A few years back, a close friend and consummate bandmate, James Wayman, revealed that he had taken a shine to Oktoberfests. Though never a big drinker, James was always open to most things that I’d pour for him, save for bitter IPAs. In the years since, he (along with his taste buds) has conquered IPAs and pastry stouts alike. Now, the King of Covers, as I call him because he can literally cover or play any song, has a true drink of choice, which is a crisp Oktoberfest. So much so that he started a yearly review of the style, breaking down things like maltiness, consistency, and sweetness. It’s a fun journey that deserves your time. So, pour out a cold one, put your feet up and read on.
Yesterday I had done something really stupid without thinking about it. I had compiled a six-pack of Octoberfest Marzen beers during a visit to Binny’s in River Grove. After handing me my change, the cashier handed me one bag which I thought had both the Octoberfests and the Rogue. When I got home, I realized that I only had the Rogue 4-pack. Unfortunately it would cost double the gas to go back to retrieve the beer, plus I struggle to think they’d remember so that I’d end up with an argument, so today I went to the McHenry Binny’s and compiled two six packs of Octoberfest beers.
My favorite Octoberfest was the growler that Adam had brought from Piece pizzeria in Wicker Park during a session at Larry’s in the early 2010’s. In addition to tantalizing us about the rarity of the beer was the fact that the beer lived up to the hype. It may have been the best beer I’ve ever had. A close second was my first exposure to Ayinger Octoberfest Marzen a few years back. I had gotten it at a craft beer store in downtown Glen Ellyn. When I went to get more, no one had it and every year around August 1, I try to remember to pick up several bombers (larger bottles) or a few four packs knowing that it is generally an amazing beer until January or later.
The first year when I had run out of Ayinger, I bought another German entry that won awards, but it just didn’t do much for me. Considering the Oktoberfest beer entries are limited to 6 ingredients, it is pretty amazing how different they are. Now that I’ve got 12 days worth of Octoberfest in the fridge, I’m looking forward to doing the comparisons firsthand.
[Later note] Shortly before the holidays, my friend, Adam, hooked me up with several Oktoberfests I likely wouldn’t have found on my own, and at least two of them were Top 10 level. I am grateful for his generosity in sharing the good stuff and even more grateful for our friendship and for his access and expertise in beer. I am a true amateur in comparison to those who actually are in position to go to microbreweries and attend ‘keg takeover’ or ‘collaboration beer’ evenings. While it is one of the drawbacks for living out in the far suburbs, I’m grateful that Adam has been able to turn me on to so much enjoyable beer over the years.
2021/09/05 – 1:32 AM – Brooklyn Oktoberfest Marzen Lager (12 oz can)
This brass colored entry has a slightly sour taste with a bit of carbonation. While I appreciate that this didn’t get over-hopped, I felt it tasted more like a really strong granddad beer (PBR, Old Style, or Busch) than a premium beer. I hate to sound childish, but this tastes somewhere between feet and body odor… definitely has a beer taste, but not a pleasant one. My experiences with other Brooklyn offerings have yet to yield anything I’d want to drink again. This one didn’t break the streak.
2021/09/06 – 12:30 – Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Amber Marzen (12 oz can)
This is a darker reddish brown entry into the Oktoberfest derby. This one feels a little more hop-forward that other Marzen beers that I’ve tried. While I was hoping for something fuller and maybe a little maltier with this coloring; there was a very pine-y quality to this that overwhelmed the other characteristics I’ve come to expect in a Marzen beer. Part of me felt this was formulated in a manner consistent with most of the other beers I’ve experienced from Sierra Nevada and considering SN is one of the OG ‘s of American craft beer history (and now looking forward to another Marzen from another American OG soon), I can’t be mad about it. A perfectly fine craft beer, but the only way I would’ve known this was intending to be an Octoberfest beer was the design on the can I poured it from. Worlds better than the Brooklyn entry, but nowhere near the Ayinger… though I marvel at how clean an aftertaste this beer had.
