People Ask Me: What is an Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest beers have been on the shelves and bar menus for well over a month now, but they'll be sticking around for the remainder of the month.

Before I "got into beer," I always wondered what these Oktoberfests were, and what was so awesome about them that they made a special appearance year after year. I don't think I ever tried one out of curiosity back then--I was still of the mindset that all beer tasted the same; I highly doubted I would find an Oktoberfest to be an exception. 

Today, even as a recognized beer judge, I  believe that had I actually tasted an Oktoberfest back then, I would have had to have someone walk me through the comparisons between this particular style and the usual beers on draft. An Oktoberfest is a light, smooth, clean brew, and can take a practiced palate to appreciate all of its nuances. 

But for inquiring minds who want to know what all the fuss is about, here's a quick overview of the style of beer we refer to as an Oktoberfest:

Oktoberfests are formally referred to as Marzens, and were first produced in  16th century Bavaria. Marzen is German for "March," the month during which this beer was typically brewed. Heat can easily affect the clean, crisp quality this style of beer is known for, so before refrigeration, it was best to brew Marzens before the summertime. The beer was left to ferment in cool caves, then brought out for enjoyment during the autumn months. In keeping with this tradition, early autumn is when Oktoberfests are consumed today. As a light lager with an ABV typically below 6.2%, Oktoberfests are what beer drinkers refer to as "sessionable," meaning they can be consumed in a session (one after another) without as much risk of drunkenness or fullness. Needless to say, this makes them perfect for festivals all about alcohol.

An Oktoberfest is a lager, as opposed to an ale, which means it is made from bottom-fermenting yeast which works best at cool temperatures and creates a smooth, "easy-to-drink" beer free from heavy flavors and aromas. What makes Oktoberfests different from other lagers is what some would refer to as "a deeper malt character." A more complex variety of grains can be detected in Oktoberfests, giving them a toastier, more flavorful quality. 

Many people associate Oktoberfest beers with the famed beer festivals of the same name, and Marzen is indeed the brew of choice at these European celebrations which take place in the beginning of autumn. 

 

 While I appreciate Oktoberfests, they aren't my favorite type of beer by a longshot. I prefer "bigger beers," beers with more complex flavors as opposed to a lighter taste. To many new beer drinkers, Oktoberfests may taste quite similar to the big name beers they've already tried, and for that reason, I don't recommend it as a starting point for "getting into beer." Once a palate gets some practice, however, there are plenty of excellent Oktoberfests available for consumption during the fall season.