1896 saw the conversion of the beer booths to full-fledged beer halls, complete with large communal tables and local music. The halls are run by Munich's breweries, and each has a certain unique flair that ranges from uber-traditional to youthful and trendy. Much effort is made to keep the good times just that: good. After all, when Oktoberfest beers are typically at least 2 percent higher in alcohol than average and they are served only in 1 liter steins (called Krugs) ... you can imagine that more than your fair share of rowdy Saupreusse (clueless tourists) end up on the beer-covered ground. But thankfully, the festival boasts a large medical staff (and lots of urinals) for those that imbibe too heavily.

Can't get to Munich? Thankfully, central Maine offers lots of good knock-offs that are a bit easier to fit into your schedule, the largest and most popular being the annual fest in Southwest Harbor in early October.

Five things I think and drink:

1) Good beer always tastes better when shared with friends.

2) Even mediocre beer tastes better when shared ... but why do that to yourself, or your friends?

3) Want a wonderful, inexpensive alternative to Sauv Blanc? A white from the Gascony region of France, made with grapes they distill into Cognac, is a sure-fire winner!

4) John Walker Blue just ain't worth the money. Unless you bought it ... in which case, I'll be right over.

5) "Off-vintages" can be some the sweetest deals around. If a good producer made it, you can typically be assured of at least getting your money's worth.