of my top two breweries, and while they're known for their Vienna Lager, this Oktoberfest beer my be my favorite of theirs. Inspired by old school Oktoberfest beers, it has a deep amber color, with caramel and toasted bread flavors.

Untappd Rating: 4 out of 5

Something new that Devils Backbone is trying this year is an Oktoberfest-themed IPA called Munchen on Hops. I'm not a big IPA guy, but this one intrigues me, so I might have to try it at some point this fall. 

3. Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest

If you're ever in Asheville, North Carolina, you have to make the trip to Sierra Nevada. It's one of the best breweries I've ever been to, not just for the beer, but for the entire experience. 

The beer adds to the experience, obviously, and their Oktoberfest is definitely one to try. Brewed with toasty malts and German hops, this beer has notes of fresh bread and a floral, fruity character. Men's Journal described it as "the world's best Oktoberfest."

Untappd Rating: ​4 out of 5

4. 13.Five Oktoberfest

I've never actually been to the Blue Mountain Brewery in Nelson County, Va., but I have tried a lot of their beer. The 13.Five Oktoberfest is my favorite of theirs, and it's got a cool reasoning for the name. 

At the Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, only beer which is brewed within the city limits and with an original gravity of 13.5 can be served. 

Untappd Rating: ​3.75 out of 5

5. Highland Brewing Clawhammer Oktoberfest

Another Asheville brewery, Highland does a great job with their Clawhammer Oktoberfest beer. It's "Bavarian-inspired, Asheville-made." 

Like all the others, this beer is smooth and well-rounded with toasty malt notes. 

Untappd Rating: 3.75 out of 5