Beer Style Guide: Get to Know Festbier/Oktoberfestbier/Wiesnbier with Em Sauter
When you visit the Wiesn for Oktoberfest and step into the fabulous beer tents that hold thousands of thirsty patrons, you’ll notice something - the beer is golden and drunk by the liter masskrug.
Wait a minute, isn’t an Oktoberfest beer an amber colored Marzen?
Well, yes and no. The official beer of Oktoberfest has changed dramatically since its creation in 1810. Amber colored marzen, what Americans associate as Marzen, was drunk at the Oktoberfest from the late 19th century until well into the 20th century (I invite you to read my article on marzen/festbier here which will dispel myths, etc. about these styles here).
The fun thing about beer is that it just kinda happens and evolves. While people state Oktoberfest had a hard change from marzen to festbier in the 1990’s, the change was mostly likely more subtle and gradual. It’s interesting that there’s really no historical evidence of this change or rather, there is a lot of speculation. Beer history is notoriously muddy so that’s something to keep in mind as you learn about beer. Historians would also argue that marzen is a strength designation and not based on color but for style’s sake, we are going off the BJCP guidelines which has festbier as its own unique style rather than a subset of marzen.
Is Festbier a Helles?
Anyway, isn’t the festbier just like a helles? Yes and no. A festbier will be more dry and higher ABV. Yes, they are made with the exact same ingredients: pilsner malt, Noble hops, lager yeast, but it’s all about how you use them in the process that makes for a different product. More malt creates more sugar which creates more alcohol. A lower mash temperature regimen will result in a drier beer, etc. The festbier sits at the intersection of the helles and a helles bock, which is a stronger, golden lager.
Tasting Notes
For aroma and flavor- it’s not really about the flavor of the beer and about what’s going on while you drink the beer. Like the helles, the malt really shines in this beer and you’ll get flavors of cracker and bread dough. There’s slightly more noble character than a helles but it’s more of a background herbal or floral note. This beer should drink incredibly “clean” as in no fermentation byproducts.
Pairing
Think outside the traditional fare when it comes to festbiers - of course they go well with bratwurst and pretzels but they also shine with spicy cuisine due to their drier quality and slightly higher ABV. I love this beer with Mexican street tacos, curry and it’s great with BBQ.
Beers to Try
Hofbrau Oktoberfest
One of the staples of the Oktoberfest, Hofbrau’s golden lager is a telltale sign that autumn is here and that it’s time to party. The beer can be bought in a mini keg at the store and that makes a fun presentation piece if you are trying to capture the spirit of Oktoberfest at home.
Counterweight Festbier
My local brewery in Connecticut makes a kickass Festbier. Cheshire, CT based Counterweight is a heavy hitter in the Constitution State beer scene and their lager program is top-notch. If you find yourself in Connecticut around September, do yourself a favor and get a four pack of this. It also won gold at the Great American Beer Festival!
Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier
Another staple of the Oktoberfest is Paulaner, whose festbier is easy to find here in America come late August. The beer comes in both and bottle and makes a great addition to any autumnal activity.