As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, beer lovers across the globe welcome the arrival of Oktoberfest season. While the Munich festival itself is legendary, the beers brewed specifically for it hold their own iconic status. But what exactly makes Oktoberfest beers so unique—and why do they taste so perfectly suited for autumn?

Let’s raise a stein and explore the history, brewing traditions, and characteristics that set these seasonal lagers apart.

1. A Tradition That Dates Back to the 19th Century

Oktoberfest beer has its roots in Bavaria, where brewing laws, climate, and tradition shaped what people drank. Before refrigeration existed, brewing in warm months was risky—leading to spoilage—so Bavarian brewers stopped brewing in spring and resumed in fall.

To ensure enough beer for the summer and the Oktoberfest celebration, they brewed a more robust style in March: Märzen (“March beer”). This style aged through the summer, developing a smooth, malty warmth perfect for the autumn festival.

2. The Reinheitsgebot: Purity You Can Taste

Authentic Oktoberfest beers follow the Reinheitsgebot, the 1516 Bavarian purity law that allows only:

• Water
• Barley malt
• Hops
• Yeast

This adherence gives Oktoberfest lagers a clean, focused flavor profile—no additives, no adjuncts, no shortcuts. Every sip reflects centuries of brewing discipline and craftsmanship.

3. Märzen vs. Festbier: Two Styles, One Festival

Here’s where things get interesting: not all Oktoberfest beers taste the same.

Traditional Märzen (Mostly Found in U.S. Oktoberfest Releases)

• Deep amber or copper in color
• Rich, malty, toasty flavor
• Medium body
• Smooth, slightly sweet finish

American breweries tend to honor this classic style because it’s deeply associated with fall flavors.

Modern Festbier (Served in Munich Today)

Since the 1970s, breweries at the official Oktoberfest in Munich have shifted to Festbier, a lighter and more drinkable version:

• Light golden color
• Soft bready malt profile
• Crisp and more sessionable
• Lower sweetness, higher drinkability

This lighter style allows festival-goers to enjoy multiple liters over a long day of celebration.

4. Malt: The Star of the Show

Unlike many contemporary beer styles that emphasize hops, Oktoberfest beers are malt-forward. Brewers use specially kilned malts such as:

• Munich malt: nutty, bread-crust flavor
• Vienna malt: biscuit-like sweetness
• Pilsner malt: clean, delicate base

This combination gives Oktoberfest beers their signature flavor: warm, toasty, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting.

5. Lagering: Patience Pays Off

Oktoberfest beers are lagers, which means they’re fermented cold and aged (“lagered”) slowly. This long conditioning—often several weeks to months—creates:

• Exceptional smoothness
• A crisp finish
• Balanced flavors
• Clean fermentation character

The result? A beer that feels refined, polished, and unbelievably drinkable.

6. Perfect Pairing with Fall Weather (and Food!)

The hearty malt profile of Oktoberfest beers pairs beautifully with cool weather and autumn foods such as:

• Pretzels
• Bratwurst
• Roasted chicken
• Sauerkraut
• Cheese plates
• Caramelized desserts

If fall had a flavour, Oktoberfest beer would be a strong contender.

7. Protected by Tradition

Only six Munich breweries are allowed to produce official Oktoberfestbier for the festival:

• Augustiner
• Hofbräu
• Hacker-Pschorr
• Löwenbräu
• Paulaner
• Spaten

Beers from elsewhere may be “Oktoberfest-style,” but only these six can claim the authentic festival designation—adding another layer of heritage to the experience.

Final Pour: Why Oktoberfest Beers Stand Out

Oktoberfest beers are unique because they combine:

• Centuries-old brewing traditions
• Seasonal malt richness
• Long, careful lagering
• Festival-ready drinkability
• A connection to Bavarian culture

Whether you prefer the amber warmth of a Märzen or the lighter festbier served in Munich today, Oktoberfest beers offer a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and autumn nostalgia in every glass. Cheers! 🍻 with Dranken UK

Beer lovers know that great flavor doesn’t come only from hops, malt, and yeast—the glass you pour your beer into can make just as big a difference. The right glass enhances aroma, showcases color, preserves carbonation, and ultimately brings out the best in every beer style.

