2 New Oktoberfest beers

On August 13, 2026 I purchased two new Oktoberfest beers at total wine. I figured that they would never be fresher. Initially both were disappointments; but, they grew on me as I went through the 12 packs.

Founders Oktoberfest is a traditional Märzen. 

Here is what BeerAdvocate says:

Blink and you’ll think you’re in Bavaria. We went all in on tradition with our Oktoberfest, using imported German malts and hops with a beautiful lager yeast for the finish. Pours a gorgeous copper hue with a rich, malty and slightly sweet backbone. Our version is akin to the beer poured in the early days of Oktoberfest and, yes, it adheres to the Reinheitsgebot. Prost!

IBUs: 20

The raters at BeerAdvocate rate is as being Very Good. 

Tasting Notes
20260821: Ditto as below.

Rating = 3.5 glasses

20260815: The beer is growing on me. I like it better. Very much a Märzen.

Rating = 3 glasses

20260814: Very malty - I think it resembles a Scotch Ale. I am not sure how much I like the style or beer.

Rating = 2 glasses

This year's Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest is a collaboration with Hoppebräu. Sierra Nevada's decription is:

Each year, we partner with a German brewer to create a traditional Oktoberfest, but this modern Festbier breaks the mold. A collaboration with innovative Bavarian brewer,  Hoppebräu, our 2026 Oktoberfest is lightly dry-hopped for a hint of floral character, balanced by biscuity flavor thanks to Munich malt. But it won’t last long; this seasonal beer will be gone before you can say prost!

The raters at BeerAdvocate rate is as being Very Good.

Tasting Notes
20260815: The one is also growing on me. More festive.

Rating = 2.5 glasses

20260814: It breaks the mold for Oktoberfest. It is more Festbier than Märzen but maltier than a Festbier. It tastes something like a Vienna Lager.  

Rating = 2 glasses