Oktoberfest Beer - Beer with Tradition and Taste!

"O' zapft is." (The keg is tapped!)

Just like Oktoberfest, beer has a long tradition in Germany. The so-called Reinheitsgebot, or Purity Law, dates back to 1516 and still provides the basis for today's beer brewing regulations. The law stipulates that beer may only be brewed using natural ingredients i.e. nothing but malt, hops and water. Since natural yeast also forms part of the brewing process, this was later added to the list of permitted ingredients.

The law was first applied in Bavaria, and by 1906 it became law for the entire German Empire. Although the law is applicable only for beer brewed and sold in Germany, the majority of beer destined for export markets is stilled brewed according to the Purity Law.

While at the Munich Oktoberfest only a few local breweries are allowed to serve beer, any type of German beer suits well at your private Oktoberfest party. Of the some 5,000 different brands of beer, over 100 are available in the US and there are plenty of beer types to choose from! And even if you don't drink beer, make sure to have a look at our recipes featuring German beer.

Here is a selection of beers you could serve at your own private Oktoberfest party:

Ayinger

Ayinger Oktoberfest Maerzen

The Aying ( pronounced eye-ing) brewery is located only 15 miles away from Munich. Founded in 1878 it has maintained its excellence being named "One of the Top Ten Breweries in the World" for many years in the prestigious World Beer Championships.

Ayinger beers are characterized by their delicious balanced maltiness. Unlike the mass-market brewers, Ayinger maintains its own malting and even grows a significant portion of the barley malt themselves.

Before the 1400s when the Oktoberfest idea had not yet been born, Bavarians have been celebrating the harvest with beer festivals and plenty of food. The Maerzen beer was and is brewed in March to be ready for the September and October festivities. The rich and golden colored Ayinger Maerzen is available in 17 oz bottles and 30 liter kegs. To learn more about Ayinger, visit www.merchantduvin.com .

Pinkus

The Pinkus-Muller brewery traces its origins to the family's arrival in the Northern Germany town of Munster in 1816 where they started a brewery. Since they arrived there have been 150 breweries in Munster. Only Pinkus remained.

Today, the fifth and sixth generations of the family operate the famous Pinkus-Muller Pub/Brewery. Dedicated to quality, Pinkus is the world's first brewery to brew with only organically grown barley malt and whole hop blossoms.

Their Organic Muenster Alt is a specialty of that area, but also available to US customers who prefer an excellent beer with an herbaceous aroma, delicate fruit-acid palate and a long dry finish. To learn more about Pinkus Brewery, visit www.merchantduvin.com.

Löwenbräu

Löwenbräu's history dated back to 1383 when the innkeeper at Zum Löwen (the Lion's Inn ) began brewing his own beer. While it belongs to one of the six breweries from within the Munich city limits which is allowed to serve their specialties at the Oktoberfest, it also sponsors a huge beer tent which can hold almost 6,000 revelers

Although you might not host as many people at your private Oktoberfest party, but with Löwenbräu's Oktoberfestbier, you can serve your guests freshly tapped beer from a 5 liter keg. This special malt is a light amber lager brewed in the best Bavarian tradition complying with Germany 's 1516 Purity Laws (Reinheitsgebot). So from the world's greatest party, enjoy the world greatest beer. To learn more about Löwenbräu, visit www.beer.com/lowenbrau.

Hacker-Pschorr

Another Munich brewery whose beer brewing process has remained virtually unchanged for over 580 years is Hacker-Pschorr. Adhering to the Purity Law its brews neither contain preservatives nor additives. A crucial element in the brewing process is the maturation time; the longer the ingredients are allowed to marry, the smoother and richer the flavor. Hacker-Pschorr stands out for a maturation period aging at least three times longer than usual brews.

Though Hacker-Pschorr has realized great popularity in the Midwest with a high concentration of German-Americans, people all-over the country should give a try to their Märzen brew with caramelized barley and a sweet, malty nose. The Beverage Testing Institute highly recommends this flavorful beer with its rich and creamy head.

Hacker Pschorr Weisse

Hacker-Pschorr Weisse is the company's flagship style, catering to young adults in the U.S. who seek out authentic experiences and distinctive tastes.

Hacker-Pschorr Weisse is a centuries-old German wheat beer from Bavaria that offers a refreshing taste that is après anything. Wheat beer was originated in the German state of Bavaria in the 15th century. In Germany, it is typically called Weisse beer meaning white or Weizen meaning wheat.

In Bavaria, Germany wheat beers represent nearly 20% of the beer category. What makes the beer distinct is the use of 60% malted wheat and 40% malted barley in the brewing process. Unlike lager, wheat beer is top-fermented at higher temperatures. The top-fermentation and wheat produce hints of clove giving Hacker-Pschorr Weisse a distinct flavor.

