IT’S the month of October, and for beer lovers, that can only mean one thing … Oktoberfest!
Yes, we’re aware that the actual Oktoberfest in Munich doesn’t go on for the entire month of October (in fact, it starts in late September and ends by the first or second week of October), but we Malaysians like to take things a lot more literally, hence the slew of Oktoberfest events and promotions throughout the month.
So, here is a round-up of some of the Oktoberfest events and promotions going on right now.
GAB celebration
Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB) are certainly going all out with their Oktoberfest celebrations, with an intensive promotion campaign at all pubs and bars, coffee shops, restaurants and retail outlets nationwide
At pubs and bars, consumers will also be able to bring home a limited-edition one-litre Oktoberfest ceramic stein with every one litre of Tiger Beer purchased. Consumers at refreshment outlets such as coffee shops or Chinese restaurants can also enjoy a RM3 discount with a purchase of three big bottles of Tiger, Guinness or Anchor.
Besides their usual portfolio of Tiger, Guinness, Heineken, Anchor, Strongbow, Kilkenny and Paulaner, GAB are also paying homage to the world’s best known celebration of beer by bringing in the original Oktoberfest beer from Munich, Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier.
Rich, malty, and full-bodied, this beer is brewed specifically for the Munich Oktoberfest, and has been said to be the only beer to have successfully bottled the “beer-tent” atmosphere of the Munich Oktoberfest.
For more information about GAB’s Oktoberfest activities, log on to their Facebook page (facebook.com/OktoberfestMY).
Brotzeit Bar & Restaurant
Only six breweries in Munich are allowed to brew Oktoberfestbier in accordance with the strict standards of The Purity Order of 1516 (or Reinheitsgebot) and Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant will be serving beers from two of these six breweries – Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr.
The Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier will be available at Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant in Mid Valley Megamall and Sunway Pyramid from now until Oct 31.
You can either choose to have the beer on tap, or opt to purchase the beer in its commemorative one-litre can, which comes with an attractive one-litre mug that customers can take home with them.
Meanwhile, the Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfestbier is available exclusively at Brotzeit on tap, as well as in a two-litre collector’s edition.
Brotzeit will also be holding Oktoberfest celebrations on Oct 10 and 11 at Sunway Pyramid, and on Oct 19 and 20 in Mid Valley. They will feature entertainment by Paulaner’s Oktoberfest Oompah Band, which hails all the way from Munich.
For RM50 per head, guests will receive a pint of Paulaner’s Oktoberfestbier and a chance to win prizes such as Paulaner’s three-litre trophy-sized beer glass, and the two-litre Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfestbier collectors’ item.
Malaysia’s own
Not to be left out, Carlsberg Malaysia has also been holding its own Oktoberfest celebrations, titled Malaysia’s Own Oktoberfest.
True to the name, it was kicked off at the Hakka Restaurant in KL with a menu that featured a fusion of German and Malaysian cuisine, paired with beers such as Erdinger Weissbier, Franziskaner, Löwenbräu, and of course, Carlsberg.
The two-week-long celebration ends today with a massive party at the old wing car park of One Utama Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur, which starts at 7pm.
For more information, visit facebook.com/malaysiasownoktoberfest. – Compiled by Michael Cheang