On October 12, 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxony and the citizens of Munich were invited to a celebration just outside the city gates. Everyone enjoyed themselves so much that the get-together was repeated the next year with horse racing, an agricultural show, and amusements such as carousel rides. Attendees were able to quench their thirst at small beer stands located throughout the grounds. And that my friends is how Oktoberfest, the largest festival in the world (six million visitors annually), got started. While the festival in the U.S is a big event only in places where German heritage still holds sway (including the Germantown community of East Nashville), Oktoberfest is widely commemorated by the number of special beers brewed and marketed this time of year. Most of these “once a year” brews are darker and heavier than the light lagers that so many Americans favor. Earlier this month several of us got together with Chris Downes, staff beer connoisseur at Frugal MacDoogal, to taste some of the Oktoberfest beers.
Hacker-Pschorr Original Oktoberfest Amber Marzen (Germany). Nice rich, red amber color with medium body. Definite fruitiness (apples) and mild spice. Smooth mouth feel and good balance. Six pack of 12 oz. bottles $8.69.
Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen Amber (Germany). Dark amber color. Malty on the palate, but also a hint of flowers. Creamy head and lots of carbonation. Lightly hopped. Very smooth brew finishing with wheat. Six pack of 12 oz. bottles $8.99. (This was the #1 choice of the Frugal experts).
Spaten Oktoberfest Munich Marzen (Germany). Golden orange color and sweet aroma. Smooth, crisp, and lighter on the palate than the preceding brews. Very pleasant malty flavor. Six pack of 12 oz. bottles $7.79.
Incidentally, the German word “Marzen” means March. In Bavaria, Marzens were brewed in the Spring (March) to close out the cool weather brewing season. Afterwards, since there was no refrigeration, operations would be suspended because summer heat would spoil the beer. During the hot months, the beer was stored in cool caves and brought out in Autumn for festivals, including Oktoberfest. Marzens are usually characterized by a golden amber color, predominance of sweet malt over bitter hops, and higher than usual alcohol levels.
After trying the three Oktoberfest beers above, the crew decided to round out the tasting with four heavier ales.
Petrus Dubbel Bruin Ale (Belgium). A deep brown color—much darker than the others in the tasting. This one has a beige head, and is medium-bodied. It is thick, caramely, and chewy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and brown sugar. Some citrus notes. One of the tasters observed that this could substitute for dessert! 6.5% alcohol. Four pack of 11.2 oz. bottles $14.99 (singles $3.99).
Biere du Boucanier Red Ale (Belgium). This Belgian “strong” ale is 7% alcohol. A big, thick, white foamy head, and a spicy aroma. Yeasty, and definite flavors of apricot and ripe apple. We thought this the most buttery of the brews tried. Definitely different! Single 11.2 oz. bottles $3.99.
Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Pale Ale (England). Deep reddish brown color and a nice head. A bit spicy, but well balanced. More malt flavor than most pale ales. 5% alcohol. Gold Medal winner at World Beer Championship. Four pack of 12 oz. bottles $9.99 (17 oz. singles $3.49).
Highland Gaelic Ale (Asheville, N.C.). Amber color. Rich malty body. Complex hop flavor and aroma. Quite earthy, with a smokey element, and a bit of caramel also. This brew was introduced to me by my son in Knoxville and was not available in Nashville until a year or two ago. It has become a personal favorite and we hope you’ll try it. Six pack of 12 oz. bottles $8.99.
Thanksgiving will be here in just a few weeks, and many of us will be having company. Whether you will be hanging out with relatives, or just watching football on television, any of the brews above will provide a change of pace from the ordinary. A special occasion calls for a special beer! All of the brews listed can be found on the beer side of the store, and Chris will be happy to help you select one that is sure to please. By the way, if you will be shopping for wine, please check out the “high value” recommendations listed in last month’s newsletter (see archives).
Photo credits: Jerry Hall | 2BSEEN.
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