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Oktoberfest is an annual event held in Munich, Germany, that combines the largest beer festival in the world, with the largest traveling funfair in the world; so not only can you spend your time there practically swimming in beer, but you can also take some time out to enjoy the amusement rides and stalls. The event has been in place for more than 200 years, and during this time it has cemented itself to be a hugely important part of the culture for Bavarian people.
Where did it all begin?
On October 12 of 1810, it was organized as a one-off event to celebrate the marriage between the crown prince of Bavaria and his new wife, with all the citizens of Munich being invited to attend the celebration and honor the marriage. What was initially planned to be a one-time thing soon gained traction when it was held again the following year, with games and horse racing added for the visitors' entertainment, the day was a huge success and plans were then put in place to make it an annual festival. In 1887, the breweries finally came to the festival and beer very quickly became the focal part of Oktoberfest, with a rapid increase of consumption year on year the festival was soon named the largest beer festival in the world.
What beer can you find at Oktoberfest?
With more than seven million liters of beer consumed annually, you certainly don't need to worry about there being a shortage. To ensure the event always focuses on the culture of Bavaria, only beer brewed within the city of Munich, and only beer that is brewed following a strict set of rules is allowed to be served, this leaves six breweries that are allowed to attend and serve their famous beer to some six million visitors.
All beer served at Oktoberfest has been brewed specially for the festival, the Märzenbier (March beer) is the style you will find from each of the breweries, and as its name suggests it is brewed in March and left to ferment slowly throughout the summer months that allows deep and rich flavors to develop.
The original Märzen was dark, bitter and full-bodied, but over the years a few tweaks have been made, and the end result is now generally a more malty and sweet taste, that is said to be made less carbonated in order for the visitors to drink it easier. The color has also gone through a change and it now varies in colors from a more pale finish through to amber. Oktoberfest beers are specially brewed to have a higher alcohol content than most other beers, with an average of around 6% alcohol, you can easily find yourself feeling tipsy after just one of two drinks.
Each brewery has its own tent, which are all free to enter, so it is a good idea to give all six a try before you settle on your favorite, the six breweries are;
Paulaner
A malty full-bodied beer, that has a strong distinct smell, and a slightly spicy after taste, the wonderful combination of flavors makes it an easy beer to drink.
Augustiner-Bräu
This beer is served from wooden kegs, and is one of the light beers available (light in color not in calories), while it is strong it is still refreshing in taste, and is a prime example of Bavarian brewing skills.
Spatenbräu
This is one of the darker beers at Oktoberfest, but it is still subtle in the mix of flavors with none of them being too overpowering. There is a combination of very sweet caramel, malt and barley, that is pleasant to taste and to smell.
Löwenbräu
This golden beer provides a great balance between sweet and malty, with a mix of a slightly floral but inoffensive bitter after taste.
Hacker-Pschorr-Bräu
This beer is bottom-fermented with a malty aroma and just a mild bitterness to it.
Staatliches Hofbräu-Müchen
A pale beer that has a strong malty taste and smell, almost like a biscuit smell, there is a sweet and grassy undertone to finish the beer off perfectly.
Oktoberfest happens every year at the end of September through to the beginning of October, lasting from either 17 or 18 days depending on the way the weekends fall in October. Even though Munich is its birthplace, Oktoberfest festivals are held in thousands of cities across the world at the same time, each sticking to the traditions as much as possible. However, if you are lucky enough to go to Munich and experience Oktoberfest in all its Bavarian glory, you will definitely be planning your return before you even leave.
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