2021/09/06 – 9:25 pm – Samuel Adams Octoberfest Seasonal (12 oz bottle)
From one of the American craft OG’s to the other, I have to admit that 30 years ago I was smitten with all things Samuel Adams, and that if I were enjoying a Sam Adams beer in my 20’s that I was in a genuinely good space. Between years of not really drinking beer that often, and then only really enjoying beer during gatherings with friends I really can’t remember the last Samuel Adams beer I’d had. (Particularly since my ‘beer friends’ tended to be so interested and invested in their beer hobby fandom that they tended to share much smaller and rarer independent beers with me.) This is my first Sam’s Octoberfest experience and I can say that it is a great midline beer. It is much fuller in terms of mouthfeel than the previous entries. It is tasty, but ends with a slightly sweet aftertaste that is messing with me a bit. Despite a bright orange label, I really didn’t think it had pumpkin in it (and still don’t) though feel like that sweet ending is trying to suggest it a bit. Definitely would prefer this beer over most basic domestic beers, but this didn’t strike me as particularly special or uncommon. When this Oktoberfest stretch has run its course, I will need to get a fresh draw or bottle of Boston Lager and see if I can appreciate my beer roots or if the influence of my friends has helped me to grow.
2021/09/07 – 6:50 pm – Shiner Oktoberfest Marzen-Style Beer (12 oz bottle)
I absolutely adored Lone Star beer when it was (briefly) available at Lone Star Steakhouses in the Chicago area. As the restaurants started shutting down and LS beer was getting scarcer, I found Shiner beers (including the Bock) to be a more than worthy substitute for the smooth crisp cold Lone Star. Was surprised to find a Shiner Oktoberfest at my recent stops at Binny’s in River Grove and McHenry; and the bright orange-labeled bottle made it into the lost 6-pack and the replacement pack on the first round. As I taste it, there is a slightly salty taste to this and it is even a little fuller than the Sam Adams I had last night. It is brassy in color and to my sense it feels a bit bready with wheat and nuts (pine nuts or acorns maybe?) The aftertaste here is also slightly metallic tasting to me. Not the worst Oktoberfest I had, but was hoping for a little more of a caramel flavor or for it to be a little less nutty. I do wonder if this may have been better directly from the bottle rather than poured into a glass. (I generally would drink a more traditional Shiner from the bottle, especially when it is icy cold.) From this grouping, I am ranking the Shiner behind the Sam’s but ahead of the other two. I do wonder if adding a caramel, vanilla, or even a slight anise quality would’ve lifted it slightly.
2021/09/08 – 6:50 pm – Crystal Lake Brewing, Dry Land Series German Style Oktoberfest (12 oz can)
CLB’s Fox Rocker is one of my favorite casual beers, and I often grab a red six and bury it in the fridge for those more frustrating days when I don’t want to have to risk a bad or misguided beer. The only beer I would prefer as a ‘daily drinker’ might be a New Glarus Spotted Cow; so it felt a no-brainer to pick up their Oktoberfest when compiling (both) six-pack(s). Like most of the Oktoberfests, the CLB has a brassy color and a full mouthfeel. Unlike the Rocker which is fairly crisp and light (and oh-so-good when ice cold); this one is a bit heavier. Unfortunately, the CLB doesn’t have a lot of flavor to it. It isn’t quite nutty or piney, but there is something that makes it earthy. On first impression I just was expecting… more. I suppose after drinking a few that I could acquire a taste for it, and that perhaps I’d catch more of the subtleties in terms of flavor notes and how it fits into this seasonal style. This may require a re-visit sometime after the current beers have been enjoyed.
2021/09/09 – 9:27 pm – Revolution Brewing, Oktoberfest German Style Lager (12 oz can)
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this as Revolution has normally brewed by their own rules rather than set traditions. Since Oktoberfest beers traditionally are limited to a small set of ingredients; most American entries do more of an homage (especially as they aren’t part of the German tradition). Revolution’s entry is a full copper-colored entry that is slightly carbonated and a little piney; but finishes clean and is quite refreshing. I think this may be the new leader among the ones I’ve tried this season. If I have a complaint, it is a bit heavy and rich to have more than one in a session. I’m picturing a little distress trying to drink this by the boot or knocking down a pitcher on my own. Still, very tasty and quite good. At the final sip it is my favorite of the entries so far.
