[Pinski]

We're going to have an Oktoberfest celebration this year and I need to build up some inventory this weekend.  I'd really like to do something in the Oktoberfest style. However, I won't have the ability to cold lager or maintain fermentation cooler than 68 degrees.  Anyone have a good recipe for an "Oktoberfest" Ale?

[denny]

I've found that even if you do a Mocktoberfest, you still need to be able to ferment in the low 60s and cold condition.  If you can't do that, you might want to reconsider.

[majorvices]

I was going to suggest an "Alt-toberfest", but if you can't ferment in the low 60's that'll be a problem. That said, with a swamp cooler I could easily hold my fermentation temp in the very low 60's for the first 3 days or so, which is the most critical time for low temp control.

Another idea is a "fest" type wheat beer. I have had one on draft at an O-fest several years ago made by (I believe) Paulener. I'll have to look that up to be sure. But still, you are going to want rather cool fermentation temp for something like that.

You can get a relatively clean tasting ale with the Chico strain (WLP001/WY1056/US-05) at ~68 degrees. You could replace any o-fest recipe with that strain. Personally I believe a cooler fermentation temp would still be better, and you really need to lager anything like this for at least a couple of weeks, if at all possible.

[majorvices]

Correction: It's Erdinger than makes the Fest Weizen. Pretty good stuff, too. In fact I am thinking about doing one this fall.

[theDarkSide]

This one seems very popular on HBT, and someone has built the recipe for it already on Brewmaster Warehouse Recipe Builder site.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f63/bee-cave-brewery-oktoberfest-ale-38880/

http://www.brewmasterswarehouse.com/recipe/3a677a5c/bee-cave-brewery-oktoberfest-ale

[jivetyrant]

I've had a pretty solid Marzen that was fermented warm, 65-68 F.  It wasn't amazing but I'd surely drink it again.  I also know a buddy who served a Bier de Garde as an Octoberfest selection.  It was pretty well received!

[bluesman]

I also think the key to a mocktoberfest (ale version) is a very clean yeast like WLP001 or Wyeast 1056. I recommend fermenting at 60ish to get a really clean flavor. I suggest a standard Vienna/Munich grain bill and German noble hops for bittering and flavor.

Then lager it for at least a month.