We all know what Oktoberfest is and which country it takes place in, but what are the best German Oktoberfest beers? And do we know why it even occurs in the first place? Sure, Germany makes some world-class beers, but which ones are the best to celebrate with? And what is the reason for the season?
Turns out, this beer bash was born out of another party; a wedding party to be precise. Back in 1810, the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, opted to turn the traditionally stuffy, private, nobles-only wedding celebration into a massive public festival complete with a huge agricultural fair, food vendors, and even an extravagant horse race at the end. This eventually grew into what we now know as Oktoberfest!
In order for a beer to be called an Oktoberfestbier it has to be brewed by one of the six breweries located in the Munich city limits. Those six breweries are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. Some of them you’ve probably heard of while others are not as popular in the U.S.
While Oktoberfest beers are the ideal way to celebrate Oktoberfest, unless you’re strapping on lederhosen and heading to Munich, a German beer in general is usually good enough! With that in mind, here’s our top 7 German Oktoberfest beers to put some shine on your stein!
The 7 Best German Oktoberfest Beers
Ayinger Oktoberfest- Märzen
This German Oktoberfest beer is robustly malty with toastiness on the nose and palate with medium-level carbonation that makes it super drinkable.
Paulaner Salvator
Brewed from Munich malt, Salvator has a mild, sweet aroma of chocolate and imparts a distinctively bold, robust flavor.
Weihenstephaner Vitus Weizenbock
From the oldest brewery in the world, this one-of-a-kind, strong wheat bock was once crowned “World’s Best Beer” and makes it the perfect German Oktoberfest beer.
Spaten Optimator
A classic dark German beer, this bottom fermented Doppel Bock has a rich roasted malt flavor.
Weihenstephaner Hefe
Fruity nuances of banana and cloves intermingle with malt flavors to create a balanced beer with a light, creamy character. This premium, naturally cloudy, pale amber wheat beer is truly a feast for the senses.
Schneider Aventinus Doppelbock
Bavaria’s oldest wheat “Doppelbock” – brewed since 1907! Its sturdy body in combination with its sweet malty aroma is an invitation to profound indulgence and a perfect German Oktoberfest beer.
Bitburger Pilsner
The perfected delight of pilsner with an accent of hops, combined with ease and elegance, and a crystal-clear, sunny straw-color and long-lasting, fine head.
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