Schmatz's Picks for Oktoberfest at Home: Beers and How to Enjoy Them Like a Local (2026 Edition)
The Final Installment: Bringing the Authentic Experience Home
Thank you for following Schmatz's Oktoberfest series. This is the final installment.
We at Schmatz have traveled to the heart of Oktoberfest in Munich, experiencing its authentic atmosphere firsthand. The incredible energy of Theresienwiese, the exceptional beer poured from wooden barrels, the steaming sausages... And at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, we also discovered the unique beers of Riedenburger, a German organic brewery.
After these experiences, a thought often comes to mind: "It would be amazing if I could enjoy this fun at home."
Actually, you can! Today, we'll introduce "How to Recreate Oktoberfest at Home," chosen by us, who know the authentic experience. We'll divide it into three key elements: beer, glasses, and food. Why not transform your dining table into a beer tent this autumn 2026?
💡 Three Keys to Recreating Oktoberfest at Home
No elaborate preparations are needed. There are just three key points: **"Beer," "Glasses," and "Food."**
If you master these three, your usual living room will instantly feel much closer to the authentic atmosphere. Let's look at them in order.
🗝️ ① Choosing Beer: That Authentic Taste, at Home
Beer is the star, after all. Your choice significantly impacts how authentic the experience feels.
Four Seasonal Limited Beers, Partnering with Authentic Breweries
You can find Riedenburger at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. There's a way to savor its authentic quality at home.
We at Schmatz have teamed up with the Riedenburger brewery to bring you four seasonal limited beers. These are truly authentic beers brewed in Bavaria, selected by Schmatz and adorned with our labels – a special "double-branded" beer. With the motto "Let's travel to Germany today!" you can enjoy a little German trip at home.
If you want something light, try the unfiltered Kellerpils (4.7%) with its citrus and green grass aroma, or the low-alcohol Session IPA (3.8%) bursting with lemon and white peach. For a heartier drink, there's the Bavarian IPA (6.5%) with the richness of ancient Emmer wheat and tropical hop notes. And for a special evening, the dark Porter (6.9%), also made with ancient Emmer wheat, offers chocolate and coffee-like aromas, and won "Porter of the Year" (Meininger 2021). All are organic and unfiltered Bavarian beers. These are available through our Schmatz online shop and on our in-store menus.
Schmatz Beers to Boost Your Oktoberfest Mood 🍻
Of course, our proud Schmatz beers are also perfect for Oktoberfest.
🗝️② Glasses and Pouring Method Can Change the Taste
"Isn't beer the same no matter what glass you use?" — Not at all, it makes a surprisingly big difference.
The shape of the glass affects how the aroma develops and how long the foam lasts. If you want an authentic stein experience, use a large glass. For wheat beer, a tall Weizen glass will greatly enhance the atmosphere.
And the pouring method is also important. Pour from a slightly elevated position with force to create a rich, domed head of foam. This foam prevents the beer from oxidizing, keeping it delicious until the last sip. You can find more about authentic pouring techniques in our column on how to enjoy authentic German beer.
The star of the festival is the amber, full-bodied Lager (Märzen). The light Helles is closer to the golden taste currently being enjoyed in Munich. If you prepare both "amber-bodied" and "golden light" beers to compare, it's a mini-festival in itself. Check out our beer list for our full lineup.
🗝️③ Add Food, and Your Table Becomes a Beer Tent
Once you've chosen your beer and glass, all that's left is the food. When this comes together, the authenticity jumps significantly.
Sausages, pretzels, and crispy roasted pork. The dishes people enjoyed in the authentic tents can be easily enjoyed at home. Even just grilling sausages bought from the supermarket and adding mustard makes it feel much more authentic. If you're unsure what to make, take a look at our column on authentic dishes to eat at Oktoberfest. We also introduce the "correct pairings" with beer.
If you crave something sweet, try the Porter made with ancient Emmer wheat as a post-meal dessert. Its chocolate and coffee-like aromas make for a perfect finish.
🎁 German Beer Gifts That Will Be Appreciated
"It's great to enjoy it myself, but I also want to share it with that beer-loving friend" — in that case, a gift is an option.
A selection of authentic German craft beers makes a perfect gift for any beer enthusiast. We also have tasting sets and sets that include glasses. For an autumn souvenir or celebration, consider a thoughtful box. Find more details on our gift sets page.
📚 Be Sure to Look Back at Series 1-11!
This is the 12th installment in our series. We've explored the world of Oktoberfest from various angles.
Starting with a complete guide covering what Oktoberfest is all about, including its history, beer, food, and how to enjoy it like a local. We then shared the reality of the venue that we witnessed locally, the secret of Augustiner's wooden barrels, the brewery's story of "light yet satisfying" beer, and authentic local dishes and their beer pairings. Furthermore, we've explored the inner workings of the festival, the people who support it, the mystery of why the "October Festival" begins in September, and the history of beer changing from amber to golden.
And finally, the story of Riedenburger brewery, which you can experience at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Please feel free to explore any of the articles that catch your interest.
Now, Let's Toast at Home 🏠🍻
Whether it's the excitement of authentic Munich or the lively atmosphere of Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, the core of the fun lies in the simple joy of "toasting with delicious beer, together." This can be perfectly recreated at your home dining table.
Choose your favorite bottle from our online shop, pour it into your favorite glass, and add your favorite dishes. If you ever crave the authentic lively atmosphere itself, please visit your nearest Schmatz location.
May your home become the coziest beer tent this autumn 2026.
