What Beer Do They Drink at Octoberfest?
Octoberfest, aka oktoberfest, is synonymous with German beer, particularly varieties brewed in Munich. The official beers served during the festival are brewed by Munich’s six major breweries. The beers are traditionally served in large stein mugs, a key part of the festival’s culture. Let's take a look at the different types of stein beer enjoyed in Germany at Oktoberfest and what makes them special.
Traditional Octoberfest Beers
At Octoberfest, two main types of beer are served: Märzen and Festbier.
- Märzen: This is the traditional Oktoberfest beer, a rich, malty lager. Märzen has a slightly higher alcohol content and is perfect stein beer for pairing with hearty Bavarian food.
- Festbier: A lighter, more golden version of Märzen, Festbier is the current official beer style served in steins at Oktoberfest. It's brewed to be crisp, refreshing, and perfect for long drinking sessions.
Why Do Pilsners Play a Role?
Though not typically an official Oktoberfest beer, Pilsner is one of the most popular beer styles in Germany and the world. Known for its light, crisp taste and refreshing qualities, Pilsner is a common choice for casual beer drinking. Pour it in your stein and have a go.
The Iconic Stein Beer Experience
One of the most iconic aspects of Oktoberfest is the stein beer. These traditional stone mugs, known as "Masskrugs," hold up to 1 litre of beer and are used to serve the official beers of the festival. The tradition of smashing table beer, and drinking from a stein is as much a part of Oktoberfest as the beer itself, adding to the fun and celebratory atmosphere.
What Beer Should You Drink at Oktoberfest?
Whether you’re in Munich or celebrating at home, choosing an Oktoberfest beer is about enjoying rich flavours and quality craftsmanship. Your experience starts with a Stein, so make sure you grab one of those before you let the celebrations begin. Festbier or Märzen are perfect for the occasion, while a Pilsner makes a great alternative from the UK market.
Oktoberfest is all about enjoying good beer and great company, and craft beer lovers can absolutely take part in the festivities. Craft beers, brewed with high-quality ingredients like hops, malts, and yeast, offer a richer and more robust flavour than regular beers, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a more flavourful experience. Even if you opt for low-alcohol beer, you can still enjoy the full Oktoberfest experience, especially when drinking from a traditional stein and sporting your lederhosen!
It's October, let the German celebrations begin. Grab your stein, which has become a symbol of the festival, and embrace the festive spirit of this world-renowned celebration.
FAQ’s
- What is the traditional beer at Oktoberfest?
The traditional beers served are Märzen and Festbier, both brewed specifically for the festival.
- What is stein beer?
Stein beer refers to the large mugs used to serve beer at Oktoberfest, not a specific beer type.
- Is Pilsner served at Oktoberfest?
While Pilsner is widely popular, Oktoberfest primarily serves Märzen and Festbier.
- What size are Oktoberfest steins?
Oktoberfest steins typically hold 1 litre of beer.
- Can I drink beer at Oktoberfest if I'm gluten-free?
Yes, many Oktoberfest celebrations offer gluten-free beer options. Several breweries now produce gluten-free beers made with alternative grains like sorghum or rice, or by removing gluten during the brewing process.