European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 07, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse Above a brewery a on makes its in Rance during a of the off Nebr est grounds. Al left i Brewer s Pavilion far $ year s voc diff i is shape Iff i in festival s is. Steve Taylor a regular meal of Beer a quart of Munich Beer is a regular meal norwegian writer Knul Hamsun enthusiastically proclaimed after a Mug of the famous brew. 1 lie pronouncement caught on and is now a common saying throughout Munich sometimes known As the Beer capital of the world. The products of Munich s breweries Are exported to More than 140 countries. 1 Here Are six major breweries in the bavarian City today and More than "1,000 people Are employed in brewing some us million Gallons of Beer each year. Munich which has a 1,000-ye.ir history of brewing Beer also claims to have the oldest beverage Law on the books. The bavarian purity act of 1516, enacted by Duke Wilhelm a ensured the Quality of Munich Beer specifying that Only Barley hops yeast and wafer could be used to brew Beer. Those stipulations still hold True today. Beer has such a Strong hold on Munich that even ils year is divided up into Beer seasons beginning in March with the or dark Beer those Strong dark Beers with an alcohol Content of up to 9 percent originated with the monasteries where the Beer was brewed to last through Lent. Different Beer seasons continue through the summer until mid september when Oil Oberfest Beer also known As Wien Maeren is served As it has been since 1072. At one time brewing Beer was forbidden from april 2-1 until sept 29, so one Clever Brewer came up Vilh the idea of serving a Beer that had been brewed in March hence the name. This Beer was Darker and stronger than other types making it longer lasting. Tor years this Beer was the Only Beer served at the oktoberfest. Only in the last few years has ils popularity been replaced by a lighter brew though some dark Beer can still be found. This year the six major Munich breweries will serve their version of Oil Oberfest Beer each one a Little different but All with a mall Content of at least u.5 percent making them a Little less Stoul than the dark Beers but still packing a Good punch. Also gaining in popularity is alcohol free Beer. Two breweries i owe Brau and Paulaner will sell a non alcoholic Beer a the Oil Oberfest. Last year some 14,000 Gallons of this Beer was sold up .1,000 from the year before. . Tips for visitors the following lips will make your oktoberfest visit .1 Little More pleasant keep labs on younger children. With the Large crowds at the est grounds it s easy to become separated. Tell your children that if they become lost they should seek outa German policeman or american military police. The bavarian red Cross operates a lust children station near ils Aid station North of the Bavaria statue. Don t Vear a military uniform to the Fesl. The Oklob Erlest will put a is table Dent in even the largest Money Belt. Take sufficient Germany Money along but not More than you can afford in spend or lose. The fest can be expensive Beer prices this year have gone up to jus Over 7 Marks in most cases and rides can Cost More 5 Marks eat and drink at a relaxed Pace and in moderation. Bavarian Beer is very Strong and served in Large one liter muss. Cheerfully share Butir table in the Beer Hall with others it s a Good Way to meet Withers and it s a German tradition. Don t try to walk out with a souvenir Beer Mug. It s .1 crime and police make spot checks. If you re caught you la pay a hefty Fine. Souvenir mugs Are sold at several locations. Don t drive to the Fesl grounds. Traffic will be heavy and parking is very limited. Use Munich s Public transportation system. See Page 7. Monday through saturday operating hours generally Are 10 . To 10 30 . The fest opens an hour earlier on sundays and holidays. The Beer tents close at 10 45 . Only the hippodrome Kaefer and Wei Wirt Are open until 12 30 . But by then you la have missed the last train. Avoid conflicts in the Beer lyalls and stay off the tables. The festive atmosphere is contagious but Don t overdo it. If you do you May be asked to leave. . September 7, 1989 stripes Magazine