Whether you’re a casual drinker, a homebrewer, or a budding Cicerone, understanding beer glassware can elevate your drinking experience.

Why Glass Shape Matters

Beer glass design isn’t just aesthetic. Each shape influences:

• Aroma concentration: Narrow tops trap aromas; wide openings let them bloom.
• Carbonation: Tall, narrow glasses maintain bubbles; wide glasses reduce fizz.
• Temperature: Thick glass keeps beer colder; stems prevent heat transfer.
• Flavor perception: The way beer hits your palate can change taste nuances.

Pouring beer into the right glass helps you appreciate each style the way the brewer intended.

Popular Beer Glasses & Their Perfect Pairings

1. Pint Glass (US Shaker Pint / UK Imperial Pint)

Best for:

• American lagers & ales
• Pale ales
• Porters
• Stouts

Straightforward and easy to handle, the pint glass is a bar classic. While not designed for aroma enhancement, it's versatile and works well for everyday beers.

2. Tulip Glass

Best for:

• Belgian ales
• Double/imperial IPAs
• Saisons
• Scotch ales

The tulip’s flared lip and rounded bowl trap aroma while supporting a rich head. Strong, aromatic beers shine here.

3. Snifter

Best for:

• Barleywine
• Imperial stouts
• Belgian quads
• Barrel-aged beers

Snifters are built for bold, complex beers. The wide bowl encourages swirling, releasing layers of aroma—just like a fine brandy or cognac.

4. Weizen Glass (Wheat Beer Glass)

Best for:

• Hefeweizen
• Dunkelweizen
• Berliner Weisse

Tall and slender with a narrow base, Weizen glasses showcase haziness, carbonation, and those iconic foamy heads. They amplify fruity and spicy aromas typical of wheat beers.

5. Pilsner Glass

Best for:

• Pilsners (of course!)
• Kölsch
• Light lagers
• Blonde ales

Slim and tall, pilsner glasses highlight clarity, color, and lively carbonation. The tapered shape supports crisp, refreshing aromas.

6. Mug / Stein

Best for:

• Oktoberfest/Märzen
• Lagers
• Dunkels
• Bocks

Thick glass keeps beer cold, while the handle prevents your hands from warming it. Perfect for big pours and festive drinking.

7. Goblet / Chalice

Best for:

• Belgian strong ales
• Tripels
• Quads

Goblets have wide mouths ideal for capturing rich aromas and showcasing effervescence. They’re elegant and built for slow sipping of high-ABV brews.

8. Teku Glass (Modern Tasting Glass)

Best for:

• Craft beer tastings
• IPAs
• Sours
• Any aromatically complex beer

The Teku has become a favorite among beer geeks. Its angular design amplifies aroma and delivers a refined sensory experience.

Final Pour

Choosing the right glass can dramatically enhance your beer experience—heightening aroma, improving flavor, and showcasing the unique character behind every style. While you can enjoy beer from any glass (or even the bottle), experimenting with proper glassware brings you closer to the craft, tradition, and artistry of brewing.

So next time you crack open a new beer, consider giving it the perfect home. Cheers! 🍻 with Dranken

Beer has come a long way from being a simple drink you reach for on a hot day. Today, it’s a versatile, flavorful, and celebratory beverage perfect for pairing with events of all kinds—from casual afternoons to milestone moments. Whether you're planning a party, looking for the perfect host gift, or just wanting to mix up your next gathering, these 8 unique beer ideas will help you bring flavor and fun to any occasion.

1. Seasonal Beer Flights

No matter the time of year, there’s a beer that celebrates the season. Instead of sticking to one style, create a flight of seasonal picks. A seasonal flight offers variety and invites conversation—perfect for parties or tastings.

