Thinking about Oktoberfest? Massive amounts of beer first come to mind—and for good reason! This world-famous festival is all about tradition, celebration, and, of course, raising a Maß (liter-sized mug) of specially brewed drink. But Oktoberfest beer isn’t just any lager you can grab at your local store. It follows strict brewing rules, has a unique taste, and comes in two main styles: the classic Märzen and the lighter Festbier. Only six Munich breweries have the honor of producing this special brewery and calling their beer “ Oktoberfest official” served at the festival.

Revelers drinking at Oktoberfest in Munich

Do You Know? 6.7 million attendees visited and consumed 7 million liters of beer during Oktoberfest 2024. 

Each sip of German-style beer captures a distinct taste. Whether you take at the vibrant festivities or enjoy it at home, what makes Oktoberfest beer so special is its key ingredients and definitive features.

Oktoberfest Beer History – How a Maltier Brew Became an Iconic Tradition

Oktoberfest beer traces back to the early 19th century to celebrate Prince Ludwig’s and Princess Therese’s wedding. Their celebrations lasted for days and resulted in the popularity of a lot from the Bavarian culture, such as the traditional lederhosen and dirndl dress, along with plenty of beer.

The Oktoberfest, which is now called the world’s largest beer festivity, didn’t always feature the brews you associate it with today.  The wedding celebration was such a success that it was repeated the following year and eventually became an annual tradition of what we now know as Oktoberfest, and with it came a beer style that remains iconic.

Initially, the drink served was a darker, maltier brew known as Märzen. It was named after the month of March, when it was traditionally brewed and stored in cool caves over the summer. Märzen remained the official beer for Oktoberfest in Germany for around 100 years due to its amber color and toasty malt profile. But as the celebration grew into an international sensation, festival-goers wanted something even more palatable. Munich’s breweries responded with malt-forward lager with a beautiful light golden to copper color (Festbier). This modern Oktoberfest beer style with a clean finish is served at the festival today.

A woman models German attire for Oktoberfest

American vs. German Styles — What’s the Difference

Same name, Different Beer! If you have picked up an Oktoberfest beer outside of Munich, you might have noticed something different—it won’t taste the same. Many people think Oktoberfest brew is just one style, but it’s not. You may find American and German approaches to this special beer tradition. U.S. breweries took the inspiration from the original Märzen, while in Germany, you taste the modern Festbier. Both styles, however, share a malt-forward character.

• Märzen – The Original Oktoberfest Beer

American Oktoberfest Beers are often Märzen-style. It features an amber color and a slightly sweet taste with notes of toffee, biscuit, and bread. They typically have a medium body and a light toasted malt character. Märzen contains 5.8–6.3% alcohol by volume and is slightly heavier than a German Festbier.

• Festbier – More Refreshing Lager

When you think of Oktoberfest beer in Germany, you’re talking about Festbier—the golden, crisp lager that fills massive mugs in Munich’s beer tents. It tends to be paler and more similar to a Dortmunder-style brewer with a balanced flavor profile. Festbier has a clean fermentation character and provides a toasty-doughy aromatic with an impression of sweetness. This makes it easier to drink in liters at festivities. The color varies, but you will find German versions mostly in golden, like a strong Pils-dominated Helles.

When buying any of the above beer styles, read the label. Märzen is always mentioned in the bottle, but if it displays Oktoberfest, you are drinking Festbier.

What Defines the Oktoberfest Beer— A Representative of Bavarian Heritage

Not just any beer can call itself an Oktoberfest beer. It has a unique character and brewing process that sets it apart from your everyday lagers. The drink served at festivities reflects German centuries-old brewing traditions and makes it a symbol of true celebrations.

It Must Be Brewed in Munich

Only six breweries—Augustiner, Paulaner, Spaten, Hofbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, and Löwenbräu—are allowed to serve “official” Oktoberfest beer at the celebration. Other than these are strictly forbidden at the festivities. These breweries operate large and small beer tents at the Theresienwiese to serve millions of people during the festival. Also, the beer must be brewed within the city limits of Munich to ensure authenticity.

It Follows the Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Law)

The beer must meet specific criteria of Bavarian law to be officially recognized as an Oktoberfest brew. This means it only contains

• Water
• Malted barley
• Hops
• Yeast

No additives or shortcuts!

It Has a Balanced, Malty Flavor

Oktoberfest beer is known for its smooth maltiness. Whether it’s the traditional Märzen or the modern Festbier, the flavor profile is malty, smooth, and highly drinkable, with a good balance of sweetness and hop bitterness.

It Has a Higher Alcohol Content

To give it a strong kick, Oktoberfest beers generally have a higher alcohol content compared to typical lagers. The permitted ABV typically ranges from 5.8% to 6.3%, which can vary by brewery. Hofbräuzelt beer is the strongest, with 6.3% alcohol. This gives it a bit more body and warmth, making it perfect for cool autumn celebrations.

