Come Oktoberfest and naturally beer is on everyone’s mind. Yes, it has just begun. Authentic German beers such as Weihnstephaner, Paulaner, Erdinger paired with some scrumptious food such as Bratwurst and Kartoffelsalat, become a must-have. A menagerie of meats and guzzling beers by the litre — isn’t that what Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world, is all about Rahul Singh, founder and CEO, The Beer Cafe told me, “These beers are the pride of Germany. They represent its cultural heritage. You could even call them liquid art. Erdinger is one of the world’s most popular wheat beers. In fact, it is made as per the ‘Bavarian Purity Law’. Believe it or not, the law prohibits sale of bad beer. We give our patrons a chance to try these special brews without really having to take a flight to Munich.” I must say it sounds really tempting. Oktoberfest was first organised in 1810 in Munich when the citizens were invited to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. At noon-time, the first keg of Oktoberfest beer is generally tapped by Munich’s Lord Mayor, and once the barrel is open, it is unabated beer drinking for the next two weeks. Rauchbier, or smoked beer, is yet another must-try, I am told by connoisseurs. A singular German style with a long heritage, it is brewed in the Bavarian town of Bamberg. This beer has a savoury flavour that sets it apart. Sipped with smoked fish, sausage, and roasted meat, it sets your taste buds on fire. Jever’s Pilsner is an especially herbal pilsner with a sharp, refreshingly bitter finish and a huge hit during the Oktoberfest. But, Oktoberfest is incomplete without the special Oktoberfest beer (Wiesn Märzen) for the festival, which the local breweries brew. This beer is slightly darker, stronger in taste and alcohol. The beer is often stronger than the regular ones, so pace yourself and eat plenty. Freshly baked and doughy, salt-strewn pretzels are delicious; slow-roasted, butter-basted chicken is irresistible after a few beverages. It is the time to indulge oneself. Mini is a food writer
