 |
| Oktoberfest 2014 at Engine 15 Brewing in Jax Beach |
The Oktoberfest celebration isn't just about the beer (well, maybe it is). It's an integral part of German history, and we have Bavaria's King Maximilian Joseph to thank for it. Back in 1810, the King threw a two-day festival in celebration of the wedding of his son, Crown Prince Ludwig, to Princess Therese. The event offered free beer and free food at several Munich locations, along with a horse race at a racing ground which later became known as Theresienwiese. And, behold, a tradition was born! To this day, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg at noon on the first day of Oktoberfest along with the proclamation "O'zapft is!" ("it is tapped"), and the revelry begins.
Now, what about that beer? Alongside all of that pumpkin beer that started invading the shelves seemingly on the last boom of the 4th of July fireworks finale, you're sure to see the "Oktoberfest" or "Octoberfest" beers, also generally described as "Märzen" or "Festbier." The name "Oktoberfest" is an appellation in Germany, and under the applicable laws of Germany and the EU, only those beers brewed by the large breweries within the Munich city limits can be served at the Oktoberfest and are allowed to use the name "Oktoberfest" for the beer (Augustinerbräu München, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu).
 |
| Prost! Traditional lager in a Maß. Yeah, that's a lot of beer. |
While the styles of Märzen and Oktoberfest (lagers) have, in the past, largely been deemed the same under the style guidelines, the new BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) Guidelines of 2015 (released earlier this year) distinguish the two. Typically, an Oktoberfest/Märzen is considered malty, sweet and amber-to light brown in color. Over the years, however, the German Oktoberfest renditions have taken on a lighter, more golden color, mostly in response to consumer sentiment and the movement toward a "lighter, more drinkable" version (or, more "poundable," according to the comments by the Paulaner brewer in the BJCP guidelines). So, now, as far as official BJCP "styles" go, and in recognition of the protected Oktoberfest name in Germany, the "Festbier" is the golden version with a strong malty flavor alongside a lightly toasty and softly sweet character. The "Märzen" is the amber-to-light brown type, also with a malty sweetness and rich, toasty, bready flavor. The ABV and IBUs are roughly the same (5.8-6.3% and 18-24/25, respectively). The US-brewed "Oktoberfest" types are generally in the Märzen style.
Strictly for purposes of education and demonstration, for visual effect, and to uphold the integrity of this blog, I present the following: No matter which version of the seasonal beer you enjoy, drink it in the traditional Maß ("mass"), or mug, typically a one-liter vessel with a handle (as shown above). Or, get your Boot:
 |
| One-liter Beer Boot. Beware of that toe, though! |
And, in case you were wondering about the English-Metric conversions, one liter is just a bit over a quart (which is 32 oz., or 2- 16 oz. pints). These are some of my favorite styles of beer, and I am definitely looking forward to attending some Oktoberfest celebrations. I don't know about you, but I've already had a few of the Oktoberfest/Festbier/Marzen beers from both German and American brewers (wait too long, or they'll be gone).
Which brings me to Oktoberfest in Florida! Like I said, to do this right, you need to get in the spirit of things, so make sure your wardrobe includes some lederhosen, a dirndl, some golden braided hair, or at least an Oktoberfest Bavarian Alpine hat!
And, get ready for pretzels, bratwursts, sauerkraut, and German potatoes. How about some beer games? Stein-holding competitions, roll the barrel, carry the wench? Yep, they're gonna happen. So, drink your lager, get oompah'd, and check out some of these happenings around North Florida. I asked a number of breweries from Jax to south of Daytona about their Oktoberfest celebrations. There's sure to be a Fest happening near you (or, if not, take a short drive to one):
TOMOKAFEST, Tomoka Brewing Co., 9/19, Port Orange, 12pm-12am. Tapping of the Traditional Tomoka Oktoberfest Lager: the Tomokafest! It's a malty, sweet, crisp lager, 5.8% ABV, 20 IBU. Along with German food, music and festivities. If you haven't been here yet, this sounds like a good time to do it! (See my blog post, too, from February 20)
And, get ready for pretzels, bratwursts, sauerkraut, and German potatoes. How about some beer games? Stein-holding competitions, roll the barrel, carry the wench? Yep, they're gonna happen. So, drink your lager, get oompah'd, and check out some of these happenings around North Florida. I asked a number of breweries from Jax to south of Daytona about their Oktoberfest celebrations. There's sure to be a Fest happening near you (or, if not, take a short drive to one):
TOMOKAFEST, Tomoka Brewing Co., 9/19, Port Orange, 12pm-12am. Tapping of the Traditional Tomoka Oktoberfest Lager: the Tomokafest! It's a malty, sweet, crisp lager, 5.8% ABV, 20 IBU. Along with German food, music and festivities. If you haven't been here yet, this sounds like a good time to do it! (See my blog post, too, from February 20)
 |
| Chris (on right) is the man behind the brew! Photo: New Smyrna Beach Brewing 2014 |
OKTOBERFEST at New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company, 9/19, New Smyrna Beach,starting at 1pm. It's gonna be a big ol' party! New Oktoberfest lager, the Beachtoberfest, 5.5 ABV, 26 IBU. Half-liter Oktoberfest mugs with special pricing on beer! Check out this brewery if you haven't been there yet, you'll be glad you did -- see my blog post here. I always love visiting here! And, psst -- they're fun, and they make some really good beer!
OKTOBERFEST at Ormond Brewing, 9/25, Ormond Beach. Releasing the Oktoberfest beer, 5.5 ABV, 25 IBU, with party and food. More info on the way! Plus, you'll love the friendly environment here, including an inside bar and outside deck/patio!
OKTOBERFEST at Green Room Brewing, 10/3, Jacksonville Beach. New Oktoberfest beer! Special bottle release. More info on the way!
OKTOBERFEST at Playalinda Brewing Company, 10/10, Titusville. Tapping the Oktoberfest beer at noon: coming in at 6 ABV. Oktoberfest party with traditional German food. You need to check this place out! In fact, you can read about my visit shortly after they opened late last fall here.
BUT, WAIT, there's MORE OKTOBERFEST! If you're in the Jacksonville area, there are various Oktoberfest beerfest events on the calendar in September and October. Check out my BeerSphere page for more on those! I also included OKTOBERFEST TAMPA, because I know that there will be quite a few JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS® fans (ahem, Bold City Brigade) in Tampa during the weekend of October 9-11 for the Jags-Bucs game (including me!).
HAPPY OKTOBERFEST EVERYONE! Til next time,
Prost!
Sources:
Beer Judge Certification Program 2015 Style Guidelines;
Cicerone Certification Program German Beer Styles Course (2014);
Garrett Oliver, The Oxford Companion to Beer (2012);
Wikipedia: Maß
Wikipedia: Maß
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS is a trademark of Jacksonville Jaguars, LLC