A Message from Santa...

 

Final Bier Immersion Hofbrauhaus Visit

Well, we did it!

The intrepid Oktoberfestians completed our 2021 visits of all U.S. based Hofbrauhaus locations with our visit to Las Vegas this week. Three of the four core members made this visit (along with significant others) and this completes our unique challenge for this year. We hope that next year will bring on the 2022 Bier Immersion trip in Germany.

Here's the gang having dinner at the Hofbrauhaus:

Some Nostalgia for the Holiday

 

Please enjoy.

Hotel Alfa Update

I was emailing with Anton this morning just to check-in and see how things are going. It doesn't sound good for him. Here's his response to me about business.....

Dear Keith, 

nice to hear from you.

Business is still worse. No chance for a better situation up to now.

With a lot of fortune we may achieve till the end of the year 5%! from the level we had two years ago.

Not sure, how we would manage it till next April.

Till December the situation might be save.

Sad Day Flying Dan Thought I Should Share

Well these came today unfortunately when I ordered them I also found out I was going to Oktoberfest in Germany, so I sold them, then Covid hit. So..now I just get to take a picture of them and find a good German bier to drink from my couch while watching the Ryder cup on TV! 

UPDATE: I DID FIND A GOOD GERMAN BIER!

O’zapft ist Hofbrauhaus 2021

 

Hofbrauhaus September 2021

Haxe, Schnitzel, Bratkartoffel, Sauerkraut, Blaukraut.  And a Mass Beer. We’ve got the complete picture.

Wait …… who the fuck is Alice.

 

First Beer in Neurembug

BeerGartner and Barbus say hello to all Oktoberfestvisitors. Prosit!

First Evening in Bamberg

Recognize the Hotel “Alt Ringlein”. Was booked for the Immersion Trip 2021. Great place! Biergarten, Rauchbier Brauerei, Hackse and more. Munich Style. 

First Beer in Bamberg

 Greetings from Barbus, SchlumberLady, BeerGartner and BeerCap. Prosit!!!!!

Day trip...

 This place is almost to Regensburg.  About a 2 hour train ride from Munchen Hbf.

Last Nun to brew beer

Bier Immersion 2021

No answer has been provided, how many biers were consumed during the trip. Where there any accidents or injuries?

The Journey Has Ended

We have completed the circle of midwestern Hobrauhauses, with a couple extra bier venue visits. While Barley Man is absent from this picture at Hofbrauhaus Newport, he did visit during our brief recuperation in Dayton.

A Missing Oktoberfestian

On our Hofbrauhaus tour the gang is having a good time reminescing (sp?). Has anyone seen the missing Oktoberfestian in the middle?

Keith...

Sent from my iPhone. Xcuse any spulling missteaks.

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo

Highly recommended...

It has Begun. Prost

 

The Bier Immersion Trip Has Begun

Keith...

Sent from my iPhone. Xcuse any spulling missteaks.

Früh Kölsch

 Stopover on our way to Italy; Cologne! We were thinking of you.

Less than two weeks away... Questions Remain

 Less than two weeks until the trip of a lifetime..  Oktoberfest Analysts are wondering:

1.  How many beers will be drunken total during the trip?

2.  How many beers will Flyin Dan leave half full?

3.  How many times will Doppleboch say" Good god, that's horrible!"... or something to that effect.

4. Will sheep be present at Flyin Dan's farm?  Will the lambs look like Flyin Dan?  

5. How may different law enforcement jurisdictions will the crew personally encounter?

6. Sausages or Hendl?..  at some point, it won't matter.

7. Will the team stay away from discussing politics for 8 whole days???

8. In what form will Einfahrt appear,  spiritual only?

9.  Will Chugger go over Niagara Falls in a beer keg?  

10.  And the final question:  Who the fuck is Alice?

Tickets purchased, ready to go on the tour!

 It's all over,  but the fun part...  

Updated info for posterity.

Oktoberfest Trip Page

Brood X Bier Immersion Tour 2021

In honor of the 2021 immergence of the cicadas in the Midwest (and our inability to execute the original Bier Immersion Tour), the intrepid Oktoberfestians will not be beat down. We will be embarking on a tour of all the domestic Hofbräuhaus locations. In addition, we will visit two different German establishments.

