There are many essential ingredients for a successful Oktoberfest celebration, but none is more important than the beer. But which style is going to fill your massive stein: the younger, bright Festbier or the old-school, bready Märzen? We found four breweries making both styles to have a side-by-side of each to help determine our personal preference - and the only thing missing is the lederhosen. Also, we explore the world of Christian pirate shanties, consider acceptable adjuncts for Oktoberfest styles, and try not to piss off MC Hammer.

Beers Reviewed

Paulaner Brauerei - Oktoberfestbier

Paulaner Brauerei - Oktoberfest Märzen

Moderne Dune - Fezzbier

Moderne Dune - Monte Marzen

Brothership Brewing - Festbier

Brothership Brewing - Märzen

Kinslahger Brewing - Festbier

Kinslahger Brewing - Märzen