Oktoberfest 2019: The History

Oktoberfest is, by nature, a historical event. It involves a complex web of traditional accouterments, from garbs to grub to beer. As something of an amateur (emphasis on amateur) historian, I have something of a duty to go over the history of Oktoberfest, how it came to be, and dispel some of the common misconceptions …

Oktoberfest 2019: Special Brew

To get into the Oktoberfest spirit, we need to look at a Munich brewery. The center of the celebration, deep in the core of Bavaria. In fact, in the right and proper Oktoberfest, only Munich-based breweries (of which there are six) can have their beers served there. Naturally, when celebrated elsewhere, breweries give their best …

Oktoberfest 2019: Aventinus

It's that time of year again. Time for me to drink and discuss as many German beers as possible before the stores replace them with pumpkin-spiced shit. Time to taste the hallertau and wheat-malt, the coriander and banana. Time for me to enjoy some classic beer of Bavaria. Today's review is a straightforward one; I'm …

Sweeter

Another day, another mead review. I have some plans going forward for beer-related articles for next weekend, namely something to do with history and the time of year. Until then, enjoy another look at Alberta mead, and another bottle from Fallentimber. It's a good one. Meads vary in terms of their flavours and textures. They …

Red Rice

Rice beer is a new thing. I mean, beer with rice in it isn't very new. Rice has been a common adjunct for beer-making for decades, having sufficient sugar-content to supplement more expensive barley. The flaw is in taste: most of these beers use a 60/40 barley to rice malt ratio in the wort. The …