Few beer-related traditions hold the prestige of Oktoberfest. Fort Worth’s breweries commemorate the annual event by releasing traditional German beers that pair perfectly with fall weather.
Rahr & Sons' Oktoberfest
Fort Worth’s first craft brewery has deep German roots. Brewery co-founder Fritz Rahr’s distant relatives founded Rahr Malting Company in 1847. Each year, the Near Southside brewery releases its ode to the traditional Märzen lager. The golden-amber beer boasts a hefty 6.7 ABV and lovely toasty caramel notes. Hops balance the mildly sweet malts for a drinking experience that’s sehr gut.
Wild Acre Brewing Company’s Mondlift
What is a Mondlift you ask? Wild Acre’s seasonal release is named after the famed Ferris wheel that has been a central part of the original Oktoberfest festival for over a century. Wild Acre’s Märzen-style beer stays true to tradition. If you love a beer that has a medium body (not too light, not too heavy), toasted bread notes, and a mild sweetness that’s balanced with German hops, then this is the craft brew for you.
Wild Acre Camp Bowie’s Snap’d Gingerbread Strong Ale
October through December, you can sip this ginger-kissed strong ale. The spiced strong ale washes over the palate with boozy notes of holiday cheer. Wild Acre Camp Bowie, headed by celebrity chef David Hollister, churns out some of the best sammies in the 817. Everything outside of the bread and cheese is made or prepared in-house. Whatever you order, there’s a perfect Wild Acre brew ready to wash down your craft sandwich.
Funky Picnic Brewery & Café’s Prostoberfest
This Near Southside brewpub excels at food and beers. The Prostoberfest is a beer to be savored. Start by taking in the light, citrusy and hoppy scents wafting off the beer’s head. Then let the light caramel and toffee notes wash over your mouth as you enjoy the crisp, clean finish. Then repeat and repeat. It’s a sensory experience like none other.
Maple Branch Craft Brewery
Arguably Fort Worth’s most beautiful brewery, Maple Branch Craft Brewery, boasts a spacious biergarten, water fountain and ample seating. The Foundry District-based destination offers a wide range of German brews, including Golden Trails, a Munich Helles that is known for its gentle and bready malt profile.
Martin House Brewing’s Dulce
Big, bold and boozy. Martin House Brewing Company’s Dulce is a flavor bomb of Belgian candy syrup, complex and rich malts and sweetness that comes from barrel-aging in sherry barrels. The wheat wine is a seasonal release that can be enjoyed in cans or on draught at the Riverside taproom.
Bankhead Brewing Co.
Bankhead Brewing Co. occupies the former home of Funkytown Fermatorium. The brewpub follows a similar model to the original Rowlett location — great food, award-winning beers and superlative cocktails. Here, you’ll find some of the best wood-fire pizzas in North Texas. As cooler temperatures settle in, you can enjoy the fall-friendly Hoofer’s Hef, a lovely hazy hefeweizen that puts banana and clove notes to the fore for a well-balanced delight.
Neutral Ground Brewing Company’s Harvest Series
River East has matured into a destination district that now boasts its own craft brewery. Newcomer Neutral Ground Brewing Company has a Harvest Series that is brewed using fruit from one of the co-owner’s Central Texas farms. This year’s harvest? Apricot Pale Ale. Grab one before it’s gone.
HopFusion Ale Works’ Oktoberfest
The brew crew at HopFusion Ale Works churn out superlative beers that range from light Modelo-esque lagers to heavy barley wine and everything in between. You’ll have to hop over to the Near Southside brewery to find it, but their Märzen-style Oktoberfest is worth the trip. The not-too-boozy, balanced and delicious ale might leave you wanting to celebrate Oktoberfest all year long.
Cowtown Brewing’s Imperial Märzen Oktoberfest
Located in Rock Island (just east of downtown), Cowtown Brewing offers some tasty barbecue in addition to their selection of beers. Order up some brisket or other succulent meats and wash ’em down with the Imperial Märzen Oktoberfest. Imperial is beer-speak for richer, bolder and boozier. It’s everything you love about this season beer — just more of it.
