It’s hard to be a Munich brewery and not have an Oktoberfest beer-two of them, actually. While that’s true in Germany, here in America we don’t always get both types of Oktoberfest beer-classic Marzen and modern Festbier, from each of the Munich brewers. The six Munich brewers are Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Lowenbrau, Augustinerbrau, and Hofbrau Haus, and only they can brew Oktoberfest beer in Germany, although German brewers outside Munich can and do brews in the Oktoberfest type brews.

Oktobefrst dates back to 1810, and the original beers served were in the Märzen style. During the 1950s, Festbier emerged as a complement or successor. Festbier is broadly in the Munich Helles style, paler in color and less full in body than Marzen. Some brewers, like Paulaner, offer one of each in America, while Munich’s Hofbrau Haus brews a hybrid of the two that still favors the Festbier theme.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen is the stuff of legends, though I am here today to speak of Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier, their version of Festbier. Formerly known as Paulaner Oktoberfest Wiesn, after the fairgrounds upon which Oktoberfest is held, Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier is brewed once a year. The Märzen is a year-round brew by contrast.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier is sold in bottles, though I have not seen these for a few years now. Perhaps the best way to enjoy this beer, though, is by purchasing a Liter can paired with an authentic Paulaner Maß (one liter glass) just like those beer is served in at Oktoberfest!

From the can label:

The contents of this special One Liter Can provides you with a special opportunity. The brewers of Paulaner invite you to enjoy what attendees at the

Munich Oktoberfest experience in the tents at this world famous event, Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier! The #1 Oktoberfest Beer in Germany, whose legend

is almost as big as the event itself, reminds you of a bit of October sunshine, flavorful and golden. The locals call it “liquid gold.” So, while saying

Prost! in the famous tents on the grounds of the of the Wiesn (the meadow in Munich where Oktoberfest takes place) with friends and other beer

lovers from around the world is the preferable way to experience Oktoberfest, this once a year beer will allow you to join the celebration right in your

own backyard!

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier has an alcohol content of 6% by volume and I paid just $9.98 for the full liter of beer and the mug. That is an incredible

value indeed. My can is stamped as filled on 5.11.2020 and best by 5.11.2021.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier pours to a golden brown color with a thick fluffy white head and an amazingly fresh bready nose. Taking a sip, the beer is medium in body with crisp biscuity and fresh bready malty notes. Munich malts pop here, but subtly so, and the beer is well balanced with a kiss of bitter hops.

Just the other night, I enjoyed a  Maß of Hofbrau Oktoberfest, and this Paulaner is less nutty malty and more fresh bready like a Helles. But that’s OK; Paulaner has two Oktoberfest beers, and there is no better representation of nutty malty melanoidin notes than in their Oktoberfest Marzen. Don’t miss it!

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled, canned

(D)=Draft

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