Examples:

• Spring: citrus wheat ales
• Summer: tropical IPAs
• Fall: pumpkin ales or Oktoberfest lagers
• Winter: spiced stouts or dark porters

2. Beer and Dessert Pairings

Move over wine—beer pairs beautifully with sweets. Unexpected pairings create memorable flavor moments and elevate any celebration.

Try pairing:

• Chocolate cake with a rich stout
• Apple pie with a crisp cider-style lager
• Vanilla ice cream with a fruity sour
• Cheesecake with a Belgian tripel

3. Global Beer Night

Travel the world without leaving your living room by exploring international beers. It’s educational, flavorful, and the perfect excuse to try something new.

Ideas:

• German pilsners
• Belgian dubbels
• Japanese rice lagers
• Mexican cervezas
• Irish dry stouts

4. Beer-Infused Cocktails

Surprise your guests with cocktails that use beer as the star ingredient. Beer cocktails are refreshing, playful, and great for warm-weather gatherings.

Popular options:

• Beer margaritas
• Shandies (beer + lemonade)
• Black & Tan
• Micheladas
• Beer sangria

5. DIY At-Home Beer Tasting

Turn your living room into a microbrewery tasting room. It makes any night feel special, whether you're with friends or enjoying a date night in.

What you need:

• 4–6 beer styles
• Tasting note cards
• Flight glasses
• A simple food pairing board

6. Beer-Based Cooking or Grilling Ideas

Beer isn’t just for drinking—it’s a powerhouse ingredient in the kitchen. These recipes add depth, flavor, and a fun twist to everyday meals.

Dishes to try:

• Beer-battered fish or chicken
• Ale-braised short ribs
• Beer cheese dip
• Lager chili
• Stout brownie dessert bars

7. Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Picks

Perfect for inclusive gatherings where everyone deserves a delicious drink. Flavorful, modern NA beers keep the experience fun and accessible for all.

Styles to explore:

• Non-alcoholic IPAs
• NA stouts
• NA hefeweizens
• NA lagers
• Hoppy sparkling waters

8. Personalized Beer Labels for Gifting

For birthdays, holidays, weddings, or corporate gifts, custom beer labels add a thoughtful touch. It transforms a simple six-pack into a meaningful, memorable keepsake.

Ideas:

• “Cheers to 30 Years!” birthday labels
• Wedding party thank-you bottles
• Holiday-themed designs
• Business branding for client gifts

Final Pour

Beer is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience that can be tailored to any mood, event, or moment. From international tastes to clever pairings and creative cocktails, these 8 unique beer ideas offer something for everyone.

Dranken has been offering the best selection of imported beers and Mini Kegs. Shop from our high-quality range of products and get shipping free!!! Explore our beer gift basket collection now.🍻

The holiday season is the perfect time to surprise the beer lover in your life with something truly memorable. While sweaters and gadgets are always nice, nothing warms the heart (and the palate!) quite like a well-curated Christmas beer collection. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned imported-beer enthusiast or a casual sipper who enjoys discovering new brews, a thoughtfully assembled beer gift can turn an ordinary festive season into a flavorful celebration.

🍺 What Makes a Christmas Beer Special?

Christmas beers—also called winter warmers—are brewed specifically for the colder months. They often feature:

• Rich, malty flavors
• Higher alcohol content for a warming finish
• Seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves
• Notes of chocolate, coffee, or caramel
• Dark, robust styles such as stouts, porters, and bocks

These cozy, festive brews capture the spirit of winter in every sip.

🎁 Creating the Perfect Christmas Beer Collection

When assembling your holiday beer gift, variety and presentation are key. Here’s how to build a stunning set:

1. Choose a Diverse Range of Styles

Mixing a few beer types ensures the recipient enjoys both familiar favorites and exciting new discoveries:

• Holiday Ales – Spiced, festive, full-bodied
• Imperial Stouts – Rich and chocolatey
• Belgian Tripels or Quadrupels – Elegant and warming
• Winter IPAs – A hoppy twist on the season
• Smoky Porters – Perfect for cold nights

2. Include Limited-Edition or Seasonal Releases

Most breweries release special holiday editions—beautifully designed bottles or cans that make your gift feel extra special.