Hacker-Pschorr Weisse has a cloudy appearance, characteristic of wheat beer. The cloudy appearance is due to yeast that is retained in the beer. A centrifuge process is used with traditional wheat beers to retain the yeast instead of the typical filtering process used with beers that are clear in appearance. The result is a taste that is authentic and perfect all year-round after a game of hoops, a day on the mountain or just hanging out after work with friends.

Hacker Pschorr Weisse - Dark

Georg's creation, the Dunkel (dark) style of Weisse beer is produced with 60% dark- and light-colored malted wheat and 40% dark- and light-colored malted barley. This provides the beer with a deeper amber color than regular Weisse beers and a more robust and fuller flavor.

This beer can tame the spiciest items on the menu while it maintains the characteristic refreshment of wheat beer. A clean, robust, malty nose with hints of hops. Dark, rich color, yet exceedingly clear. A smoky, malt flavor. A cross between the traditional Weisse and Märzen styles.

Hacker Pschorr Edelhell

In Bavaria, where beer is an art form to some and a religion to the rest, Hacker-Pschorr Munich Edelhell is recognized as the benchmark of the lager style. The Hacker-Pschorr Brewery is known as Bavaria's Heaven – "Himmel der Bayern." Hacker-Pschorr's Munich Edelhell represents the real thing from one of the oldest breweries in Munich.

Germany is a hotbed of the brewing industry worldwide to this day, with just over 1,200 breweries in Germany, and 800 in Bavaria alone – more than any other country in the world. Munich Edelhell was the first Hacker-Pschorr beer exported to the U.S. starting in 1865 and was honored with an award at the International Exhibit in 1876 in Philadelphia.

Whether consumed in Bavaria or in the U.S., Hacker-Pschorr's Munich Edelhell is one of the world's best lagers to this day. A big, clean, hoppy nose. Brilliant golden color, clear. A rich, all-natural flavor, with a light hoppy finish.

To learn more about Hacker Pschorr, visit www.paulaner.com

Paulaner

As a sister to Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner is one of the most popular beers at the yearly Oktoberfest. Its name stems from the Paulaner monks who brewed this beer first in 1627. During the Lenten period (40 days before Easter) abstinence, which only allowed for bread and water, the monks reasoned that beer could be drunk as "liquid bread" not violating their fasting promise. Their innovation soon entered sites outside the monastery permitting enjoyment for ordinary people.

For U.S. Americans culture is always "go-go-go", Paulaner can bring a little "Gemütlichkeit" (coziness) into everyday's hectic. You would not want to consume it on the run, but rather invite family and friends for a pleasant get-together to enjoy Paulaner's rich and full taste. Its exceptional qualities have also been noticed by the Beverage Testing Institute.

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen is the company's flagship style and brings the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of Munich's beer gardens to America. It is a classic Bavarian wheat beer. "Hefe" in German translates to yeast and "Weizen" (pronounced Vi-Zen) translates to wheat. Yeast retained in the beer is responsible for the cloudy appearance of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen. A centrifuge process is used with traditional wheat beers to retain the yeast instead of the typical filtering process used with beers that are clear in appearance. Paulaner Hefe-Weizen contains 60% malted wheat and 40% malted barley.

Paulaner Oktoberfest

Paulaner Oktoberfest-Märzen was originally a seasonal brew, however, is now brewed and enjoyed all year long. With its caramelized, barely malty nose, the rich, full taste with a creamy and full finish makes the Paulaner Oktoberfest a very popular beer.

Paulaner Premium Pils

Paulaner's Premium Pils is brewed with two types of hops – bitter substance and aroma. The bitter substance are always added first in the brewing process so they are fully absorbed with the aroma hops added towards the end to maintain aroma in the beer. Paulaner's Premium Pils uses Hallertau Magnum as its bitter hop and aroma hops – Hallertau Tradition and Hallertau Spalter Select. Hallertau is a hops growing region in Bavaria.Paulaner Premium Pils comes with a big, crisp and dry, all-natural flavor with the traditional very hoppy finish.

Paulaner Salvator

The beer was named Salvator, in honor of Our Savior, and it became a tradition. Today, Paulaner Salvator is the benchmark for double bock brewing. It is still referred to, among beer aficionados as, "Liquid Bread." Its smoky and sweet, malty nose with accents of Hallertau hops and a very rich, full and hearty flavor reminds of a hint of chocolate.

