German Beer Appreciation 2025

Here's the Original, another common Hofbräu beer I've never had, a Helles in style but I"m open to debate.

Quite aromatic with that distinctive Euro hop. I wouldn't call it skunky, but it's a bold resiny smell. Sweet bread taste, like challah. Lush and sudsy in the mouth. Aftertaste is quite bitter, I would think, for a Helles. I admit it's better than the alternative of too little hops and insipid. Still, this is more like an oddly sweet Pilsner. From the 330 ml bottle. Product of Germany. "Best By" date is 02/18/2026.

 

For a palate refresher-- Eschenbacher Export Premium

The label says "Export Premium" but this has all the sweetness of a Helles and virtually none of the hop character of a Dortmunder or even a Märzen. There is a slight vegetal note in the finish but no bitterness to speak of or other evidence of hops. Mouthfeel is creamy and lush. This is a malty big gulp and nicely flavored in the cereal-bread vein.

 

The last time I attended the Oktoberfest was back in 1974. So a few years ago. My friends and I were young, and so prone to doing stupid things. We sampled every big tent beer available at the fest, which back then was served only in liter steins.

I was stationed up near Fulda at the time, and I'm pretty sure that Augustinerbrau beers weren't available near us. In any event, I'd never heard of it. However, it turned out to be hands down our favorite beer at the fest (Hackerbrau was our least favorite).

Sounds as if not much has changed in 50 years. Augustinerbrau is still making a very good Oktoberfest beer.

 

Yes they were.

 

Georg Rittmayer Hell

Lovely nose of the brewhouse. Light body with a delightful creamy spritz in the best German tradition. Taste is Cream of Wheat with some notes of fresh bread and a touch of lemon. There is a little bitterness in the aftertaste, a touch of pencil shavings. Overall this is a superior example of the Helles style, in my opinion, and a good reason to try more German beers. From the 500 ml can. "Best Before 07/2026."

 

A wonderful beer. Smoke is life. Prost!

 

Now that we're done with the marathon Oktoberfest tasting, we can get down to the rest of the German styles. Here is a Dunkelweizen from Georg Rittmayer called Hausbrauerbier.

Some straw in the aroma and roasted grain. Very pleasant sudsy mouthfeel. This is a milder sort of Dunkelweizen with very little of the spicy flavors. Tastes of roasted malt and a little sweetness in the malt. Grainy finish with a flicker of flowery hops and caramel in the aftertaste. From the 500 ml can purchased in the Costco German beer case.