An American Oktoberfest

Too often, German Oktoberfest–style beers that cross the Atlantic disappoint because they’ve not been treated well, said Maggie Hoffman in Seriouseats.com. They “lose some of their sprightly bitterness and their rich, sweet maltiness.” This year I decided to avoid the entire problem by sampling American brewers’ takes on the style.

New Glarus Staghorn

New Glarus, Wis.

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With a “bagel-like malty scent” and almost as much hoppiness as a pilsner, this “toasty and clean” beer will make you want to put on a sweater and go watch football.

Capital Brewery Oktoberfest

Washington, D.C.

This well-balanced beer boasts a “classic caramel-malt nose” as well as “good graham-cracker notes and enough crisp hopping to keep it from getting sweet.”

Bell’s Oktoberfest

Kalamazoo, Mich.

A “luscious, smooth texture and awesome caramel flavors” make this a “hearty, belly-filling” Oktoberfest.