Regardless of its identify, Oktoberfest really begins nicely earlier than October. Held in Munich annually, Germany’s 188th Oktoberfest will run from Sept. 16 by means of Oct. 3.
In Munich, Oktoberfest is not only any beer competition. It’s a celebration of German and particularly Bavarian tradition. The folks competition began there in 1810 as a marriage occasion to have a good time Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The reception lasted a number of days and ended with a horse race. Over time, Oktoberfest turned an annual occasion on the practically 104-acre website often called Theresienwiese (or just d’Wiesen), which suggests Therese’s meadow.
The ever-evolving occasion has been held virtually yearly since, with notable exceptions in the course of the Napoleonic Wars, World Wars I and II, and for 2 years in the course of the pandemic.Pre-pandemic, greater than 6 million folks attended Munich’s Oktoberfest annually, with roughly 85% coming from Germany and the remainder from world wide. Oktoberfest returned in 2022 with attendance of 5.7 million, however the numbers are anticipated to rebound this yr.
The celebration takes place inside 14 huge tents, with beer from simply six Munich breweries: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten-Franziskaner. Most of those breweries import their beers to the U.S., although some are simpler to search out than others. The competition additionally options amusements, music, fairground cubicles, carnival rides and meals stands.
Märzen vs. Fest Bier
Josef Sedlmayr, who owned the Franziskaner brewery (now owned by Spaten) in Munich, created the primary Oktoberfest beer in March 1872. He known as it Märzen as a result of he brewed it in März or March. After cellaring it in caves over the summer season, it was able to drink in September.
The identify and the beer caught on in a giant approach. Immediately, one of these beer goes by a wide range of names, together with Oktoberfest, Märzen and Oktoberfest-Märzen. It’s basically an amber lager, malty fairly than hoppy, with wealthy flavors which might be smooth, elegant and sophisticated. It tends to complete dry, leaving you thirsty for one more mug.
Märzen can be sometimes barely stronger than your common beer, so within the Nineteen Seventies, Munich brewers began growing a lighter, fashionable Oktoberfest beer that later turned often called Festbier. Festbier is much like Märzen, however is lighter in physique and energy, making it simpler to drink extra whereas sitting and singing in an Oktoberfest tent. It’s barely hoppier and retains a lot of the identical bready, toasty, malty characters of a Märzen. It’s additionally somewhat lighter in coloration, leaning extra towards golden. Festbiers have been Oktoberfest requirements for the reason that Nineteen Nineties.
Immediately, yow will discover Oktoberfest beers year-round, though some breweries solely make them seasonally. German Märzens, Oktoberfests and Festbiers can be found at most well-stocked liquor shops or groceries.
However many Bay Space breweries make their very own interpretations. One in every of my favorites is from Richmond’s East Brother Beer Co., which makes a really conventional Fest Bier every fall. Don’t overlook to pair it together with your favourite German snack, comparable to bratwurst, spätzle, pretzels, sauerkraut or schnitzel.
Prost!
Contact Jay R. Brooks at BrooksOnBeer@gmail.com.
