As with the greatest of celebration of anything in life, there are rules. The strict regulations on what is served at Oktoberfest come down from the German Brewers Federation. Beers must contain only malted barley (contains gluten), yeast, hops, and water.
Originating in 1487 and enacted as law all the way back in 1516, this ‘purity law’ (in German: Reinheitsgebot) might seem harsh at first glance but it ensured set quality standards and protected the industry. If not for Munich’s six premier breweries – Paulaner, Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten, Löwenbräu and Hofbräu the beer-lovers festival would not be what we know it as today!
A Munich sign for the German Beer Purity Law in 1487 (Author: Evergreen68 / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
For The Beer-Loving Aficionado
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the choices of beer on tap at Oktoberfest and if it’s your first time in Germany, you might be wondering where to start. Each of the six breweries differs in their conditioning and approach when it comes to making beer. Their range of Bavarian beverages hits everyone’s palette slightly different and you’re likely to lean towards some more than others.
Paulaner
This flagship beer is a full bodied, dark wheat lager appreciated for its subtlety and fruity aftertaste though it is the weakest of the beers you’ll find available.
Augustiner
The brewery’s Edelstoff is often hailed as Munich’s best beer. The secret to this pale, rich, soft and malty beer might be derived from the company’s private well 700 feet underground.
Hacker-Pschorr
Perhaps best known best for its Edehell Export, a rich, dry and slightly bitter beer, a Hacker-Pschorr beer is fermented three times longer than the standard for a bolder taste.
Spaten
Most notable for making beer history when first introduced in the Shottenhamel tent at the 1872 Oktoberfest, their amber Märzen-style Pils and Oktoberfestbier are local favourites.
Löwenbräu
Nicknamed the Wiesenbier, the famous export was the first to cross Bavarian borders and is now known the world over as an all-round crowd pleaser. Keep in mind it has a higher than average alcohol content than most so you’ll have to pace yourself.
Hofbräu
Award winning and brewed from the Einbeck recipe for nobles of the royal court, it is a light beer widely popular with international visitors.
The Paulaner tent serves one of the best beer at Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest stays true to its founding principles and retains its cultural heritage so no matter what you choose, you’ll be supporting an almost 200 year long tradition. And with more than 6 million people drinking more than 6 million litres of beer, you just know there’ll be something for everyone.
What’s Your Preference?
If it’s your first trip into the beer tents your best bet might be to sample a bit of everything before your settle for one. Not every beer tent will serve every type of beer so you’ll have to make the rounds yourself – nothing like a good old fashioned pub crawl – but the trips will be well worth it.
When you leave the table remember that tents fill up fast and you may end up waiting at the next so when you do finally manage to get to a seat, make sure you take the time to savour every last drop!
Thirsty for some of the best beer in the world? Join us in the beer tents in Bavaria!
FAQs
Anyone over the age of 16 can legally drink beer in Germany without parental supervision. They cannot drink liquor until the age of 18. An interesting fact about Bavaria is that beer is actually considered a staple food.
What is the beer rule at Oktoberfest? ›
Those breweries are showcased at Oktoberfest because they adhere to Germany's beer purity law, Reinheitsgebot, which dictates there must be only four ingredients in a beer: water, malt, hops, and yeast.
Why can't you chug a beer at Oktoberfest? ›
Don't chug a stein of beer!
Keep in mind that the beer served in the tents is special Oktoberfestbeer and usually is a bit stronger than usual German beer that already has a higher percentage than most beer around the world.
Can you only drink beer at Oktoberfest? ›
What to drink? Beer, of course. All the beer that is served at the Oktoberfest comes from famous Munich breweries, such as Paulaner and Augustiner. If you don't like one of Germany's favorite beverages, you can also get all kinds of other drinks, including non-alcoholic beverages, wine and cider.
What's the legal age to drink beer in Germany? ›
Legal drinking age in Germany
Germans can buy and drink soft alcoholic beverages and wine at the age of 16 without an adult's supervision. Germans are legally allowed to buy and drink beer, wine, and other distilled spirits at the age of 18 (Germany's legal drinking age) without an adult's supervision.
What are the German beer laws? ›
Effect on beer diversity in Germany
The basic law now declares that only malted grains, hops, water and yeast are permitted. Reinheitsgebot strictly forbids the use of extenders as rice and other grains favored by American brewers to give a lighter taste as well as being less expensive to brew.
Can you go to Oktoberfest sober? ›
Those who want to do without alcohol at the Oktoberfest have a wide choice of beverages. After all, not all Oktoberfest visitors focus on enjoying a good beer.
What is the beer drinking record at Oktoberfest? ›
Oktoberfest 2023 ended on Tuesday October 3rd and the results are in: beer consumption reached a massive 6.5 million Liters at the festival. While it's not the all-time record (this feat was accomplished in 2011 with almost 8 million Liters of beer consumed), it is about 1 million Liters more than last year.
What is special with the beer in Oktoberfest? ›
All Oktoberfest Beers Must be Brewed in Munich
Each of the six breweries celebrate the festival in their own way by decorating their tents in particular colors and making special brews for the festival. Some breweries bring both a Marzen and a Festbier, while some breweries make only a Märzen or only a Festbier.
Why is Germany's drinking age so low? ›
In Germany, the drinking age reflects a balance between cultural heritage, responsible consumption, and social integration. With a minimum drinking age of 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits, Germany promotes a sense of responsibility while allowing its citizens and visitors to partake in its rich beer culture.
Under Vladimir Putin, new restrictions have been imposed, and officials have discussed raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
What is the lowest drinking age in the world? ›
1. Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso is the country with the youngest drinking age at 13 years. Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa, a population 20.9 million (2020), has an area that expands to roughly 170,255 miles.
What strength are the beers at Oktoberfest? ›
Each beer served at Oktoberfest in Munich must go by the Reinheitsgebot, meaning each beer has a minimum of 13.5% Stammwürze (which translates to approximately 6% alcohol) and must be "pure" - containing only water, barley, hops, yeast, wheat malt and/or cane sugar.
Does Germany drink the most beer per person? ›
The country that drinks the most beer per capita is the Czech Republic. It has topped the list for almost 30 years straight, since 1993. The Czechs drink on average 181.7L of beer per year per person. That is almost twice as much as the second-ranking country, Austria, which averages 96.8L per person.
What is an appropriate Oktoberfest beer? ›
In order for a beer to be called an Oktoberfestbier it has to be brewed by one of the six breweries located in the Munich city limits. Those six breweries are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. Some of them you've probably heard of while others are not as popular in the U.S.