3. Add Local Brews

Supporting small breweries makes your gift unique and meaningful. Local gems often become new favorites.

4. Think About Presentation

The right packaging makes all the difference:

• Wooden beer crates
• Holiday gift boxes
• Decorative tissue paper
• Custom labels or tags

🎄 Extra Gift Ideas to Pair With the Beer

To elevate your beer collection, include accessories or treats that enhance the tasting experience:

• 🍫 Chocolate pairings – Dark chocolate for stouts, milk chocolate for porters
• 🧀 Cheese selection – Blue cheese, cheddar, or gouda
• 🍺 Beer glasses – Tulip glasses, snifters, or pint glasses
• 📘 Beer tasting journal – For recording notes and favorites
• 🧦 Beer-themed socks or ornaments – Fun, cozy extras

These finishing touches turn your beer gift into a complete holiday experience.

⭐ Why Beer Gifts Are Always a Hit

Beer is social, celebratory, and full of character—just like the holidays. Beer collection shows thought, effort, and understanding of the recipient’s taste. It’s a gift that can be enjoyed slowly throughout the winter season or shared during holiday gatherings.

Whether you're crafting the set yourself or purchasing a curated collection, a Christmas beer gift is festive, flavorful, and unforgettable.

🍻 Final Cheers

If you're looking to give something fun, cozy, and delicious this Christmas, a beer collection might be the perfect choice. With a mix of seasonal favorites, unique brews, and thoughtful extras, you can create a gift that spreads warmth and cheer long after the holidays fade.

Cheers to a merry, beer-filled Christmas! 🎅🍺 Dranken UK

Being the designated driver doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines while everyone else enjoys a good drink. Thanks to the fast-growing world of alcohol-free beer, drivers—and anyone choosing to stay sober—can now savor all the flavor without the buzz. Today’s alcohol-free options aren’t just acceptable substitutes; many are delicious, carefully crafted, and surprisingly sophisticated.

Why Alcohol-Free Beer Is Gaining Popularity

In recent years, alcohol-free beer has surged in popularity for several reasons:

1. Better Taste Than Ever Before

Gone are the days when non-alcoholic beer tasted watered-down or bland. Breweries now use advanced brewing techniques to preserve the rich flavors of malt, hops, and yeast. Many brands offer alcohol-free lagers, IPAs, stouts, and even craft seasonal brews that rival their alcoholic counterparts.

2. A Smart Choice for Safety and Responsibility

Designated drivers play a vital role in keeping roads safe. Alcohol-free beer lets them enjoy a social drink with zero risk of impairment. It’s a responsible choice that still feels celebratory.

3. Supports a Balanced Lifestyle

Whether you're training, cutting back on alcohol, or simply prefer not to drink, alcohol-free beer provides the taste and satisfaction of beer without the effects of alcohol. It’s a great way to be part of the moment while maintaining wellness goals.

Perfect for Social Settings

Alcohol-free beer shines in social situations. At parties, restaurants, or game nights, it allows designated drivers to blend in seamlessly with the group. No more sticking to soda water or explaining why you aren’t drinking—just pop open a cold, flavorful beer and enjoy.

A Growing Market With Tons of Options

Today’s market is bursting with choices—from household names like Heineken and Budweiser to craft breweries dedicated entirely to non-alcoholic beer. With so much variety, everyone can find something that suits their taste buds, whether they prefer something crisp, fruity, hoppy, or dark and creamy.

Final Thoughts

Alcohol-free beer has evolved into a genuinely tasty, satisfying option—not only for designated drivers but for anyone who wants to enjoy the flavor of beer without the alcohol. With so many high-quality brands on the market, staying sober no longer means sacrificing taste or fun.

Cheers to smarter choices and great beer—no alcohol required!

Are Seasonal Beers Still Popular? Trends to Watch in 2025

Seasonal beers have long been beloved by drinkers — from crisp summer ales to rich winter stouts. But as the beer landscape continues to evolve, you might be wondering: are seasonal beers still as popular as they once were? The short answer is yes — but the way brewers and drinkers think about seasonality is changing. Here’s what’s happening with seasonal beer in the UK and beyond in 2025.