It’s a Lager, Not an Ale

Oktoberfest beer is a bottom-fermented lager. This means it ferments at cooler temperatures for a longer time. The lagering results in a refreshing, smooth taste with fewer fruity or spicy flavors compared to ales. It also adds a crisp and clean finish to Oktoberfest beers.

It’s Made for Drinking by the Liter

One of the key features of Oktoberfest beer is its high drinkability. As you don’t just sip it— you celebrate it every few minutes. The beer is brewed to be enjoyed by the liter (Maßkrug) without feeling too heavy. That’s why modern Festbier is lighter than Märzen—so festival-goers can keep drinking all day long!l

Pairs Perfectly with Traditional Bavarian Cuisine to Enhance the Taste 

Drinking Oktoberfest beer is only half the experience—the other half is savoring it with the perfect Bavarian feast. Whether you’re in a lively beer tent in Munich or hosting your Oktoberfest celebration at home, the right food pairing elevates the flavors of your brew. It makes each sip and bite more satisfying.

If you have Märzen-style, try its malty sweetness and yeasty flavor with

• Roasted Meats—A browned, crisp skin of roast chicken or sausage
• Hearty Dishes— The heat of hearty chili, stews, or schweinshaxe (roast ham hock or pork knuckle with gravy).
• Pretzels — Soft, salty, and chewy baked pretzels dip in Obatzda.
• Desserts — Waffles with syrup, pancakes with jam, or cookies and cake.
• Cheese: Gruyere and Emmental or flavor notes found in accompaniments like jam, nuts, toasted bread, or crackers.

If you have Festbier in Munich, complement its light and crips finish with

• Schnitzel — Veal, pork, or chicken when served with lemon or red berry jam.
• Richer Dishes — Creamier recipies like cheesy noodles (käsespätzle), currywurst, or German potato salad.
• Weisswurst — White sausage presented with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
• Traditional Pairings — Roast chicken or pork, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes.

These pairings complement perfectly with the beers’ flavors and add to the overall enjoyment. The caramelized malt in Märzen doubles the taste of savory, slow-roasted meats. Similarly, the sharper and hoppier notes of Oktoberfestbier cut through the richness of creamy and saucy meals.

Wrapping Up

The rich and unique flavor, traditional roots, and the main brewery crafting procedure make Oktoberfest beer special. It is served in two main forms at different geographical locations. If you are in Munich and purchase a beer, it is most likely a light and smooth-textured Festbier. While outside Germany, breweries love to sell the traditional Märzen. The specific rules regulated to serve beer at Oktoberfest make it a unique experience for millions of visitors and set it apart from regular alcoholic drinks.

German Dancers at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest and German Beer Related Articles

• How to Pour a Bavarian Beer the Oktoberfest Way
• Bavaria’s Major Breweries Serving Beer At Oktoberfest Grand Celebration
• Oktoberfest: Beer Expertise Unleashed
• Oktoberfest Beer Season Has Arrived
• Oktoberfest for the Rest
• Tröegs Oktoberfest Returns To Celebrate the German Beer Festival Season
• Troegs Brewing is Releasing Oktoberfest on August 5th
• Human Robot: The First Milk Tube Race in the World: USA vs. The World – Oktoberfest Invitational Beer Fest
• The Evolution of German Beer Culture and Its Influence on Craft Brewing

Note

(Editor note: This was an unpaid guest post by Sophia Tyler.)

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

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• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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By: Amber Julie

Oktoberfest (photo courtesy of Amber Julie)

Oktoberfest Beer Consumption Tops All Beerfests Globally

Oktoberfest is known as the largest Beerfest for a reason. Oktoberfest beer consumption tops globally each year, with a huge number making the front headlines! People gulp a WHOPPING 6.5 million liters of Oktoberfest beer (bier) at the festival in 16-18 days. The nice weather helped a lot, with almost every day being warm and sunny, except for one. But it's not just about the beer! There are other interesting stats from the Oktoberfest in Munich, too. From rising beer prices to different beer tents serving distinct beers.

A Big Turnout of Guests at Wiesn

Munich’s Oktoberfest drew in a massive 7.2 million guests. It was a notable increase from the 5.7 million attendees in the previous years, per the city’s official figures. Among these, approximately 480,000 people were spotted at the Oide Wiesn (the traditional festival grounds within Oktoberfest.) Apart from the local Bavarian crowd, a significant presence of international visitors, particularly from neighboring countries like Italy, Austria, France, and the USA, can be seen. A popular outfit choice among most Beerfest attendees was wearing trachten – “Dirndl” and “Lederhosen.”.

An interesting observation was the efflux in sales of non-alcoholic beverages. A significant increase of 50% was seen in comparison to the previous years. This spike could be accredited, at least in part, to the unusually warm weather experienced during the festivities. Some tents even faced water shortages on certain days due to the high demand.

