Oktoberfest Roundup

October 1, 2010, by Crafty Pint

Oktoberfest Roundup

When The Crafty Pint lived in Munich many moons ago, it was unlucky / lucky enough never to attend the Oktoberfest (depending whose view you listen to). Those who have been suggest that the number of Aussies attending account for around 90% of attendees.* Perhaps that’s why the idea has taken root so strongly over here.

Over the coming weeks, there are Aussie approximations of the huge festivities taking place in Munich at breweries and bars all over the country. For those in Victoria, it kicks off tomorrow at Otway Estate with lederhosen, oompah bands, Bavarian fare and the launch of the brewery’s 2010 Oktoberfestbier. For info, click here.

The Otway Oktoberfestbier is one of a number of specials coming out of Victorian breweries this month. Bridge Road Brewery has also produced a Marzen (dark lager) for its own event on October 9 and 10. Founder Ben Kraus describes it as “a slightly red, malty German lager that has been given about 2.5 months lagering time before kegging”. All but one keg is being kept at the brewery after they smashed through all 16 they’d made for the weekend in one day last year. The other is going to the Local Taphouse, in St Kilda, for its Oktoberfest on October 9, which will feature ten Aussie made German styles and ten imported German beers.

Also making a special this month is Hargreaves Hill, whose Oktoberfestbier is made using ingredients entirely imported from the European regions used by German brewers. Expect to see one from German beer specialists 3 Ravens too.

Looking further afield, there are Oktoberfests taking place everywhere from the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane, from October 8 to 10 and 15 to 17, to the Monk Brewery & Kitchen in Fremantle, whose festivities wrap up on Sunday (Oct 3), and many places in between. Bottleshops are getting in on the act too, with Purvis Beer holding its massive annual Oktoberfest beer tasting (featuring more than just German beers) on October 14.

With summer approaching, it’s a clear sign that beer season is upon us, so fill your stein, raise it in the air – and “Prost!”

[*Not strictly true]

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