Oktoberfest
Posted by Administrator on 10/1/2010
to Beer Guide
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As the leaves start to turn and the sun starts to set a little earlier each day, beer distributors all across the country have been rolling our their Oktoberfest inventory. This means that laymen and beer connoisseurs alike can pick out their favorite seasonal brews and taste them at home by the fireplace, in tall glass beer mugs designed to celebrate the splendor of autumn. Almost every brewery, from Sam Adams to Pete’s, makes an Oktoberfest version of its own brand. But the true Oktoberfest aficionado might want to shell out a few extra bills to taste something distinctly German. That’s where this whole tradition started, after all. |
Taking place every year in Munich, the real Oktoberfest begins in late September and has the notable distinction of being the world’s largest fair. Millions of visitors flock to the event to sample the sauerkraut and pork – but the beer is the real star of the show. Munich has exactly six breweries, and each of them has an Oktoberfest variety conveniently on-tap for partygoers (who, in Germany, are often as young as sixteen). The brews range from pale ales to wheat beers, and most are served in liter-sized mugs and consumed in a decidedly festive atmosphere. Is it any wonder that Americans wanted to import this celebration for themselves?
As I mentioned, there’s no shortage of variety when it comes to choosing your autumnal ale. Weihenstephaner Festbier, though its name is something of a mouthful for most of us, receives consistently high reviews despite its price tag (up to $50 for a case). Dogfish Head Punkin ale, although it isn’t an Oktoberfest beer in the strictest of senses, is nonetheless perfectly appropriate for one of those festive nights at home, surrounded by friends who make you forget the chill in the air outside. But regardless of which beer you choose, how much you spend on it, and whether you drink it in a personalized beer mug and toast like an Oktoberfest veteran or prefer to just sip it straight from the bottle, the important thing is that you have a great time. That’s what the celebration – and indeed the season – is all about.
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