Festbier
Includes styles: Oktoberfest Bier
- Recipes:
- 732
- BJCP 2021:
- 04B
- Era:
- Traditional
- Origin:
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- Fermentation:
- Bottom
- Conditioning:
- Lagered
- Color:
- Pale
- Strength:
- Normal
- Taste:
- Malty
Profile
Festbier is a paler, modern interpretation of the traditional Oktoberfest beers historically served at Munich's Oktoberfest celebrations. In contrast to the older, more malt-driven Märzen style that many associate with Oktoberfest, Festbier is lighter in color and body while remaining malt-forward. This evolution toward a paler lager reflects both changes in consumer preferences and advancements in malting technology. Today, it stands as the prevalent beer served at Munich's famous festival, offering attendees a smooth lager that is both flavorful and easy to drink in larger quantities.
Festbier presents a deep gold to pale amber hue with brilliant clarity and a persistent creamy white head. The visual aspect suggests an inviting quaff without the heft of darker lagers. The aroma of Festbier is typically marked by a moderate intensity of German malt character - often reminiscent of fresh bread or biscuits with a touch of light floral or spicy hops lending balance without overpowering the malt profile. Neither hops nor malts dominate too aggressively; instead, they harmonize. A clean fermentation character allows these balanced flavors to shine through without much in the way of fruity ale esters or diacetyl.
Specifications
Alcohol
Specification
5.8 – 6.3 %
In Database
5.3 < 5.8 < 6.8 %
Bitterness
Specification
18 – 25 IBU
In Database
17 < 22 < 28 IBU
Color
Specification
8 – 12 EBC
4 – 6 SRM
In Database
7 < 11 < 13 EBC
4 < 5 < 7 SRM
Original Extract
Specification
13.3 – 14.0 °P
1.054 – 1.057 OG
In Database
12.1 < 13.7 < 15.6 °P
1.049 < 1.056 < 1.064 OG
Final Gravity
Specification
2.6 – 3.1 °P
1.010 – 1.012 FG
In Database
1.5 < 3.0 < 4.6 °P
1.006 < 1.012 < 1.018 FG
