Put on your lederhosen, tune up that alphorn, and get ready to quaff some ale because it’s Oktoberfest time. Prost!
Today, we think of oompah music and foamy beer steins whenever the term Oktoberfest is used, but did you know that when this festival started in Germany in the early 1800s, horse racing was the main attraction? Of course, it didn’t take long for food — and barley pops — to become necessary accompaniments to the spectators’ enjoyment. Although the horse racing event officially galloped away in 1960, the parades, brass bands, and vast quantities of beer continue to this day. Curious as to how much beer is consumed during the annual Munich Oktoberfest? In 2013, 7.7 million liters (a little over 2 million gallons) were consumed by hop-happy visitors. That’s barrels and barrels and barrels and barrels of fun.
I’ve been known to partake of a cold brew now and then, but I’m certainly no connoisseur. My very first taste of a malt beverage caused me to question the good sense of those who favored a beer over, say, a glass of lemonade. But I eventually came around, learning how to appreciate the malty flavors and amber goodness.
Since Oktoberfest is under full swig (snicker) across the world, and the Northwest is home to many local breweries — plus it helps that I can actually imbibe a glass of suds without making a face — it felt like a good time to tap into the library’s selection of beer-related books.