The turning of leaves from bright greens to shades of red and gold signal the advent of fall. Along with the cooler temperatures and warmer color schemes, fall beers begin to line shelves and beer taps across the world.

// VF File Photo by Elle Lacher

There are many different styles of beer; ales and lagers are the
most prominent. In comparison to ales, lagers brew longer at a lower temperature. In ales, the yeast rises to the top of the brew, but in lagers, the yeast works at the bottom, and the brews are exposed to less oxygen. Ales have versatile and fruity flavors, making them popular during the summer months. Lagers, on the other hand, are darker and known for their cleaner flavors.

One of the most iconic fall beer styles is the Oktoberfest, also known as Märzenbeir. This style of beer was traditionally brewed and consumed in March, with the remainder being stored in cool caves until the brewing season was on again in October. The people of Munich would consume the remaining casks, and the toasty lager eventually became a staple of the yearly Oktoberfest celebration.

// VF File Photo by Elizabeth Wheeler

Oktoberfest beer has a simple but effective flavor profile. It sports a beautiful copper color, with plenty of malt and a mild amount of hop that pairs perfectly with a variety of food. With Oktoberfest being the pinnacle fall beer, several Iowa breweries have put their own spin on the brew. Three Iowa Oktoberfest lagers were put to the test to see who pulls off the best version of the iconic fall beer.

Boone Valley’s Oktoberfest
is easily the most intense of the three beers. The carbonation cuts through some of the hop’s bitterness that presents itself in the finish, alongside the nutty caramel flavors that serve as the hallmark for all Oktoberfest brews. Although the hops do not completely overtake the other flavors, it could be toned down slightly to provide a better balance. The flavors are carried well by strong maltiness. Overall, Boone Valley’s take is complex but too heavy-handed for the Oktoberfest style.

Backpocket Brewery’s “Hawktoberfest” stands in strong contrast to Boone Valley’s version. The appropriate maltiness is applied; however, the prolonged sweetness of the beer dominates the flavor profile. The finish is reminiscent of toffee and lingers longer than necessary with very little hop to balance it out. The intense caramel

// VF File Photo by Elizabeth Wheeler

flavoring of the beer positions it to be enjoyable with the onset of fall weather, but it barely squeaks by as an Oktoberfest brew.

While Boone Valley’s take on Oktoberfest is a little too hoppy and Backpocket Brewery is too sweet, Millstream’s version hits a perfect balance. The finish is slightly bitter, but the caramel and malt keep the hop characteristic from dominating the brew. Millstream stays truest to the simple principles of the Oktoberfest style and is a world- class find in the Heartland.

Prost!