Oktoberfest Beers
In the beer world, September only means one thing – it’s the start of Oktoberfest and we’re super excited and ready for it this year! This world-famous German beer festival takes place in Munich and actually dates back to 1810 to commemorate the marriage between the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Each year, millions of people attend Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest Facts:
- The official event takes place at the Theresienwiese in Munich. This translates as Theresa’s Meadow and is named after the princess above.
- Oktoberfest lasts 16-18 days and ends on the first Sunday of October.
- German beer plays a crucial part of the festival but only breweries within the city of Munich are allowed to supply beer there.
- Attendees often wear traditional Bavarian outfits – Lederhosen for men and Dirndls for women.
- Traditional German food stalls sell Pretzels, roast chicken, pork knuckles and sausages.
- The breweries in Bavaria adhere to strict standards of the Reinheitsgebot – German Beer Purity Law.
What is an Oktoberfest Beer
An Oktoberfest beer is a variation of the Marzen style, which is slightly stronger, maltier and brewed specifically for Oktoberfest.
- Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier:
- Taste: Malty with a balanced sweetness and a clean, slightly hoppy finish
- ABV: 5.8%
- Notes: One of the most popular beers served at Oktoberfest. It’s light gold in colour with a smooth flavour
- Spaten Oktoberfest Bier:
- Taste: Light, crisp, with a mild malt flavour and a slightly sweet finish
- ABV: 5.9%
- Notes: Spaten claims to have brewed the first Märzen-style beer in 1872, making it historically significant to the festival
- Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier:
- Taste: Clean, with a malty sweetness and a dry, slightly bitter finish
- ABV: 6.3%
- Notes: Hofbräuhaus is one of the most iconic beer halls in Munich, and its Oktoberfest beer is enjoyed by both locals and tourists at the festival
- Augustiner Oktoberfest Bier:
- Taste: Rich and malty with a smooth, slightly toasty character
- ABV: 6.3%
- Notes: Augustiner is Munich’s oldest brewery (founded in 1328) and one of the most beloved by locals. Its beer is known for being brewed traditionally and only served in wooden barrels at Oktoberfest
- Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen:
- Taste: Full-bodied, malty, with a hint of caramel and a balanced hoppy finish
- ABV: 5.8%
- Notes: Hacker-Pschorr’s beer has a slightly darker and richer flavour than some of the others, appealing to those who enjoy more malt-forward beers
- Löwenbräu Oktoberfestbier:
- Taste: Malty with a slight spiciness, and a mild hop bitterness at the end
- ABV: 6.1%
- Notes: Recognizable by its iconic lion emblem, Löwenbräu serves a classic Oktoberfest beer with a crisp and refreshing flavour
In addition to the above, we are also stocking Erdinger Oktoberfest Bier.
If you’re unable to visit the official Oktoberfest in Munich, don’t panic, we’ve got you covered! Not only are we stocking seven Oktoberfest beers this year, but we’ve also got lots of freebies to give away so that you can organise your very own Oktoberfest party in the comfort of your home. Each mixed case of Oktoberfest beers come with free branded beer mats. The 12 bottle mixed case comes with free Hofbrau bunting and the 18 bottle pack comes with free bunting, balloons, a bottle opener and an Erdinger flag. We’re also selling beer sets that include a Stein and even a Paulaner hat. These make great beer gifts.
If you’ve not tried the Oktoberfest beers before, then they are also listed individually so you can purchase them by the bottle or buy as many as you like.