I’m currently fermenting a special batch for our third annual Oktoberfest celebration at the end of September! The last two years, we’ve paired our festivities with sausages and pretzels (last year featuring locally made King’s Meats), as tradition demands. This year however, in addition to the hearty fare, I’m changing things up in the brewery.
Instead of brewing a Märzen — the amber-colored lager we’ve featured before — I’m making a traditional pale lager in the modern Festbier style. This means our Oktoberfest beer will be lighter in color, crisper, and more hop-forward than in years past.
Why the Change? Let’s Go Back a Few Centuries
Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Bavaria, Germany as a royal wedding celebration in 1810. The party was such a hit that Munich decided to do it again the next year, and just like that, an annual tradition was born. Over the years, Oktoberfest evolved into the massive festival we know today — complete with beer tents, music, games, and, yes, plenty of sausage and pretzels.
Märzen – The Original Oktoberfest Beer
Historically, the beer served at Oktoberfest was Märzen (German for “March”). It was brewed in March and lagered (cold stored) through the summer because old brewing laws prohibited beer-making in the hot months — without refrigeration, fermentation temperature control was impossible.
Märzen is amber-to-copper in color, with a malty, toasty sweetness. It’s rich but drinkable, and its long lagering time gives it a smooth, clean finish. And yes — it’s a little funny to drink a beer in October that’s named after March.
Festbier – The Modern Twist
In recent decades, Oktoberfest in Munich has largely switched to Festbier. This newer style is golden in color, lighter-bodied, and more hop-forward than Märzen, with a crisper finish that makes it easy to enjoy by the liter. Both styles are still called “Oktoberfest” beers, which adds to the confusion — especially when you travel.
And Just to Confuse Things Further…
In Austria, if you order a “Märzen,” you’ll be served a pale lager — not an amber one. So not only did the style evolve over time, but the name and color got shuffled around too. Beer marketing can be just as tricky to navigate as wine labeling.
This Year at Our Oktoberfest
We’ll still have all the fun you expect — great food, music, and community — but your glass will hold a bright, golden Festbier that’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect for celebrating the season. Whether you’re a traditional Märzen fan or ready to embrace the lighter Festbier, we promise you’ll leave happy (and maybe a little beer-smart).
Prost!
Josh
