After university, I found myself in the same boat as many graduates—no job in sight. After months of searching, I decided to change things up and headed to Germany to work for my uncle in Leipzig. At the time, it felt like a temporary fix, but it turned out to be one of the most important decisions of my life, not just for work but for something far more meaningful—beer.
Arriving in Leipzig, I quickly realized that beer in Germany wasn’t just a drink—it was a culture. Each region had its own traditions, styles, and even glass sizes! The differences in beer culture between Bavaria in the south and the Protestant north were striking. In Munich, a beer typically comes in a massive 1-litre glass, while up north, you’d be lucky to get a 250ml glass. That alone told me everything I needed to know—beer was part of the lifestyle in Bavaria, an experience meant to be savored and celebrated in large quantities.
Being based in Leipzig, I was surrounded by local brews and beer halls, but I knew I had to make a pilgrimage to Munich for the ultimate beer experience—Oktoberfest. It wasn’t just an idea; it was a mission. So, together with a South African colleague, we packed up the company Toyota Hi-Ace and hit the road. It was a long drive from Leipzig to Munich, but that just built up the anticipation. We were ready for a weekend of beer, celebration, and Bavarian culture in its purest form.
Once we arrived in Munich, we weren’t exactly staying in luxury. We “camped” on the top floor of a high-rise car park near the Theresienwiese, the sprawling grounds where Oktoberfest is held. Our parking spot wasn’t exactly five-star accommodation, but it was perfect. We were close to the action and could easily walk into the heart of the festival.
And what a festival it was. Oktoberfest lived up to every expectation. The massive beer tents, the endless flow of beer, the oompah bands, and the camaraderie were like nothing I’d ever experienced before. The whole city seemed to be alive with the sound of laughter, music, and the clinking of 1-litre beer steins. It wasn’t just about drinking beer; it was about being part of something bigger—a tradition that had been celebrated for centuries.
Of course, we made the most of it. We hopped between tents, sampling different beers, and soaking up the atmosphere. Each beer tent had its own vibe, from traditional Bavarian brass bands to more modern party atmospheres. And the beer? Well, it was just incredible. Freshly brewed, full of flavor, and served in those iconic 1-litre steins, each beer was better than the last.
For me, Oktoberfest was more than just a weekend of fun—it was a deep dive into the heart of Bavarian beer culture. I learned that beer in Bavaria wasn’t just a drink you casually had with dinner. It was a part of life, a way to bring people together. It was tradition, pride, and craftsmanship, all poured into a glass.
Looking back, my pilgrimage to Oktoberfest and my time in Germany were formative moments that shaped my understanding and appreciation of beer. It wasn’t just about what was in the glass; it was about the people, the culture, and the experience that came with it.
What started as a journey to find work ended up sparking a lifelong passion for beer—a passion that would lead me into the beer industry and guide me on my path to exploring, selling, and celebrating beer in all its forms.