Though the weather for most of this month has been what we crave in July, typically October is my favorite month. Why? Well, I do love that traditional seasonal change, the crisping of the air, the leaves, etc . . . You start to see the autumnal shift in your diet -- apples, potatoes, good oysters. Maybe you start drinking a little red wine. And, lest I forget, football season and the World Series. The best beer in the world for those things--Oktoberfest, naturally--a rich, amber beer with a strong malty character. I love the Paulaner Oktoberfest, which I cheerfully devoured on Sunday while watching those poor 49ers lose to my just-as-poor Seattle Seahawks.