The Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest Beers
September 11, 2025
Oktoberfest isn’t just the world’s biggest beer festival — it’s also the one time of year when a very special set of beers take centre stage. Brewed exclusively for the festival by Munich’s six historic breweries, Oktoberfest beers are rich in tradition, flavour, and celebration. If you can’t make it to Munich this year, you can still raise a stein with the very same beers served in the famous festival tents.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes Oktoberfest beers unique, the difference between Märzen and Festbier, and the legendary Munich breweries behind them. We’ll also introduce the authentic Oktoberfest lagers you can get your hands on right now — but be quick, they’re only brewed once a year!
What Makes an Oktoberfest Beer Special?
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Only six Munich breweries are allowed to brew official Oktoberfestbier: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.
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Beers must follow the Reinheitsgebot (the German Beer Purity Law of 1516).
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Styles include Märzen (a malt-forward amber lager) and the more modern Festbier (a lighter, golden, hop-accented lager).
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Strength usually sits between 5.8% and 6.3% ABV, strong enough for celebration, but smooth enough for a few steins.
The Six Munich Oktoberfest Breweries
Augustiner – Oktoberfest Bier (6.3%)
Munich’s oldest independent brewery (founded in 1328) and beloved by locals. Their Oktoberfest beer is brewed in wooden barrels, giving it a signature sweetness and a smooth, malty body. Expect notes of fresh bread, biscuit, and grassy hops in a straw-coloured pour.
Pair it with: roasted chicken or buttery pretzels.
Hacker-Pschorr – Oktoberfest Bier (6.0%)
Hacker-Pschorr is a name steeped in Bavarian brewing tradition. Their Oktoberfest beer is rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced, offering caramel malt depth alongside a clean hop finish.
Pair it with: pork knuckle or sausages.
Hofbräu – Oktoberfestbier (6.3%)
Known for its iconic festival tent (one of the liveliest at Oktoberfest), Hofbräu’s version is a golden, full-bodied lager with a fine hoppy aroma. It’s brewed for celebration — bold, bready, and endlessly drinkable.
Pair it with: bratwurst and mustard.
Löwenbräu – Oktoberfest Bier (6.1%)
A true original — Löwenbräu was served at the very first Oktoberfest in 1810. Bright and sparkling, with malty depth, a hint of spice, and a yeasty tang. An authentic taste of festival tradition in every sip.
Pair it with: roast pork with crackling.
Paulaner – Oktoberfest Bier (6.0%)
The crowd favourite and one of Munich’s most famous exports. Strong golden in colour, with a balance of malt sweetness and hop brightness, Paulaner’s Oktoberfest Bier captures the sunshine and spirit of the Wiesn.
Pair it with: roasted almonds or hearty Bavarian stews.
Spaten – Oktoberfestbier (5.9%)
Spaten’s version is brewed as early as spring, ready to be enjoyed come festival season. Copper in colour with aromas of caramel and earthy bread, it delivers a honeyed sweetness balanced with crisp hops.
Pair it with: rich, cheesy dishes like obatzda (Bavarian cheese spread).
Märzen vs Festbier: What’s the Difference?
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Märzen: the traditional style, amber in colour, malt-forward, slightly sweet. Think caramel, toasted bread, and a warming finish.
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Festbier: the modern festival style (introduced in the 1970s), golden, lighter, more hop-accented, designed for long days of stein-clinking.
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Today, Munich’s Oktoberfest mostly serves Festbier, but Märzen still has its loyal fans and global following.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Home
Even if Munich is out of reach, you can still enjoy the world’s greatest beer festival wherever you are. Stock up on these authentic beers, throw on a Bavarian playlist, and enjoy some pretzels, sausages, and roasted chicken alongside your steins.
Our Oktoberfest collection is live now, featuring limited-edition lagers from Munich’s legendary breweries — with more arrivals on the way. While only six breweries are permitted to brew the official beers served in the Munich tents, many other German and international breweries create their own Oktoberfest-style Märzens and Festbiers to mark the season. These beers are brewed just once a year, so keep an eye on our collection and grab them while you can!
Prost! 🍻
Shop Our Full Oktoberfest Beers Collection Here
