Oktoberfest beer – 6 winning numbers

Two days ago and after four whacks with the mallet, Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter shouted “O’zapft is’!” and since then, the beer hasn’t stopped flowing in Munich. Whether it’s Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Spaten-Franziskaner, or Paulaner – it doesn’t matter, because they all taste great.

And since fans of traditional Bavarian gear also tend to be fans of traditional Bavarian beer, we gave you a rundown on Oktoberfest beer last year. Now, the history and background of the amber-nectar in its home city, Munich, haven’t changed since then, but there has been one important alteration, or rather addition to where you get which beer: and since a quick overview in decisive moments is never a bad thing, here’s our easy-view list of which Oktoberfest beer can be found in which tent.

Augustiner: in kegs on the tables of the eponymous tent, and next door at Fischer-Vroni. Savoury, elegant, bitter notes.

Hacker-Pschorr: the fuel for the legendary Hacker tent, as well as for the quieter Bräursol. Neatly balanced and dangerously smooth…

Hofbräu: only in the tent of the same name, a perfect mix of sweet, savoury, and bitter flavours with real depth.

Löwenbräu: tastes lighter than it is; available in the eponymous tent and Schützenzelt.

Spaten-Franziskaner: this – and no other Oktoberfest beer – is the one that is tapped in Schottenhamel. A crowning glory to a meaty meal, sold in Schottenhamel, the Ochsenbraterei – and on the site of what was the Hippodrom, now Marstall tent.

Paulaner: worldwide brand identity with local roots, available in Armbrustschützenzelt, Winzerer Fähndl and Käfer’s; sweet, smooth, and still complex.

And of course, if you want a genuine Bavarian wheat beer rather than the special Oktoberfest brew, you’ll find it in the… wine tent (don’t ask) or in Zum Schichtl, where you can even get the darker, porter-style version for a change of pace.