Kicker: Beer of the Month
January 4, 2011
With all the hullabaloo over the fastidiousness of craft beers these days, these unfamiliar and sometimes downright bitter beers might turn off the inexperienced beer-drinker looking to try something new. Some just like it simple and smooth, I get it. So, inexperienced or novice beer drinker, I’d like to introduce you to a sophisticated, classic, straightforward brew that you’re bound to appreciate.
Hacker-Pschorr Brewery’s Oktoberfest is a time-honored beer from Munich, Germany–the brewery itself traces its ancestry back to 1417. The traditional brewing process for Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest has been unchanged for over 580 years, which tells you they must be doing something right.
As with most German/Bavarian beer, Oktoberfest’s ingredients are all-natural, in accordance with the German Beer Purity Law. It holds that only these ingredients can be used in the production of beer: water, barley, hops, malt and yeast—though modifications to this law have been made.
Brewed with pure spring water — Germany takes pride in its water’s quality — Hacker-Pschorr’s centuries-old, exclusive yeast strain, Hallertauf hops, and medium-bodied brewing malt from Bavarian summer barley makes Oktoberfest a delightful brew that demands quality and strict preparation.
Its appearance is a classic Bavarian Marzen style: clear, with a rich amber color. It yields a full-bodied, flavorful taste with a rich, creamy head. At 5.8 percent alcohol by volume it will also kick in a buzz right quick.
I urge you to try this beer because … well, before you can walk you’ve got to learn to crawl, right?
You’re likely to find this beer in six-packs for around $9, although, I recommend getting it on tap in a tall, slender glass. European Street always has it, as does any respectable beer-minded establishment. Cheers!