History of German Oktoberfest
World's Biggest Beer Party Toasts Marzen Beers Like Spaten, Hofbrau
Oct 13, 2008
All About Oktoberfest
Despite a seemingly contradictory name, Germany’s Oktoberfest traditionally begins in September, and what originally began as a country fair became a state commemoration of a wedding of Bavarian aristocracy –but more on that later.
What we now call Oktoberfest beer is part of a beer style category known as Marzenbier, named for the month of March. Long before artificial refrigeration was invented in the late 1800’s, brewers avoided brewing beer during the hot summer months when fermenting beer spoiled quickly due to the heat. In order to have enough beer to last into the autumn harvest season, brewers would produce massive quantities of a slightly stronger beer in the Spring. The barrels of Marzenbier were stored in cool Alpine caves and consumed gradually over the summer months.
Roll Out the Barrel
As summer waned and the days grew shorter and the weather turned cooler, brewers could return to their brewhouses to resume their trade. With fresh beer in the offing, it was no longer necessary to drink the Marzenbier conservatively. Whatever beer was still in storage at harvest time was hauled out and ceremoniously consumed during the harvest.
Humble Beginnings
As mentioned earlier, the original Oktoberfests began several hundred years ago as a fall harvest celebrations and country fairs. While these traditional celebrations included the ritual consumption of marzenbier, the malted beverage was just a liquid accompaniment to the main attractions which included horse racing, rifle shooting contests and livestock exhibitions.
Nuptial Celebration
In 1810, the wedding of Bavarian King Ludwig to his bride, Theresia –the daughter of a wealthy and influential aristocrat from the north of Germany- happened to coincide with the traditional country fair. In homage to the nuptial celebration, the brewers of Munich produced a special Marzenbier for the occasion. The old country fair was moved to the large village green (which was immediately renamed Theresienwiese, or “Theresia’s Meadow”, in honor of the new Queen) where the brewers set up huge tents complete with brass bands and barbecue pits. The Munich brewers also staged a grand procession of horse-drawn beer wagons to open the festivities. As part of his civic responsibilities, the Lord Mayor of Munich was called upon to tap the first keg of beer, loudly proclaiming “O’zapft ist!” (It is tapped!).
Little has changed at the Oktoberfest since 1810. Today, as in the past 198 years, the celebration begins in late September and ends a fortnight (two weeks) later on the first Sunday in October. An estimated six million people attend Munich’s Oktoberfest each year, making it the world’s greatest beer drinking party!
Oktoberfest beer
Here’s what one can expect from a traditional Oktoberfest beer. Marzen beers are typically copper-orange in color topped by a dense white head. The aroma is very malty with very little hop aroma. The round malty palate is initially sweet, but finishes a bit drier. The body is medium-full with a creamy mouthfeel.
Some suggested brands from Germany include Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Lowenbrau and Hofbrau. For American made examples of Oktoberfest beer, check with your local microbrewery for their presentation of the style, as none of the large corporate breweries in the U.S. produce an Oktoberfest style beer that matches the original German versions in terms of quality.