To learn more about Paulaner, visit www.paulaner.com

Erdinger

Erdinger Weissbier

Erdinger Weissbier 'with fine yeast' is not only the undisputed classic in the Erdinger product range, it is also quite simply the wheat beer par excellence. It is brewed using fine yeast according to a traditional recipe and, of course, in strict accordance with the Bavarian Purity Law. Even today, the beer is still bottle-fermented in the traditional way; it takes three to four weeks for Erdinger Weissbier 'with fine yeast' to mature. Only the finest ingredients are used in its production. Years of experience and constant quality checks guarantee the beer's unmistakable flavor.

Erdinger Weissbier - Dark

A wheat beer from the good old days. Erdinger Weissbier 'dark' is a rich and smooth wheat beer specialty from Erdinger Weissbräu. It owes its full-bodied flavor to the fine hops and dark malt used in its production. The dark beer specialty is brewed according to an age-old recipe. Its spicy flavor also results from the increased proportion (about 13%) of original wort. Nonetheless, at 5.6%, it doesn't contain much more alcohol than Erdinger Weissbier 'with fine yeast'. Like all Erdinger wheat beers, this dark variety also acquires its typical flavor from maturing in the bottle. Years of brewing experience coupled with state-of-the-art technology guarantee its excellent quality.

Erdinger Weissbier "Crystal Clear"

The famous Bavarian specialty. Erdinger Weissbier 'crystal clear' is particularly welcome as a tasty thirst-quencher for hot summer days. This specialty wheat beer gets its 'crystal clear' appearance from a particularly long filtration process, known in the industry as "fine filtration", whereby the beer becomes completely clear. This gives Erdinger Weissbier 'crystal clear' its sparkling and refreshing character - which also makes it the ideal wheat beer for warm summer days. Brewed in strict accordance with our own traditional recipe, Erdinger Weissbier 'crystal clear' meets the highest quality standards and satisfies the most sophisticated palate.

Erdinger Weissbier Pikantus

Bavaria's strong specialty. For some people, Erdinger Weissbier Pikantus 'dark bock beer' is a delicacy to be enjoyed in the colder months of the year. For lovers of strong beer, however, the season for Pikantus lasts a full twelve months. At 7.3% alcohol, this specialty wheat beer has a considerably higher alcohol content than other varieties produced by Erdinger Weissbräu. The dark bock beer owes its sharp and full flavor to the use of selected dark wheat and barley malts and a significantly longer maturing process. In contrast to many bock beers, Erdinger Weissbier Pikantus 'dark bock beer' does not taste too sweet. Despite its higher alcohol content, Erdinger's master brewers have succeeded in retaining the smooth Pikantus flavor. The wheat beer for lovers of strong beer. To learn more about Erdinger, visit www.erdinger.com

Franziskaner

All of Franziskaner's weiss beer products - Hefe-Weisse Hell and Hefe-Weisse Dunkel - are top-fermentation beers noted for their agreeable carbonation levels and zesty wheat flavor. The consistently high quality of its products makes Franziskaner weiss beers a refreshing taste sensation of a special sort. All Franziskaner weiss beers are brewed in strict adherence to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516.

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Hell

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Hell is noted for its agreeable level of carbonation and its natural cloudiness. It is brewed from wheat malt, barley malt, hops, top-fermenting yeast and water according to a time-honored Bavarian recipe.

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dark

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dark wins supporters with its refreshing yet aromatic and full-bodied flavor. This dark, cloudy specialty is a special treat for weiss beer connoisseurs and bock beer aficionados.

To learn more about Franziskaner, visit www.franziskaner.com

Schneider

Schneider Weisse

The original liquid amber. With its amber-mahogany coloring and streaked with fine top-fermented yeast, this beer has a fine, persistent head that adheres well to the glass. It is pleasantly fruity with a typical top-fermented smell, an aroma of clove and nutmeg apple tantalizes the nose. On the tongue it is fresh, clean, full-bodied, harmonious and well-balanced. It finishes with a light, delicate taste of bitters leaving behind a sour impression.

Schneider Aventinus

Bavaria from its strongest side. Dark ruby, glistening mysteriously, streaked with fine, top-fermented yeast, this beer has a compact, stable and long-lasting head. It has an intensive, typically top-fermented clove-like aroma. The palate experiences a gentle touch, on the tongue it is very full-bodied, compact and yet fresh with a hint of caramel. It finishes with a light and delicate taste of bitters leaving behind a strong, smoothly rounded, sour impression.

To learn more about Schneider, visit www.schneider-weisse.de

Weihenstephan

Weihenstephan Hefeweissbier

Nothing refreshes you more than this naturally cloudy wheat beer with its wonderful yeasty fragrance and taste. Goes well with dishes that do not have too intensive a flavor, especially that Bavarian specialty 'Weisswurst' or white sausage.

