You have no doubt already heard of the Oktoberfest, the German beer festival that takes place every year in September in Munich. But did you know there is a beer style named after this world-famous festival? PerfectDraft tells you everything about this iconic German beer style!
What is a Festbier / Oktoberfestbier style beer?
Oktoberfestbier or Festbier is a German bottom-fermented beer style that shares many similarities with lagers, notably its pale color and fermentation at cooler temperatures. It can be described as a smooth, clear blonde German lager.
Festbier delivers a moderately malty profile with subtle notes of toasted bread, dough, and a touch of sweetness. Hop and herbal flavors remain discreet, allowing the mild bitterness to perfectly balance the malt character. This style is generally brewed with a base of Pilsner malt, and may include Vienna or Munich malts to add depth to the malt flavors. Like other lagers, Festbiers are bottom-fermented, contributing to their clean and crisp finish.
Where does this style come from?
While Festbier resembles a lager, its roots trace back to the traditional Märzen beer style. For many decades, Märzen—a beer brewed in March and stored for summer and fall—was the original style served at the Oktoberfest.
In 1872, Gabriel Sedlmayr of the Franziskaner brewery noticed the rise of Pilsner lagers and adapted his recipe to meet this trend, creating a lighter amber lager that gained great popularity. Then in the mid-1970s, the Paulaner Brewery judged Märzen to be too heavy for festival drinking. They developed a new beer—lighter and more drinkable—perfect for continuous enjoyment during Oktoberfest celebrations. Thus, the Festbier as we know it today was born.
Since 1990, Festbier has been the official beer served at the Oktoberfest in Munich, replacing Märzen as the main style consumed during the festivities.
What dishes go best with Festbier / Oktoberfestbier?
Festbier is a natural match for traditional Oktoberfest fare. It pairs beautifully with weisswurst sausages, soft pretzels, and Bavarian-style roast pork. Its malty backbone and light bitterness also make it a great companion for grilled meats like roast chicken or barbecue skewers.
For cheese and dessert pairings, Festbier works well with mild cheeses such as Emmental or Gouda. It also complements sweet treats with nutty notes like walnut tarts or praline-flavored brioches.
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