Everything you need to know about Oktoberfest beer
When does Oktoberfest take place?
Oktoberfest officially starts on the second to last Saturday in September. The event begins as always with the traditional "Tapping of the barrel".
What is Oktoberfest beer?
The recipe is based on Märzen. Indeed, before the invention of cooling techniques, it was forbidden to produce beer in summer in Bavaria. The breweries, therefore, had to build up their stock before the summer and thus produced, in March, a specific beer that was hoppier and stronger in alcohol, so that it could be kept for around six months in barrels.
Oktoberfest is the largest popular festival in the world and welcomes between 6 and 7 million visitors each year...
Why do people drink from Oktoberfest steins?
Oktoberfest steins are an iconic part of Oktoberfest culture and deeply rooted in Bavarian heritage. Made of thick glass or ceramic, Oktoberfest steins are sturdy enough to hold a full litre of beer while withstanding the clinking of mugs during toasts. Their larger capacity also means fewer trips to refill, which is especially useful in a rowdy Oktoberfest tent. In short, Oktoberfest steins are more than just drinking vessels; they are a vital part of the Oktoberfest experience.
How did Oktoberfest become a beer festival?
At the end of the summer, people still celebrated the autumn festivals and had to drink the oldest beers first – in this case, the Märzen. Oktoberfest beer came a bit later...Munich malt (with hints of caramel) makes it even lighter and more enjoyable than a Märzen. It has a slightly stronger body and is of course brewed according to the law of purity (Reinheitsgebot).
Who can officially call their beer ''Oktoberfest beer''?
Only a handful of brewers
Since Oktoberfest beer is a protected trademark, only traditional breweries in Munich can call their beer Oktoberfest beer: Augustiner, Hacker Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Spatenbräu, Paulaner and Hofbräu.
What is the strongest Oktoberfest beer?
The Hofbrau
With a total of 6.3% alcohol, Hofbräuzelt beer is the strongest. The "lowest" alcohol content is the Hacker Pschorr with 5.8%. Other Oktoberfest breweries fall in between like Spaten with 5.9%, Paulaner and Augustiner with 6.0% and Löwenbräu with 6.1% ABV. But be careful because many are not used to strong beer and the effect comes later - so try to drink slowly.
Let's talk quantity!
The traditional mug is an icon of the festival because this large glass holds one litre of beer! Fortunately, it has a solid handle... You will however notice the next day pain in the handles - some have even discovered bruises on their hands!
Being a waiter or waitress at Oktoberfest is, therefore, a more than demanding job: they carry between 7 and 12 mugs per round, from morning to evening and during 16 days of the festival. But we can imagine that it is worth it because salaries can go up to £10,000 with tips.
How much does a mug of beer cost at Oktoberfest?
About €11
50 years ago, the price per litre was still less than a pound. Today it's between £8 and £10... Note that you can't order less than 1 litre either!
The Opening of the festival
The mayor kicks things off!
On the first Saturday of Oktoberfest, the opening takes place in Schottenhammelzelt. This is where the mayor of Munich drinks the first beer. This tradition has been around since 1950 - the mayor at the time drank 17 mugs during the opening. The current mayor Dieter Reiter's record is 2 mugs, so there has been a bit of moderation introduced since the festival started!
How was Oktoberfest born?
The origins of the Oktoberfest date back to 1810
During the wedding of Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen was celebrated on the Theresienwiese for 5 whole days. People were so enthusiastic that the festival is now established every year. Of course, there was beer, however, it was not served on the Wiesn (as it is now), but on the nearby hill.
What is the anthem of Oktoberfest?
The Oktoberfest anthem: Ein Prosit der GemütlichkeitYou'll probably know “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” when you hear it What is interesting is that this song does not come from Bavaria, but from Chemnitz in Saxony. This hymn was composed by Bernhard Dittrich and has been used since 1912 for Oktoberfest when the composer was already deceased.