Oktoberfest: the beloved German festival that’s celebrated worldwide with flowing pints and delicious Bavarian food. Although the festival is only celebrated for two-ish weeks in Munich, there are 100+ events in California alone–ranging from one-day festivals to month-long events. But beyond the lederhosen and beer tents, there is a 200-year history that’s rich with Bavarian tradition and culture. In fact, this all began in 1810 with a royal wedding and a horse race.
Oktoberfest Beer and History
Oct 07, 2019
The History
Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. However, this reunion would be one for the books because of an idea from a Member of the Bavarian National Guard, Andreas Michael Dall’Armi. A huge horse race was organized to commemorate the joyous occasion. Five days after the wedding, the citizens of Munich were invited to attend the horse race and festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields were renamed Theresienwiese (“Theres’a Fields”) to honor the Crown Princess, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to “Wiesn.” The event was such a huge success, that the next year–wedding or not–this would be the start of an annual tradition that would eventually become the folk festival as we know it today.
So there you have it! Now that you know a little bit about where Oktoberfest comes from, we have three beers for you to enjoy with all the festivities!
Hofbräu München
Hofbräu started in 1589 with its original recipes handed down by Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria. Since then its fame continues to pour across the globe. Hofbräu beer was originally located in Einbeck but then moved to Munich. Initially intended to only supply the royal court with beer, but now is proudly served to thirsty patrons in 41 countries imported directly from the brewery in Munich, Germany.
ERDINGER Weissbräu
Erdinger Weissbräu is the world’s largest wheat beer brewery. Founded in 1886 as “Weisse Bräuhaus” in Erding, the brewery was named Erdinger Weissbräu in 1949 by Franz Brombach. Franz’s son Werner Brombach joined the brewery in 1965 and become the sole owner in 1975, while becoming the first to sell wheat beer outside of Bavaria.
Weihenstephan
Weihenstephan is the oldest still existing brewery in the world, established in 1040 A.D. as the Weihenstephan Monastery Brewery. We emphasize still existing for a reason. Between 1085 and 1463, the brewery completely burned down four times, was destroyed or depopulated by three plagues, various famines and a great earthquake. The Weihenstephan Monastery Brewery–after nearly a thousand years–still stands upon the Weihenstephan Hill, proud of its quality and its tradition.
FESTBIER FAVORITES
For this occasion, Hofbräu brews a rich, full-bodied beer which goes down ideally with traditional Bavarian cuisine. With its deliciously bitter taste and alcoholic content of 6.3% volume, Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier is as special as the Beer Festival itself.
A full rich bodied, hoppy, seasonal lager. Especially brewed for the Festbier season. This beer truly represents the Bavarian way of celebrating. Deep gold color, great mouthfeel and lots of flavor. Prost!
The wheat aroma with a fruit and clove hint combines with a strong malty flavour at the back . Erdinger Oktoberfest blends the advantages of our well known wheat beer with the traditional Oktoberfest taste. A grainy flavour and lovely hoppiness. The feel and crispness of our wheat-based speciality with an Oktoberfest body.
