Most beer lovers do not know this fact, but the Oktoberfest beer brewed and sold over here in no way resembles the beer consumed at the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
They only have what is known as "Fest Bier". It is the only beer poured at the festival. Much lighter in color, closer in style to a Munich Helles, but slightly darker with only a bit more body.
This change was made around 1990. The breweries decided to offer a lighter bodied beer, as they wanted it to be more drinkable. That means they wanted all of the patrons to consume a larger quantity.
We have visited the Paulaner Brewery Restaurant in Frankfurt many times. I was actually surprised when their Fest Bier was ordered, as it was light in color and the body was not what was expected. But it is a great beer! Like the old commercial...
"Tastes great, less filling".
Here is what a Fest Bier looks like...yes, we brewed this right here, Bel Air Brewing!
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