Oktoberfest
For Beer drinkers, this is the best time of the year. Where Beer drinkers
from all over the world can gather together for over two weeks and consume
mass quantities of beer.
Since 1810, like pilgrims,
millions upon millions of thirsty beer lovers have
found their way to Munich's Oktoberfest, the 16-day
festival that centers on the consumption of copious
amounts of Bavarian beer while feasting on plenteous
portions of delicious foods. But, in the near
two-centuries that have passed, just six beers have
been available to the masses.
Here's a look at Oktoberfest's
original big six beers:
Spaten
Oktoberfest Beer - Originally brewed in 1872
this copper-amber colored beer is the first Marzen-styled
brew to bear the Oktoberfest name. Served at every
Oktoberfest in Munich for the past 136 years, it is
characterized by sweet malt, toasty notes and traces
of caramel in the nose. Malt-forward flavors backed
with roasted sweetness and toasted bread seamlessly
give way to a slightly spicy and dry finish.
Löwenbräu
Oktoberfestbier - Not to be confused with the "Americanized" lager of
the same name, this golden colored example of Oktoberfest beer pours a paler
hue than most others, but has been served at Munich's fall feast for nearly
the entirety of its existence. Characterized by its brilliant clarity and
thick white foamy head it presents subtle malt and biscuity aromas and goes
down easy with clean malty flavors and a gently bitter finish.
Augustiner
- As Munich's oldest brewery - established by
Augustinian Monks in 1328 - the newly secularized
Augustiner Braeu brewery had nearly five centuries
of beer making traditions to its credit by the time
the first Oktoberfest celebration got underway in
1810. Its Oktoberfest beer pours with a crystal
clear orange-copper color and a fluffy, off-white
foamy head. Sweet malts backed with yeast and bread
notes dominate its aromas, while with each sip, big
malt sweetness and subdued hop bitterness tickle the
palate with a gentle effervescence.
Hofbräu
Oktoberfestbier - Founded in 1589, this state
owned brewery has historically operated what is the
largest tent at Oktoberfest. The beer it brews for
the festival each year is marked by a pale
yellow-to-golden color, brilliant clarity and a
thick, long-lasting snow-white head. Malt, bread and
a little yeast are the most noticeable attributes in
the aroma. On the palate, pale malt flavors are
backed with earthy hops and mild bitterness.
Paulaner
- Munich-based Friars aligned with the Saint
Francis of Paola order started making beer for their
own consumption in 1634. On holidays they opened
their doors to offer bock style beers to the public,
thus setting the festive tone associated with their
popular brews. Their well-received Oktoberfest beer
pours a reddish-amber hue with a fluffy,
hazelnut-colored head. Malty sweetness and subtle
hints of fruit command the aroma. The sweet malt
carries over to the flavor where it's met with
toasty notes, earthy hops and a dry, bitter finish.
Hacker-Pschorr
- While Spaten holds the bragging rights for being
the first Oktoberfest beer, the festival itself is
held each year on a parcel of land that was
originally donated to the city of Munich by the
Pschorr family. Hacker-Pschorr's Oktoberfestbier is
widely regarded as the benchmark for the style. The
amber colored brew's aroma is full of scents of
sweet malt, toasted bread and caramel. The flavor's
balance leans to malt that's backed by biscuits and
caramel, and with noticeable traces of noble hops.
Drinks Americas Partners with Icon Kid Rock for Beer
Launch
Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd, a
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