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Oktoberfest. Just by saying the word, phrases, memories, and presumptions flood my thoughts. After spending five months in Europe, it was difficult not to get excited about the festival of beer. Even here in Colorado, October and beer has found translation through our own interpretation of Oktoberfest. The pints, the parties, the steins, and das boot!
But how was it we came to love our German bier? After all, what else would get us to pull on our sennerhut, lederhosen, and dirndl for men and women alike but BEER?
Why mention Oktoberfest in September? Fact is, starting on September 19th, Oktoberfest runs for 16 days in Munich, Germany concluding on October 4th. The first fest documented was in 1810 by Crown Prince Ludwig in celebration of his marriage to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen with a horse race. Between the Napoleonic war, cholera, Austro-Prussian war, Franco-Prussian war, World War I and II, Oktoberfest has been cancelled twenty-four times due to war, disease, and other mishaps. But this event of national pride has continued to thrive. Now, over six million people flock to the largest people’s fair and consume close to seven million liters of beer (that’s 1.8 million gallons). Oktoberfest adheres to the Bavarian Purity Requirements decreed by Duke William IV in 1516. It specifies that only water, hops, and barley are allowed to be part of the brewing process.
I’m looking forward to many Oktoberfest pints featured this month: Paulaner, Hacker Pschorr, Hofbrau Oktoberfest, Erdinger, Sam Adams Harvest, Coney Island Oktoberfest, Avery Imperial Oktoberfest, Breckenridge Autumn Ale, Blue Moon’s Harvest Moon, Dogfish Head Punkin, Left Hand Oktober Märzen Lager, Boulevard Bob’s 47 Oktoberfest, etc etc etc. So raise your stein and shout, “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”) because it’s time for Oktoberfest!
Saisons and the Sunset of Summer
Especially in the close of summer, a saison has been the perfect conclusion to the end of the day. It’s fresh, quenching, and just what the doctor ordered. The word and style “Saison” was originally applied to beer consumed on breaks for the harvest workers in Wallonia (the French-speaking region in Belgium). Saisons are low in alcohol (5-8%) and offer the refreshment without the drunken repercussions.
In a pint of Saison, you’ll expect a fresh feeling with a balance between the hops and malt, combined with a touch of spices and aromas to bring out that farmhouse characteristic in the beer. One of the favorites I’ve been turning to includes Avery Anniversary Sixteen Saison, Blaugies Saison d’Epeautre, and Geants Saison Voisin. All of which are the perfect alternative to those light beers. Don’t be afraid to try one. If you like flavor and character in a beer, a Saison will meet your expectations—just don’t be surprised if they exceed them.
I like beer. This heavenly beverage is a great thing to love. Whether you’re gungho about its craft, or you seek it as an alternative to other beverages, there’s a lot to be said in a pint. As a woman, I have come to cherish every precious sip I have sampled. Between living in Ireland, traveling through Europe, exploring microbreweries in Colorado, California, Oregon, and more, I’ve loved and appreciated beer and its language.
So, ladies and gentlemen, join me through this blog to explore beers for men and women alike to try and debunk our misconceptions. To tumble further down the rabbit hole. Raise a pint and sláinte (Irish Gaelic for Cheers!).