Oktoberfest Stats At a Single Glance

• A massive increase of 15% in food sales was seen compared to the previous
  year. The showstopper was the “Wiesn Hendl” (half a chicken).
•  The “Chicken Hat” was the most popular souvenir, which sold out a day before
  the finale of Wiesn.
• Security personnel confiscated 115,600 beer mugs from being stolen from the
  beer tents and the Wiesn fairground.
• The crime rate remained low, with just 1,854 police interventions resulting in
  1,093 arrests.
• 2.8 million kWh of electricity consumed (12 percent saved in comparison to
  2022)
• 300 tons of garbage disposed of 7% less than the 2022)
• Aicher ambulance with 7,620 patients
• The Lost and Found office reported approx. 3,250 items including:

Oktoberfest Facts and Interesting Statistics

Oktoberfest is full of exciting facts and statistics, besides holding records for the highest number of visitors.

The SIX Munich Oktoberfest Beer

Oktoberfest Trademark Beer is only served at Wiesn, which has two important characteristics;

1. It is produced locally by the Munich breweries and within the Munich Limits
2. The Wiesn beer has to comply with the Beer Purity Law “Reinheitsgebot.”

The Reinheitsgebot also holds the record for being the oldest food law still in use. Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria instructed it in the year 1516. The Purity law states that “only barley, hops, and water” can be used to brew the beer.”

Beer is sourced from Wiesn through the “BIX SIX.” The six brewmasters are the makers of Munich Oktoberfest.

● Andreas Brunner (Augustiner) (6%)
● Rainer Kansy (Hacker-Pschorr) (5.8%)
● Rolf Dummert (Hofbräu) (6.3%)
● Bernd Kräußel (Löwenbräu) (6.1%)
● Christian Dahncke (Paulaner) (6%)
● Friedrich Geiger (Spaten) (5.9%)

Oktoberfest Beer Consumption Trends

Oktoberfest has seen fluctuating trends in beer consumption over the past decade. An analysis of these statistics from the last ten years reveals interesting patterns. External factors affect these patterns of beer sales. Over the years, Oktoberfest beer  consumption has experienced notable fluctuations. The figures indicate peaks and valleys, reflecting various factors such as economic conditions, social trends, and external disruptions. In 2014, exhibiting a hike in demand for Oktoberfest beer, consumption spiked to 7.7 million liters. The following year, 2015, witnessed slight
variations, with consumption of around 7 million liters until the unforeseen interruption in 2020 and 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The absence of Oktoberfest festivities in 2020 and 2021 undoubtedly impacted beer consumption. Millions of liters typically consumed during the event were forgone. This two-year pause disrupted the annual consumption trend and posed challenges for breweries and vendors. Other economic factors have influenced Oktoberfest beer sales beyond the pandemic-related pause. In recent years, rising inflation has increased beer prices, affecting consumer behavior. The upward price trend has contributed to a more cautious approach to spending among Wiesn guests. This behavior leads to a moderation in beer consumption.

Inspecting Oktoberfest Beer Price Trends

Oktoberfest beer tent prices have hiked significantly from previous years. The rise in prices, as mentioned above, is accredited to the economic crunch.

Large Tents

The large tents at Oktoberfest are renowned for their grandeur and capacity to host thousands of visitors at once. Wiesn guests have noticed a prominent beer price increase across various large tents in recent years. For instance:

● Hacker-Festzelt: Guests at this large tent experienced a slightly higher increase of 7.46%. Beer prices rose from €13.40 to €14.40 in 2022 to 2023 respectively.

● Armbrustschützenzelt: This tent sold beer for €13.50 in 2022 and €14.40 in 2023, reporting a modest 6.67% increase in beer prices.
● Weinzelt (Weissbier): While not the largest tent, Weinzelt’s specialty in Weissbier attracted attention with a 3.57% increase, pricing a mug at €17.40 in 2023 compared to €16.80 the previous year.

Small Tents

The smaller beer tents are not as grandiose as the larger ones but offer a cozy and intimate Oktoberfest experience. Here, too, the trend of price increases was evident:
● Vinzenz Murr Metzgerstubn: Among the small tents, this venue saw one of the most significant increases, with beer prices surging by 10.37% from €13.50 to €14.90.
● Wildstuben: Another notable increase was witnessed at Wildstuben, where prices rose by 9.30% from €12.90 to €14.10.
● Wirtshaus im Schichtl: However, not all small tents followed the same pattern. Wirtshaus im Schichtl experienced a more modest increase of 2.21%, with prices increasing from €13.60 to €13.90.

Oide Wiesn

The Oide Wiesn, or “Oktoberfest”; offers a nostalgic experience with traditional music, crafts, and beer. Here, too, changes in beer prices were observed:
● Festzelt Tradition: This beer tent experienced a 6.82% increase, with beer prices climbing from €13.20 to €14.10.
● Museumszelt: The Museumszelt saw a relatively moderate increase of 4.76%, with prices rising from €12.60 to €13.20.

Wrap Up!

Oktoberfest is big on beer! It sets record-breaking beer consumption yearly, making it one of the biggest “Beerfest.” Over the past decades, Oktoberfest beer has seen different trends in terms of consumption and prices. Beer served at Wiesn strictly follows Purity law and is brewed locally by the “BIG SIX.”

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)