The venues we will visit over an 11 day span include:

Hofbräuhaus Pittsburg
Hofbräuhaus Buffalo
Hofbräuhaus Cleveland
Hofbräuhaus Columbus
Riggs Beer Company
Hofbräuhaus St. Louis
Bavarian Bierhaus Nashville
Hofbräuhaus Newport

An optional visit will also include the Las Vegas Hofbräuhaus.

Oktoberfest 2021 Comfort Tour

For your information: Schlumberger Lady, Beer Gartner, Beer Cap and I are going on a trip to Germany from August 27 to September 5.  The trip is to Kassel, Bamberg, Nuremberg and of course Munich.  And yes we will keep you informed of our (beer and hacks) experiences via the blog.  To be continued ....

Oktoberfest 2021 Cancelled

 Oktoberfest 2021 ist kaput!

UPDATE 1-German Oktoberfest canceled again due to COVID (msn.com)

Sorry to see this happen,  but predicted.  There may be hope for a beer tour,  but things have to get a whole lot better in Europe. 

There Might Be Hope Afterall !

While not official yet, it looks like the EU will be allowing travel from the U.S. for vaccinated people. Even if no Oktoberfest, we will need to decide on travel.

Read the story here...

Viele Plätze in Bierzelten schon vergeben

 Mr. Granpubah, how about our table reservations? https://www.stimme.de/deutschland-welt/panorama/nachrichten/lifestyle/reise_tourismus/oktoberfest-2021-viele-plaetze-in-bierzelten-schon-vergeben;art83317,4470277

 It is National Bier Day in the Socialist Republic of the Red and Blue States

https://nationaltoday.com/national-beer-day/

Prost!

Happy Easter Fellow Oktoberfestians

In honor of this day I thought I would test your bier knowledge. What does bier have to do with little bunnies and chocolate eggs you may ask. Well, the bunnies have fluffy white tails and our bier has some fluffy white foam. So my question for you is about the foam on our bier.

Why is the foam white?

Please, no Google, Bing, Yahoo or Duck-Duck-Go. Try your best and let's see who can answer this age old question.

Possible Bier Immersion Alternative

With the declining probability of Oktoberfest occurring, or even a Germany trip without the 'Fest, alternative activities have been discussed. One that seems intriguing is a roadtrip to visit the various U.S.-based Hofbräuhauses. Various Oktoberfestians have been to different establishments, but let's do them all together.

There are seven different establishments (the Chicago location just recently closed), and six of them can be easily visited over the course of 5-6 days. These include St. Louis-Belleville, Newport, Pittsburg, Buffalo, Cleveland and Columbus. The remaining location is Las Vegas, and we could suggest a weekend trip to Sin City 😆 However, even Las Vegas is now temporarily closed. What is this world coming to, I ask rhetorically.

A possible itinerary could look like the following:

We could head west to St. Louis, then head east to do the loop. Probably should go soon so they don't all close on us.

Please opine, or offer other ridiculous alternatives.

Travel Probability Meter Reduced

The latest news from the EU and Germany in general is not looking good, so I lowered the travel probability.

Lockdowns Return or are Extended

Maybe time to plan a different excursion somewhere in the States? Dopplebach and I discussed a few alternatives. What say the Oktoberfestians?

Argh ! Time for a Bier.

 Germany weighs longer COVID lockdown amid 'exponential' rise

New Presentation of Probability Meter

It seems that the original intent of the Probability Meter has caused confusion. Since there are actually two different outcomes that could occur, it is probably useful to have two different views of the Probability Meter.

I have changed the original view to consider the probability of Oktoberfest occurring. By definition, if there is an Oktoberfest, we will attend, and do the Bier Immersion.

A second view now considers the probability that Oktoberfest may not occur, but travel will be permitted, enabling the Bier Immersion. We may still visit München, but without the 'Wiesn.

Hopefully this keeps us communicating more accurately.

Vaccination Scheduled for Thursday.

Just got it scheduled.  Pfizer.  

Lower the Probability Meter Again?

 Latest update on Germany.

More Detailed Train Pass Analysis

I did some further investigating this morning to determine the usefulness of a German Rail Pass vs. individual tickets. As with everything, the answer is "it depends". With the following caveats, the Rail Pass still looks good, but border with a 7-day pass.

- I used Saver Fares which require an advance purchase of at least 3 days

- All fares are one-way except for two roundtrips from Bamberg to Kulmbach.

-Does not include an additional trip of München to Berlin for those of us considering flying to München a day early and then training to Berlin. 