Weihenstephan Hefeweizen-Dark

Supple, malty and mellow. Its harmonious flavor is the great strength of our dark wheat beer. Not only as a good combination with hearty dishes.

Weihenstephan Pilsner

Slightly bitter, mild, with a fragrance of hops - our pilsner is a cut above the ordinary. A beer with character.

Weihenstephan Korbinian - Doppelbock

A double bock beer that has what it takes. Not just for lovers of strong beer. With a malty aroma and great taste, our Korbinian is a true beer specialty. It goes well with smoked meat and fish as well as wild roasts and fowl.

To learn more about Weihenstephan, visit www.brauerei-weihenstephan.de

St. Pauli Girl

St. Pauli Girl Lager

If you like a Girl that has a deep golden color, distinctive full-bodied taste and "hoppy" aroma, then the Lager is for you. Two row spring barley from the south of England, a special strain of yeast, ice-age glacier water from the "Rotenburger Rinne," plus hops from the famous "Hallertau Hop Gardens" in southern Germany are the ingredients that give St. Pauli Girl Lager its unsurpassed quality and taste.

St. Pauli Girl Special Dark

St. Pauli Girl Special Dark is a remarkably smooth beer with a light hop character and rich malty taste. Using the same high-quality ingredients in the Lager, the malt in St. Pauli Girl Special Dark is slowly roasted using a centuries-old recipe. This gives St. Pauli Girl Special Dark unparallel taste and a uniquely vibrant color.

To learn more about St. Pauli Girl, visit www.stpauligirl.com

Warsteiner

Warsteiner Premium Verum

Warsteiner Premium Verum is a pilsner style beer with a smooth, rich-full bodied taste wrapped in a thick creamy head and a refreshing hop finish with no aftertaste. Warsteiner quenches the beer lover's thirst for a clean, crisp, refreshing beer taste. Features forest spring water, two-row malted summer barley and all German hops

To learn more about Warsteiner, visitwww.warsteiner-usa.com

Spaten

Spaten Oktoberfest Beer

Oktoberfest Beer, created in 1872, is the world's first Oktoberfest beer, brewed for the greatest folk festival in the world. Every year, over and over again, countless Oktoberfest visitors share their enthusiasm about this beer. This medium bodied beer has achieved its impeccable taste by balancing the roasted malt flavor with the perfect amount of hops. Having a rich textured palate with an underlying sweetness true to tradition.

Spaten Premium Lager

This beer is our specialty. In 1894 Spaten became the first brewery in Munich to produce this brand of light lager. Golden in color with a well-balanced hop-flavor. The full rounded body is a superb balance between hops and a malty sweetness.

Spaten Optimator

The classic German dark beer, bottom fermented 'Doppel Bock'. Full bodied with a deep dark color and rich roasted malt flavor.

To learn more about Spaten, visit www.spatenusa.com

Bitburger

Bitburger Premium Pils

Enjoy a Bitburger Premium Pils! Brewed with the very best ingredients. Bitburger guarantees complete enjoyment in premium quality. Bitburger Premium Pils - full-bodied and light - draws on nearly 200 years' experience and is, of course, brewed according to the German Purity Law. The popular, dry-finished, hoppy taste has made Bitburger Premium Pils Germany's no. 1 draught beer.

Bitburger Drive Alkoholfrei

Bitburger Drive is pure refreshment. The alcohol is carefully removed, but only once the beer has fully matured. While reducing the calories, this locks in the famous Bitburger taste. Whereas the fermentation process is stopped prematurely in most other beers, Bitburger Drive can therefore be tapped straight from the keg. And because it is fully fermented, there's no need for it to be pasteurized, leaving it tasting especially fresh.

Bitburger Light Reduced Calorie

Enjoy Bitburger Light Reduced Calorie, the lager brewed like a pilsner. Our light is refreshing, light and full of flavor. And it has 40% less alcohol and fewer calories than Bitburger Premium Pils.

To learn more about Bitburger, visit www.bitburger.com.

Dinkel Acker

Dinkel Acker CD Pils

Dinkel Acker Brauerei CD Pils. Pale gold hue. Medium-bodied. Very crisp aromas of zesty hops and pale malt. Crisply textured, with dry pale malt flavors through a clean, tangy hop-accented finish.

To learn more about Dinkel Acker, visit www.dinkelacker.de

Koestritzer Schwarzbier (Black Beer)

Koestritzer Schwarzbier

Koestritzer Schwarbier is a black beer with a long tradition. The use of specially enhanced malted barely causes the unique color and and its crisp aromas of zesty hops and pale malt.

To learn more about Koestritzer Schwarzbier, visit www.koestritzer.de