Authentic German Oktoberfest beer right in the heart of Manila

by Ralph Hernandez / October 25, 2024

From cheers and kanpai to geonbae and tagay, add now prost to your list of mug-raising interjections for that German, beer-loving flair.

Prost was the word of the night as Paulaner Philippines hosted Draftoberfest, an intimate version of the German beer festival Oktoberfest, at Draft Restaurant and Brewery in Rockwell, Makati last October 17.

According to the organizers, Paulaner is one of the only six Munich breweries that can produce an authentic Oktoberfest bier (German for beer) and market it as such. The event host added that monks were the first brewers of the Paulaner beer.

Based on Paulaner’s website, monks in the Neudeck ob der Au Monastery in Munich would brew a strong beer and whatever they don’t drink themselves is distributed to the poor or sold in the cloister pub.

By 1634, other brewers voiced their complaints to the city council as more and more people started drinking the beer from the monks. That complaint letter is the first recorded mention of the Paulaner Brewery and is used to this day as the founding date.

History lesson aside, the Draftoberfest was a memorable night of games, music, and overflowing beer that capped the series of festivities Paulaner hosted for Oktoberfest. It followed similar celebrations at the Mansion Sports Bar and Lounge in Makati last October 4 and at Brotzeit in BGC, Taguig last September 29.

“Since we restarted holding Oktoberfest celebrations here in the Philippines two years ago, connecting with people who love and enjoy top quality beer has been something Paulaner has always looked forward to,” said Alessandro Hermoso, marketing head for Paulaner Philippines, in a release. “It’s no secret that Filipinos love beer, that’s why Paulaner is here to provide mugs full of the best there is.”

Paulaner’s Oktoberfest Bier features a balance of light taste in hops and strong note of malt, which most Filipinos would find easy to drink and love. From the name, it’s only brewed during the weeks-long celebration.

A personal favorite was the Münchner Hell or the Munich lager which had a bolder, stronger flavor compared to local beers. The Paulaner wheat beer, on the other hand, has the potential to be popular among Filipinos with its light and refreshing taste featuring notes of yeast with hints of banana and mango.

Paulaner products are available in the Philippines exclusively through Booze On-line Inc. (boozeshop.ph). Aside from Draft Restaurant and Brewery in Rockwell, you may also find Paulaner beer available at the Mansion and at Brotzeit. SKO

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