Best Oktoberfestbiers of 2021

Cue the annual Weizen Festbier debate starting...

Or *is* this one a Weizen? I hear Tucher and immediately think Weizen Brauerei.

 

The difference in clarity between the imports and domestics is significant overall...well except Erdinger, which is a Hefeweizen.

Speaking of that, the North High color/turbidity is odd, almost looks like a Hefeweizen.

Wouldn't the best bet for that style be Weihenstephan, Hofbrau, and Paulaner?

 

Probably, but I believe I was replying to an American Okto question?

 

@AlcahueteJ

 

Great Divide Hoss is on the new mini tour at Old Chicago but...they hadn't got it in yet. Foiled again.

 

I have an Oktoberfest beer tasting party every year where we rate 8 different Oktoberfest/festbier beers. I’ll let you know the results. I generally like them all but so far I’ve really enjoyed the Sam Adams Oktoberfest (as always) as well as the Civil Life Oktoberfest.

 

What time should I be there?

 

#shrug you tell me. Just going by the front of the can, which is really nice/matte. The $9.99/4 pack also appreciated.

 

Says Lager pretty clearly, so no Weizen.

Very nice, pretty sure that's new on this side of the pond this year. Eyes open.

 

I knows that I had something from Tucher back in the day. Can't remember which one. +40 years ago.

 

Yeah, Tucher's been around -- on and off, for a long time (over here). Mostly Weißbier, and I've never seen a Festbier.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/129/370/?ba=steveh#review

Not showing at my local independent beer store either... but they're lax in updating their inventory online.

 

Cracked open a Founders Oktoberfest for my first of the style this season. Not my favorite--starts out nice but has a bit of an unpleasant aftertaste on the finish. But at $16 for a 15 pack at my local it's going down just fine. Also picked up a 4 pack of Jack's Abby Copper Legend that will be this weekend's pints.

 

Of course, the German imports in California back then can't be matched with what's available today. For most markets, at least.

 

Wow, really? It's just the opposite around here these days.

 

When I can usurp the great SteveH, I feel like I’ve made it. Glad to be in a better distribution area. Hopefully you’ll see it soon and give your input. Cheers.

 

What I miss most are the beers from Dortmund. Ritter first, Union second.

 

Great? Usurp? I think there are bigger egos than me lurking about -- I'm definitely an Okto enthusiast, but I also recognize learning moments!

Just as long as you don't have to buy in cases anymore.

Since I haven't even seen Spaten or HB, my hopes aren't high.

 

Of course, I always have to wonder when I don't see a beer listed at the brewery website. Export only?

May, 2019:
https://wettenimporters.com/news/wetten-importers-partners-with-tucher-traditionsbrauerei/

 

I've had it before, and, based on my review, I thought it was a bit sweet. I'll give it a go again, because I'm rarely disappointed with them.

 

Good question, I found this post from the importer:

 

So... They're saying Tucher brews a Festbier for Fruhlingsfest*, not a Maibock, and they export it during the usual Oktoberfest season.

Somebody is losing something in translation here -- and I'd guess it's Wetten Imports' marketing crew manning their social media.

*And I know Bamberg knows what Maibock is -- I was there in the Spring and had a few.

@herrburgess -- got a take on this?

 

Have tried Spaten (Enjoyed it), have also tried Paulaner (even better), and have some Hacker-Pschorr (in the refigerator cooling). Been drinking some of last year's Ayinger (and loved it, as I did the year before).

 

Been away for a bit with work but my favorite beer time of year.

For those on domestic side--happy to send ANYONE some OMB Mecktoberfest--a "Marzen" style festbier but would put against anything on both sides of the pond.

Just cannot wait to sample the Ayinger, Spaten, Hofbrau, Paulaner and other annual goodies like SN.

Life is good--esp in the fall.

 

At the Frühlingsfest in Munich, the beers served include Spaten's Frühlingsfest beer (a 4.9% Helles) and Weizenbier. For Tucher, I would guess it would be the Frühlingsfest in Nürnberg (not Munich or Bamberg)... but that Festbier isn't on the brewer's website. The US importer's site claims Tucher's Festbier is "available to festivals year-round." Tucher's Christmas beer is slightly lower in ABV. It probably wouldn't make much business sense to import a German beer branded as a Festbier for any season other than Oktoberfest season.
@herrburgess

 

So, what you're saying is that the Munich breweries are getting lazy? No more Maibock at the Fest?