1. Seasonal Calendars Are Stronger Than Ever

One clear signal that seasonal beers remain a key part of brewer strategy is the rise of well-planned seasonal release calendars.

These rotational beers do more than just fill a bar tap — they create moments of excitement for drinkers and encourage pubs to refresh their offering throughout the year.

2. Innovation in Flavours and Ingredients

Brewers are pushing the boundaries of what “seasonal” means by experimenting with unusual ingredients and styles:

• Fruit-led beers: This is perhaps the biggest trend. According to multiple industry sources, fruit-forward beers — especially lighter, fruity lagers and ales — are surging in popularity. Dranken UK is the perfect online platform. Tesco, for instance, has reported a 250% increase in volume sales of fruit beers.
• Locally sourced ingredients: Breweries are increasingly using hyper-local produce — from locally harvested hops to botanicals and foraged fruits. This adds seasonal authenticity while aligning with sustainability goals.
• Spiced and dessert-inspired brews: Especially in colder months, brewers are leaning into spices, chocolate, coffee, and even festive flavours to create limited-run stouts and ales. Dranken UK.

3. Changing Consumer Preferences

Consumer behaviour is shifting, and seasonal beers are adapting with them:

• Lower ABV trends: There’s a noticeable move toward more sessionable beers in the 3.5–4.5% ABV range.  Dranken.co.uk fits well with seasonal beers — lighter styles in summer, richer but moderate-strength beers in winter.
• Health-conscious choices: As wellness trends grow, drinkers are increasingly drawn to low-alcohol, lower-calorie options. Seasonal beers are being designed to match this demand, with brewers highlighting refreshment and drinkability. 

4. Sustainability & Storytelling

Seasonal beers are no longer just limited editions — they’re platforms for storytelling and sustainability:

• Breweries are increasingly promoting eco-conscious brewing, using renewable energy, reducing waste, and sourcing ingredients responsibly.
• Local and seasonal ingredients also allow brewers to connect more deeply with their community, which resonates strongly with today’s consumers.

5. Challenges Facing Seasonal Beers

However, there are some challenges:

• Logistics & Shelf Space: Limited-run beers need careful planning. Pubs must balance seasonal rotation with their core beer range.
• Competition from Year-Round Innovations: As craft brewers continue to release experimental and limited-edition beers throughout the year, seasonal brews may have to compete more fiercely for attention.
• Cost Sensitivity: Seasonal or limited beers often command a premium price. In times of tight consumer budgets, some drinkers may stick to tried-and-tested core beers.

6. The Verdict: Seasonal Beers Are Still Very Much Alive

Seasonal beers are far from passé. In fact, they’re evolving in ways that make them more relevant than ever:

• They’re not just about tradition — they’re now about flavour innovation, sustainability, and storytelling.
• Breweries are using seasonal calendars as strategic tools to engage drinkers, drive footfall to pubs, and showcase creativity.
• Consumer trends (like lower ABV, localism, and experimental flavours) align perfectly with the modern seasonal beer concept.

For dranken.co.uk, this means there’s a rich landscape of seasonal beers to explore — from spring ales bursting with floral or tropical notes to winter stouts enriched with spices or barrel-aged depth.

As the temperature drops and the nights draw in, our taste buds start craving something a little bolder, darker, and more comforting. Here’s what makes the perfect winter beer — and a few styles worth pouring into your glass this season.

❄️ 1. Stouts & Porters: Like a Hug in a Glass

Let’s be honest — winter belongs to the dark beers.
Stouts and porters bring those rich, roasty flavors that taste like dessert and comfort rolled into one.
Think chocolate, coffee, caramel, and toasted malt — yeah, it’s basically liquid brownie vibes.

🌰 2. Winter Ales: The Cozy Classics

These are the beers that taste like your favorite sweater feels — warm, smooth, and a little sweet.
Winter ales and strong ales are usually malt-forward, with hints of toffee, spice, and dried fruit.
They’ve got enough ABV to give you that nice little glow after a few sips.