Attendance Probability Meter

With nothing else to do this morning, I have created an Attendance Probability Meter that is displayed on the right-hand side of the blog. You can click on the image for a larger view. Please check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Do you agree with the current probability? I will keep it updated as we see events unfolding, particularly in Germany. Also, keep me informed of your probability thoughts.

Prost.

 So Microsoft asked me about this 1970's retro looking place on my sign on screen.    Can anybody tell me the location? 

Here s the answer.  I did guess Munich but did not go as far as naming Mariwzenplatz 

Pedestrian tunnel in Marienplatz Station, Munich, Germany

It's been estimated that more than 175,000 passengers use Marienplatz Station on a typical weekday, making it likely the busiest stop in Munich's U-bahn rail system. Good thing then that the station, originally opened in 1971, was expanded with additional pedestrian tunnels like this one beginning in 2003. We're looking down one of the two long 'extension tubes' that resemble something out of a Kubrick film.

This retro design was intentional—the construction expands on the original architecture of the station's platforms, with bright orange tile, black trim, and snaking lines of ceiling lights. The tunnels were finished in time for one of the main reasons for the expansion—the 2006 World Cup (and all those teeming football fans) held right here in Munich.

Leipzig Bier Garden

Bayerischer Banhof Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei is a brewery set in a historic and revitalized train station in downtown Leipzig. 

More History

Bayerischer Banhof Gasthaus Website

2001 Bamberg Part II

 

2001 Bamberg trip

 AFAIK, We've only been once.  And I guess it wasn't Dopplebach...  someone else in our crew.  I happened to like the refreshing taste of smoke.  It's like a cigar and beer all in one!

Last trip was 20 years ago.  Time flies.

World's oldest brewery

 No longer in business. Probably Covid related..

Egypt Unearths 'World's Oldest' Mass-production Brewery (ibtimes.com)

Oktoberfest trip site upgrade complete

 You can tell it's cold and not so great here in San Diego.  I completed upgrade to version 3.0.  Thanks for all your comments.

Added a Gallery of Photos, and enhance places to go,  including spots on this years trip!

We are looking for more photos..  send them my way!

Oktoberfest Trip History Site

Another Bier Immersion Participant Confirmed

That's right, after all your write-in ballots and lobbying efforts, Designated Walker will be joining our merry band of Oktoberfestians. While she will certainly not be immersing herself in bier, we do hope she lives up to her moniker to ensure we make it back to our hotels.

Please welcome Designated Walker as our latest Participant.

Must visit in Cologne

 

We were there 12 years ago, drinking "Kölsche Stange" and eating "Hachse met Sauerkraut".

 https://www.frueh.de

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kölsch_(beer)

Koln/Cologne

I am very excited about planning our stay in Koln.  Or Cologne.  

My first visit there was in 1976 with my parents,  on a river cruise.    Shot of the famous church.  Will we climb up the spire??

Be Careful What You Ask For

Over the past weekend I was talking with my sister. She has always wanted to go to Germany, and we were discussing this year's trip. I told her Designated Walker wanted to go, but would not go unless she went. I then got the usual, "too expense", "don't have the time", "can't leave husband that long", etc.

During the call she then began to ask the usual questions; how much? what cities? etc. I knew she was circling the bait. Yesterday I got a text from her asking more questions; where do we fly into/out of? how do we get from city to city? where will we stay? I jerked and set the hook. Now it will be interesting to see if I can reel her in.

This Year's Oktoberfest Logo Revealed

 https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/magazine/oktoberfest-news/2021/oktoberfest-poster-2021

Uh Oh, News from The Fatherland

Well gang, I emailed Anton about rooms and here is his response. I hope he is wrong, but maybe we need to discuss contingency plans.

=====================

Dear Keith,

nice to hear from you.

This year we´ll have to wait at least until April.

Nobody knows, what´s in September.

At the moment, we cannot imagine, that Octoberfest will take part.

In January I would have said at a rate of 95%.

Now the chances are better, but it could be the calmness before the storm; in any way!

I am not sure, how about the next spring. Would it continue again, we´re forced to think about the business at all.

Bavaria anyway has stricter rules, as the rest of Germany. Permittance to entrance the festival only with a special passport or only for nationals? That seems impossible to control and not human. If everything is going relatively normal soon, for sure, I will consider you request.

Lot´s of greetings

Anton

History Site re-vamped and ready for incriminating photos.

