Pouring Paulaner: Oktoberfest Preview

In preparation for Oktoberfest at the River , Sept. 25-27 at the Spokane Convention Center, event organizers—the German American Society of Spokane and Vision Marketing—hosted a Paulaner pouring dinner for Oktoberfest volunteers at Deutsches Haus in downtown Spokane on Aug. 21.

Paulaner USA representative Carrie Dixon, above in her festive dirndl, provided information about the history of Paulaner and beer tasting tips before showing the group how to properly pour an Oktoberfest beer. The presentation was followed by an authentic German dinner.

Paulaner was the first European brewery to import its Hefe-Weizen to the United States, and they currently boast the number one Hefe in the world. Founded in 1634, Paulaner beers are still brewed to follow the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, which dictated that beer could only be brewed with water, malt, hops and yeast. This “liquid bread” was drank by the monks during their times of fasting during Lent.

Although Northwest beer drinkers are partial to hops, the three beers on tap at Oktoberfest at the River are all authentic German beers—which means IBUs are 21 and below. Crater Lake Root Bier will also be available.

Paulaner Tasting Notes

Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat (5.5% ABV, IBU 10)

• Natural citrus flavor (no need for a slice of lemon)
• German yeast creates banana and clove flavor and aroma
• After pouring out all of the beer, Germans roll the bottles to collect all the tasty yeast in the bottom the bottle out in the final pour

Original Munich Lager (4.9% ABV, IBU 20)

• Mildly sweet malts and a lightly bitter hops
• Clear, bright golden color

Oktoberfest Märzen (5.8% ABV, IBU 21)

• Darker in color but lighter in body
• Caramel and toffee notes
• More malty than hoppy

ON TAP is a sponsor of Oktoberfest at the River. Enter to win a one-day admission bundle for two, which includes two commemorative 1/2 liter beer steins and beer, plus ON TAP swag. Stay tuned for more Oktoberfest videos and fun!