🥘 Perfect with: A hearty stew, roast dinner, or some cheesy comfort food.

🧁 3. Spiced Beers: A Little Festive Fun

If you like your drinks with a side of holiday cheer, spiced beers are where it’s at.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove — these brews taste like Christmas cookies in a bottle.

🎄 Bonus points: Warm one up just slightly (yep, like mulled wine) for a toasty twist.

🍯 4. Belgian Beauties: Smooth & Sippable

Belgian dubbels and quadrupels are winter MVPs. They’re rich, deep, and often sneak in flavors of molasses, dark fruit, and caramel.
They’re fancy without trying too hard — perfect for nights when you want to impress yourself.

🍫 Pro tip: Goes insanely well with dark chocolate or a cheese platter.

🥃 5. Barrel-Aged Beers: Bold, Boozy, Beautiful

Winter is the season for barrel-aged magic — those stouts and strong ales that chill in whiskey or bourbon barrels for months.
They come out smoky, oaky, and dangerously smooth.

💀 Warning: You’ll probably want another. Proceed with delicious caution.

🎁 The Final Sip

Winter is short, but the right beer makes it sweeter (and toastier).
Whether you’re into creamy stouts, spiced ales, or those fancy barrel-aged beauties, this is your season to drink slow and savor big flavors.

So here’s to fireside nights, cozy vibes, and finding your perfect winter beer. 🍻

So what is a widget you ask?

A widget is a small, hollow device within your beer that releases gas to make your beer taste fresher, fizzier and hold a stronger flavour for longer like a craft beer would. It manages the characteristics of the beers head. These widgets can be floating or fixed to the can or glass so when you open a can of your favourite beer (from Dranken.co.uk 😉).

Guinness was the first brand to have a widget in their beer, they tested it out and felt it improved their famous Irish brew, it would seem they set a trend as from here all beer brands started to adopt this feature for an improved taste. Since then Guinness have always had widgets in their cans and bottles until Covid caused a shortage of widgets and they could no longer source them, as a brand they quickly got on top of the issue and managed to fix this by the start of 2021 meaning their beer is back to normal with its usual refreshing and flavorsome taste. Shop Guinness here.

As we have spoken about before there are so many different glasses to have your favourite beer in but when you're in the pub and your beer is served to you with bubbles floating to the top it means the widget in your glass is doing it's job properly. These widgets are slightly different to the ones you get in a can but they serve the same purpose, they are engraved by a laser and usually have the date engraved too. This leads on to my next point, widgets in a glass have an age and as they age they begin to wear away and don't work as well, the newer your glass is the more bubbles and fizz your beer will have.

The importance of the widget isn't to be underestimated, it won the Queen's UK award for technological achievement in 1991. If it's good enough for the queen it's good enough for us. 

As one of the most popular beers in the UK we though you should know a little bit more about your pint of Guinness!

Guinness has been around for over 260 years and has always been a brand to give back to the people as one of the very first companies to offer employee benefits which consisted of free health care and two free pints after every shift. They also promised all British WWII soldiers a beer on Christmas day.

Guinness aren't just responsible for beer, they produce the Guinness World Record book. It was invented to stop drunk arguments in the pub where people would disagree on trivial knowledge, the managing director of Guinness had an argument of his own and had no way of proving he was right which prompted the need for a book to put these disputes to rest. He teamed up with a fact finding agency in London and got to writing the Guinness World Record book. This then had to be revised every year to ensure their facts were up to date and even in 2021 this book is still published annually.

Their beer is brewed in 49 countries and served in more than 150. In addition to Ireland, Guinness also owns breweries in Malaysia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon - 40% of its consumers are in Africa. All of the ingredients are sourced locally, except for one: the Guinness extract, a secret mixture that is added to a Guinness brewed anywhere in the world. It takes 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, and now it’s vegan too so everyone can enjoy it.

For all these reasons and so many more, we are proud to stock Guinness on our site which you can shop now.