Updated Rosters and other fun webby stuff.   Looking forward to travelling again.

Oktoberfest History Page

Here's a shot from 2018...

Three visitors confirmed!

Happy to announce that we have three new visitors for our Immersion 2021 Tour!

We remember one visitor; "Beergärtner" (we know him from last year) and his wife "Beercap". They will join in Köln. And the third? I like to keep it a secret. Today I arranged hotel rooms in Munich.

The Other Boys at Weihenstephan

 

Proof that we are a spiritual bunch

  Here's a shot of Chugger reading from The Book at Weihenstephan.  

Oldest Breweries in the world

 We have been to a few of these!!!

Worlds Oldest Breweries

Singing in German is ‘riskiest’ for spreading COVID-19, study finds

 Trilling in the German language poses a greater risk than crooning in Japanese, according to this research into how singing can spread COVID-19.

Last year, scientists found the language you speak could play a role in the transmission of COVID-19, because of aspirated consonants. In English, for instance, the letter ‘P’ creates a puff of air, emitting respiratory droplets.  https://tinyurl.com/y5uctpdz

Pretty scaring ....... I only know two English Oktoberfest songs. So let's hope they don't implement this protective measure. By the way, the ones I know: Sweet Caroline and Take me home.

Updated Documents

I have updated the Participants document and fixed some errors in the Itinerary document. See the links above.

Updated Proposed Itineray

After a week of consultation with the Oktoberfest Planning Committee during our winter meeting in Florida, we are proposing updates to the Bier Immersion 2021 itinerary. This update includes an additional day to explore and sample bier in Kulmbach, as well as extra time in München. Initial arrivals in Berlin on 14 September, with departure from München on 28 September.

Dates are still flexible, so please review the various documents and give us your thoughts. More/less time in various cities? Ignore a city? 

It is time to start assigning responsibility for hotel procurement, so please opine as soon as you can. Two documents above detail our plans and current participants:

    Proposed Itinerary

    Attendees

Also, please let me know if I screwed something up.

Bamberg Bier Gardens

Klosterbräu Bamberg

Klosterbräu (formerly the Fürstbischöffliche Braunbierbrauerei) is Bamberg's oldest brewery, dating from 1533. The pub itself has the usual wide arch (formerly for access to the brewery at the rear) with a room on either side. The larger room to the right houses the bar counter. The interior is very simple but pleasant. You know the score by now: wooden floor, panelled walls, pine-topped tables, beamed ceiling. The same faces keep popping up in the many old photographs adorning the walls, so I would guess that they are of the former owners of the brewery (they appear to be pretty comfortably off). On the street outside there are a few tables for those who like their drinking al fresco.

The food is excellent and the staff very friendly. Recommended is the Schwärzla, a black beer unlike anything else brewed in Bamberg.

Brauerei Spezial

Spezial is an absolute must for the Rauchbier fans amongst you. With no fewer than four different varieties (five including the bock in the Winter) it must be the world leader in smoked beer. It's also very handily placed, directly opposite Fässla.

The building is an attractve, ancient, half-timbered job, with an old-fashioned wrought iron sign (sporting the equally tradtional brewer's symbol of a six-pointed star). You should be able to guess by now what to expect inside: dark wood panelling, long pine tables, animal skulls. In one corner, atop a small bar sit wooden barrels and, yes, these are real ones. 

A New Recurring Feature...

Thought I would occupy some of my time, and as a result, your time with this new feature of the Blog. Occasionally I will highlight some bier halls/bier gardens in the cities we hope to visit this year. This is just for educational purposes, your mileage may vary, and we may not even visit them. Please give your thoughts, and maybe other alternatives in that city that you may be aware of. 

Oh and by they way.... Happy New Year, or Frohes Neues Yahr for the locals. 

Let's get started with Köln:

Bierhaus en d’r Salzgass

Cozy and stylishly decorated, this is where locals have been coming for beer since the 19th century. Today it belongs to Päffgen brewery and serves authentic German dishes.

Bierhaus am Rhein

Part of the same Päffgen brewery, Bierhaus am Rhein has the same menu and offers views of the Rhine and park at Frankenwerft.

Papa Joe's Klimperkasten

If you’re more interested in music and beer than in food, check out $$ Papa Joe’s Klimperkasten, a dark pub packed with memorabilia and live jazz daily (Gaffel on tap, live piano jazz Sun-Thu).