Monthly Archives: October 2014

Sam Adams Octoberfest is Here for the Fall

In 1810, the Oktoberfest tradition was born when Munich celebrated the Crown Prince’s wedding with a special beer and 16 day party. Our version of this classic style blends hearty malts for a deep, smooth flavor with notes of caramel creating a brew that’s perfect for the season, or whatever you’re celebrating.

Although today’s German Oktoberfests have become much lighter in color the original versions were known for their rich malt sweetness and body. Our Octoberfest pays homage to the Bavarian tradition by using generous portions of malt to create a rich smooth flavor with notes of caramel. To this malty backbone we add the Bavarian Noble hops Tettnang Tettnanger and Hallertau Mittelfrueh. Each fall the celebration also coincides with the hop harvest and our annual visit to Bavaria for hop selection, giving this brew a special anticipation.

Oktoberfest beers fall into the märzen style, whose name is derived from the month in which it was traditionally brewed. Before refrigeration, March was the last month that beers could be put into cold storage or lagering where they’d age during the summer and be enjoyed for the fall harvest. Märzens became a staple of the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, which was originally held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Crown Prince of Bavaria. Now a world renowned celebration of beer, Oktoberfest runs for sixteen heady days every autumn, on fairgrounds known as “Theresienwiese,” in Munich, Germany.