oktoberfest!
The Beer
At its heart, Oktoberfest is about beer. But not just any beer—only six breweries located within Munich’s city limits are permitted to serve at the festival: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. Each produces a Märzen-style beer brewed specifically for Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfestbier is rich and malty, with a smooth, toasty backbone and a crisp finish that makes it dangerously drinkable by the liter. It’s stronger than your average lager (typically around 6% ABV), but brewed for balance and enjoyment across long hours of celebration.
Beyond Munich: Oktoberfest Around the World
While nothing compares to experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich—complete with massive beer tents, traditional music, and Bavarian food—beer lovers everywhere have embraced the festival. Breweries across the globe craft their own Oktoberfest-style lagers, ranging from classic Märzen interpretations to innovative spins featuring local ingredients.
For craft beer drinkers, this is the season to seek out Oktoberfest releases at your favorite local breweries. Each pint is a nod to Bavarian brewing heritage while showcasing the creativity of today’s craft scene.
The Food
Beer may be the star, but Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without food. Pretzels as big as your head, roast chicken, sausages, sauerkraut, and potato dumplings are all part of the experience. These hearty dishes are perfect companions for the malty richness of Oktoberfestbier.
Why It Matters to Craft Beer Fans
Oktoberfest is more than just a party—it’s a reminder of beer’s role as a cultural touchstone. It highlights brewing traditions that have been refined for centuries, while inspiring modern brewers to honor those roots in their own way.
So whether you’re raising a Maß in Munich or sipping a Märzen at your neighborhood taproom, Oktoberfest is a celebration worth embracing. It’s about gathering with friends, toasting to community, and enjoying the timeless artistry of beer.
Prost! 🍻
Märzen // Festbier - 6.3%
Augustinerbräu Oktoberfest Bier is one of Munich’s most beloved festival brews, crafted by the city’s oldest independent brewery, Augustiner-Bräu, which dates back to 1328. Unlike some of the stronger Märzen-style Oktoberfest beers, Augustiner’s version is brewed as a golden Festbier—lighter in color, highly drinkable, and designed for long days under the beer tent.
It pours a brilliant golden straw with a fluffy white head, releasing aromas of fresh-baked bread, lightly toasted malt, and subtle floral hops. On the palate, it’s smooth and crisp, with flavors of soft malt sweetness, a touch of honey and biscuit, and a gentle noble hop bitterness that balances the finish. The body is medium yet refreshingly clean, with a lively carbonation that makes each sip inviting.
A Celebration of Tradition, Community, and Beer
Every fall, Munich transforms into the epicenter of beer culture as millions of visitors gather for Oktoberfest—the world’s largest folk festival and perhaps the most famous beer celebration on the planet. For craft beer lovers, Oktoberfest isn’t just about the party; it’s about history, tradition, and the deep connection between beer, community, and craftsmanship.
A Brief History
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Citizens of Munich were invited to join in the festivities, which included horse races, food, and, of course, beer. The tradition proved so popular that it became an annual event, eventually evolving into the two-week celebration we know today.
Märzen // Festbier - 6%
Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Bier is a classic Bavarian Festbier brewed for Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest. It pours a golden amber with a thick, foamy head and offers aromas of fresh bread, biscuit, and a touch of floral hops. The flavour is smooth and malty with notes of honey and soft grain, balanced by a light hop bitterness for a crisp finish. At 6% ABV, it’s full-bodied yet highly drinkable, embodying the traditional character of Oktoberfest in every sip.
Wheat Beer - 5.7%
Erdinger Oktoberfest is a seasonal wheat beer crafted to celebrate the spirit of Munich’s Oktoberfest. It pours a warm golden-orange with a thick, creamy head, releasing aromas of ripe banana, clove, and light malt sweetness. On the palate, it’s smooth and full-bodied, combining the signature Erdinger wheat character with subtle caramel notes and a gentle hop finish. At 5.3% ABV, it’s refreshing, flavorful, and perfectly suited for festive gatherings.
Märzen // Festbier - 6%
Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier is a golden Festbier brewed in Munich exclusively for the Oktoberfest season. It pours a clear, bright gold with a frothy white head and releases aromas of freshly baked bread, light malt sweetness, and gentle floral hops. On the palate, it’s smooth and balanced, with flavours of biscuit, honey, and soft grain, finished by a mild hop bitterness that keeps it crisp and refreshing. At 6.0% ABV, it’s flavourful yet easy-drinking—the classic beer served in Paulaner’s Oktoberfest tents.