As I recall, there were usually only 2 of the 6 breweries at the Frühlingsfest in one season -- they would alternate turns. Not sure they still operate that way, but do you have info on any of the other brewery offerings for the Fest?

I'll split the difference with you and say Franconia.

As mentioned above. Curious.

In what countries?

Very true.

 

I was trying to find info on it when we were talking about it some time ago. The link below has some info on the various brewery locations (according to them, it's two main tents, but there are other spots):
https://happytowander.com/fruhlingsfest-tents-rides-attractions/

Regarding Spaten, here's a Hippodrom menu that has the Spaten "Frühlingswiesn," the Hippodrom site mentions that they serve Spaten Wiesn, and this site mentions Spaten Frühlingsfest Hell (the name that Untappd uses). If Untappd has it right, it's not a strong beer.

 

@steveh
4.9% ABV, 11.6 Plato
That's less than their standard Helles.
https://www.ganz-muenchen.de/volksf...fruehlingswiesn/fruehlingsfest_hell/2011.html

 

Sounds like they're trying to move away from stronger beer in a party atmosphere.

Times change. Doesn't mean we have to like it.

 

I tried to send you a message but I think you’re too bougie for that

The reference to great was truly a compliment as I’ve learned a lot from your knowledge (and @AlcahueteJ) about Ofests and Ami-ofests. I hope no offense was taken.

 

Gorgeous pics. And I love the glassware. I have the Ayinger one, but not the rest. I do have a lot of collectible Paulaner mugs.

Also, I am still waiting for Ayinger and Bitburger to be released here. Ayinger is running very late because the distributor claims they have no workers. Sigh.

 

Bougie? Don't try to lay no bougie wougie on the king of rock n' roll. (@jesskidden )

Actually, if you ever met me, you'd probably find me more Bohemian than Bougie. I very much relate to Marxism. Groucho Marxism.

I'll take your word for it.

 

Thanks! I admit I am a bit of a "glass-whore", and have waayyyy too many.....but it is fun to pair them up with the right beers, etc!
#properglassware!

 

Someone has to ask the tough questions: When is Giesinger going to export theirs to the US?

Assuming Oktoberfest happens in 2022, they'll be the first new brewery to pour at the fest in a long, long time.

 

Have they been invited into the fold?

 

They completed all of the qualifying requirements last year and were officially declared a "Munich Brewery" last year. They mentioned on Facebook that they planned to have a tent in 2021 or 2022, but that was before COVID cancelled the last two events. I'm actually tempted to try and go to the first O-Fest where they have a tent just for the historical significance of it. It doesn't hurt that I've tried and like their Maerzen, too.

 

I looked at their beer list -- do you suppose they'll try to push the envelope of tradition?

I wonder where they'll make room for a (new) tent?

 

Honestly, I don't think they'll buck tradition too much. They make some non-German style beers, but they keep the lights on with styles that are right at home in Munich. The times I've been there, the foreign styles were only available in bottles and most people were sticking to the draft traditional beers. Still, this is the same brewery that makes an American-style barleywine, a doppelsticke, and an eisbock that's over 20% ABV.

No clue about the tent, though.

 

What? You don't like Marxists? How 'bout Zeppo?

Seriously though, I'm taking your word that no offense was meant.

 

I wonder if the rise in popularity of craft beer over the last couple decades in the US has caused an influx of Americans to this fest in addition to Oktoberfest.

From my experience at Oktoberfest us Americans can’t handle our beer as well as the Germans. They probably figured liters of Maibock would be a poor choice…

Oh jeez, flattered!

I should mention @steveh has probably forgotten more about German beer than I know. And I learned most of what I know from him and a handful of others who frequent the Germany forum.

Wow, I had planned on trying to go in 2022 anyways as part of a Bamberg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Czech Republic tour. This may just cement my plans.

They could just put it on the hill where people pass out drunk.