Happy October everybody!
I hope you all are as happy to see the dog days of summer fade into the distance as I am. It is officially time for all things cozy, and I am really looking forward to all of the fall festivities happening around the area over the next couple of months. This season is also the start of Fest, which is always an exciting experience full of traditions, food, fun, and friends. One of the most prominent aspects of Fest is the beer, so let’s talk about it!
On October 12, 1810, Munich was celebrating the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. This wedding helped to cement the independence of Bavaria, which had just become its own kingdom four years prior in 1806 after the fall of the Holy Roman Empire and Bavaria’s separation from its alliance with Napoleon.
The people of Bavaria had much to celebrate, and the betrothed Prince and Princess decided to give them what they wanted. The royal family invited all the citizens of Munich to join in the festivities surrounding the wedding, and the first Oktoberfest was born!
The royal family and the people of Munich and its surrounding villages enjoyed it so much, they decided to make it into an annual event celebrating Bavarian culture including food, music, games, and beer. Fest in Germany actually happens in September, as at some point, the event’s organizers decided to move the dates to take advantage of the nicer weather and longer daylight hours, and now ends on the first weekend in October with a special focus on German Unity Day on October 3rd.
Oktoberfest beers are the highlight of the festivities for most people, and for good reason. These beers are traditional German lagers with the historical beer of Fest being the Marzen. A Marzen is a medium to full-bodied malty amber typically brewed in March and lagered through the summer. The word “lager” actually comes from the German “lagern” meaning “to store”. Fun fact-the first appearance of golden lagers as we experience them today were actually brewed in Bohemia, which is now the Czech Republic, though beer has a much longer history than that. The modern, and most common style of beer now served at Fest is the Festbier.
These brews are strong, golden lagers less malty than the Marzen and with a more distinct floral hoppiness. Personally, I prefer the Marzen style, but that’s just my affinity for the malt-forward flavor profile. As always, drink what you like. On that note, I would like to encourage you all to explore some of our local breweries for their seasonal sips surrounding Fest this year. There are many options, but if you’re asking me (which I assume you are since you’re reading this) I’d start with the Oktoberfest Marzen from Peabody Heights, the Zicke Zacke from Checkerspot, and the Festdogger from Pickett Brewing. We love showing support for our local craft businesses around here.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or recommendations, shoot me an email at [email protected] and I will be happy to chat! Also remember if you need help getting your home bar ready for the holidays, I’m here to help with that too. Stay safe, stay healthy, and remember that your barstool is always open. Prost!
