Is Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier better than the original? (comparison)

Today we compare the Munich "helles" beer Hofbräu Original with their Oktoberfestbier. What's the difference between them, and which one tastes the best?

[@Tatterdash71]

It's refreshing (no pun intended) to see someone reviewing beers other than IPAs. Maybe it's the hat, but I have been really enjoying European lagers since I started watching your videos.

[@SwedishBeerGuy]

Probably the hat! 😁 It wasn't too long ago I realised you can actually compare lagers and find interesting differences.

[@treforwalker7152]

Love this years Oktoberfest on perfect draft . I agree , regular HB is a fantastic beer.

[@robv.8676]

I compared the HB Oktoberfest vs the HB Original today (the first expiring 19-5-25 and the other 3-6-25 respectively). They taste pretty much the same to me, with the oktoberfest having a slightly bit more of a punch but the original showing much more carbonation in the glass. They are extremly close together, I would rate them about the same. Weihenstephan Original Helles a tiny bit better but Augustiner Edelstoff better and Augustiner Oktoberfest the best. HB is quite a good beer. They sell a at around 2,70-2,80 euro's at my bottle shop, WS original at around 2,30. So Weihenstephaner original would be the best value for money. For the best helles type of beer, go with Augustiner (edelstoff is €2,70 too, oktoberfest €3,15). HB is a safe and fine choice but it wouldn't be the number one in either best taste/quality or best to buy price/quality wise.

[@SwedishBeerGuy]

Thank you for sharing! What’s the difference between the Augustiner Edelstoff and Augustiner Lagerbier Hell? I can get both if I order a package of 20 bottles (each) - might be worth it!

[@robv.8676]

@@SwedishBeerGuy The Augustiner Hell for me has a clear taste of barely, that lingers in the aftetaste. Overall it seemed more bitter. The Edelstoff is overal the most smooth, with no distinct aftertaste of any kind, it seimpl fades away. That's why I personally prefer the Edelstoff, I like a bit of a sweet and/or smooth touch and not much of a grainy (barely) taste, which seems more bitter to me. When it comes to these types of beers, Augustiner Oktoberfest is the winner, closely followed by Edelstoff (they really are close brothers), followed by Weihenstephaner Fest and Original Helles, then HB oktober and helles and then the Augstiner Hell and Tegernseer hell. And finally the Schönramer hell with a clearly pepper-iness to it and also that barely in the aftertaste. If I would be asked what I would like to drink a crate of (to drink over a during a couple of weeks), it would be Augustiner Oktoberfest, then the Edelstoff, then Weihenstephaner Fest or Original Helles, then HB, then Augustiner Hell. But I'd take them all over a good pilsner any day,

[@normanfairbrass7275]

May not be the best beer but the HB tent is the best most lively one at the festival. A fave with anglo saxons (ausies and kiwis)

[@horsepowerandtalk1033]

For some reason, Hofbrauhaus (in the city) is really popular with tourists and their tent at weisen. I'm told they have pubs in the USA. I'd like to see you walk after 6 litres of 🍺 beer. BTW, 6.3 ABV is really not that high and you shouldn't taste the alcohol until the high 7s or low 8s.

[@alanfish3317]

6 liters is exactly the amount I had in the Spaten tent years back and walked to a restaurant after, had dinner, and enjoyed some company afterwards. I don't know if there is something in the water, or simply the energy there, but it just didn't affect me like I would normally expect. Mind you, I was more than a little bit inebriated, but I was still able to function just fine :) Also, for the record, Hofbrau Original is right up there with Weihenstephaner for my favorite German beer, and I have lived in Germany for 5 years now. Other top contenders include Faust, Veltins for a different style, and Schneiderweiss Aventinus. Ultimately I generally prefer Czech beers when fresh(hugely important to Czech beers) to German, and Belgian beers for special occasions.

[@nicholasharvey]

Nice review. More please!

[@SwedishBeerGuy]

More on the way!

[@jc3drums916]

I thought HB beers, especially their dunkel, were fantastic when my friends took me to the Hofbräuhaus in Munich. When I bought them at a store back home, I liked them significantly less. But speaking of festbier, I thought Weihenstephaner's wasn't as good as their other beers (noticeably more bitter, for one), so there's no point in drinking it, but YMMV.

[@SwedishBeerGuy]

I have already bought home the Weihenstephaner Festbier and will do a comparison soon. You always learn something! :)

[@martinkasper197]

Oktoberfestbier always have more ABV... And yes, Hofbräu(Haus) is a tourist trap (beer).....Skol...🍻 Hacker Pschorr is a Märzen, so different from Löwenbräu, Spaten, Augustiner and Paulaner...

[@SwedishBeerGuy]

Thanks for that confirmation. 😁 I would love to try the Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen, but it is hard to get hold of in Sweden. Augustiner is tricky too. One year I must visit Germany to buy them! (and preferably also enjoy them at Oktoberfest)

[@ivartangring3392]

Det heter håfbråj, inte hoofbråj, vilket man skulle stava Hufbräu. 😉