Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa! We are in the midst of Munich’s Oktoberfest – celebrated this year from Sept. 16 to Oct. 3. It is a BIG festival, with not only beer, but lots of food, rides, concerts, and games. Many towns in Germany have similar festivals, but Munich is the main fest with more than 2 million gallons of beer served per year! What’s to eat with all that beer at Oktoberfest? 🥨 for sure- along with grilled chicken 🍗 (weisn heidl – basted in butter and slow-roasted) and french fries! And of course lots of sausages!!!
Just 6 German breweries are Oktoberfest suppliers, so if you want an official Oktoberfest brew, you should try a Spaten, Hofbrau, Augustiner, Hacker- Pschorr, Paulaner, or Lowenbrau Oktoberfest! We carry 4 of them right now at Beer Towne! Originally, way back when Oktoberfests began in 1810 (King Ludwig I’s wedding party!), the beers served were Marzen beers – bready, malt-forward lagers that were made in the spring (March = Marzen) and ‘lagered’ or stored all summer before they were drunk. (Brewing was outlawed in the summer partially due to fear of fires during the brewing process.) By the time fall came, the beers went up in ABV by a few percent for sure!
More recently, the strong lagers were replaced by ‘fest biers’ that are lighter and lower in alcohol (about 6V). In Munich now for the Oktoberfest, festbier is served exclusively – so that there are less sloshed people! Beer Towne sells both Oktoberfest Marzen beers and the lighter Fest beers – check out our huge selection! We have put together some variety packs, too, so that you can try several different brands!!
This whole thing sounds like fun to Kevin and I, and a fall trip to Munich is on our bucket list! Maybe we will organize a tour 😀 – want to join us? Meanwhile, we will be content with tasting our way through each and every Oktoberfest Marzen and Festbier in stock!