It’s that time of the year when beer lovers around the globe unite for the month-long festivity of Oktoberfest. It’s the world’s largest Volkfest (beer festival and travelling funfair) traditionally held yearly in Munich from mid to late September to the first week of October, but has since been celebrated all over the world (where there’s a huge market for beer drinkers, there’s bound to be an Oktoberfest!).
The celebration started in 1810 when, during the wedding of King Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese, people were asked to feast in fields called Theresienweisse (“Theresa’s Meadow”, which is still how fields that hold Oktoberfest are called).
Fast forward to the present: Oktoberfest is now famous for large consumptions of what we call Oktoberfest Beer. Originally called Märzen or Märzenbier (March or March Beer), the style was originally conceptualised because of the Bavarian Ordinance of 1553. In the said ordinance, beer may only be brewed between 29 September to 23 April. This prompted brewers to create a style of beer that is strong enough to last while making new beer was not allowed. Brewed in March (hence the name Märzen), it has more hops and a slightly higher alcohol content to keep the beer fresh until 29 September. Initially, Oktoberfest beer was full-bodied, dark, and bitter, but these days it runs the gamut between pale to dark brown. It still retains its signature strong alcohol content, but because of the German Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot), the water used in the brew is so pure it rarely causes hangovers.
Still makes for very lively parties though, such as those held in Brotzeit branches in Manila. This year’s festivities started with the ceremonial Keg Tapping at the Shangri-La Plaza branch. Keg Tapping is the pouring of the first Oktoberfest beer, which is an annual tradition in Munich that signifies the beginning of Oktoberfest. The tapping is usually accompanied by shouts of “O’zapft is,” meaning “the beer has been tapped.” From 15 September onwards, guests of all Brotzeit outlets in Manila with a minimum spend of P3,000 can participate in the Dine and Spin for a chance to win premium Brotzeit and sponsored items. All Fridays of September and October will also have exciting Beer Games and Challenges.
Brotzeit Shangri-La Plaza also held a massive Oktoberfest party last 29 September that featured KO Jones, DJ Allan Corpus, DJ Brocky D. The party was not only limited to the restaurant, but also a part of the Streetscape just outside Brotzeit (in a truly European street party fashion). Another party will be held on 13 October in Brotzeit Shangri-La at the Fort BGC, which will feature Kudos Band, DJ Allan Corpus, and DJ Brocky D.
For the Oktoberfest festivities, Brotzeit is featuring two original festival brews: Weihenstephan Festbier, which is a full-bodied, deep gold, flavourful lager; and the Paulaner Oktoberfestbier, which is strong, golden, slightly hoppy but very malty on the palate. These beers go well with Brotzeit’s food offerings, including the Oktoberfest Platter, with their signature Pork Knuckle, Beer-Infused Bavarian Honey Ribs, Whole Roasted Chicken, One-Meter Long Paprika Cheese Sausage served with Spicy Potato Wedges and Sauerkraut.
Brotzeit’s activities this year are co-presented by Paulaner, Porsche Design, Twining’s Tea, Weihenstephan, and Werdenberg International.
Be right back, chugging a beer from a boot. Prost!
Special Thanks to Ms. Malu Yambao
For inquiries, reservations, or questions, please call:
Brotzeit EDSA Shangri-La (+632 631 1489)
Brotzeit Shangri-La at the Fort (+632 815 9338)