2021/09/10 – 10:07 pm – Left Hand Brewing Co., Oktoberfest Marzen Lager (12 oz can)
Left Hand, like Revolution has always struck me as a brand that does its own thing in homage rather than trying to follow the expectations of the styles they release. Personally, I bought this to help fill a second six because I haven’t had a lot of luck with the Left Hand entries I’ve tried so far. It is the right color and texture, but everything else about this is off. Very bitter both on intake and in the aftertaste, and the only way I can describe the taste is like a generic amber ale with prominent notes somewhere between boiled peanuts and raw organic vegan peanut butter. As far as a marzen style goes, this is the strangest of the ones I’ve tasted, and only the Brooklyn entry left a worse impression. Did not enjoy this one at all, and this makes me suspicious of the other styles Left Hand has made available.
2021/09/11 – 5:40 pm – Odell Brewing Co., Oktoberfest Marzen Style Lager Seasonal (12 oz can)
ODell is a name I’ve only recently encountered, and this is my first exposure to their work. This one has a heavy wheat/barley taste that is overpowering any other characteristics usually found in an Oktoberfest-styled Marzen. (That bready kind of taste or the fullness). That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, but kind of ran into the difficulty I had with an earlier entry in thinking that I wouldn’t have noticed much of a difference (aside from the amber color) that this was an Oktoberfest if I hadn’t seen it on the can. There are still several more brands in the list to try, and this one will likely land in the top half.
2021/09/12 – 4:40 pm – Hacker Pschorr – Oktoberfest Marzen (12 oz bottle)
Wasn’t really sure what Hacker Pschorr would bring to the Marzen game, but this is quite impressive. The first sip is a little overwhelming, but each sip got better and as I reach the end of this glass, I’m wishing I had another bottle or two on hand. It’s the color of popcorn seeds and has a bit of spice, pine, and wheat all competing to be the first noticeable notes. But it goes down with a quick and clean finish that rivals even the Sierra Nevada. Among the entries so far, I think we have a new leader.
2021/09/13 – 6:24 pm – Victory Festbier Marzen Style Lager (12 oz bottle)
The label is so retro, and I’m unsure it would’ve made the cut into the second sixer if I wasn’t ultimately trying to select all Oktoberfest-style beers. It is a darker brown color and tastes like dark rye bread that was dunked in a glass of Coors until it was no longer solid food on its own. While the texture is quite good, the taste is a bit harsh with a dry and bitter aftertaste that feels anything but clean. This one falls a few because of that aftertaste. The label is pretty cool, and like the mixture of light and dark blues.
2021/09/16 – 7:15 pm – Bell’s Octoberfest Marzen (12 oz bottle)
The color and scent of the beer out of the bottle and into the glass was as good as any I’ve tried throughout this comparison list. Slightly heavier than most of the others with a satisfying mouthfeel and a little acidic. Solid and tasty enough to get close to the top, but the sour aftertaste keeps it from getting all the way. My other advice is that the colder you can serve this, the better it will taste. The first few sips were very satisfying, but it gradually thawed to a vinegar-y soda bread taste and the aftertaste grew stronger. Still, I look forward to having another one of these somewhere down the line.
2021/09/17 – 10:25 pm – Goose Island Beer Co. Oktoberfest Marzen (12 oz can)
Quite good and tasty. Have been hitting a pretty solid streak. The right color, and the flavor and texture definitely matched up to the Marzen profile I’ve been collecting these past two weeks. A little bread-y, but quite satisfying with a wheat-y aftertaste. Really liked this one.
2021/09/18 – 11:20 pm – Allgauer Festbier, Duble Bier (12 oz. bottle)
This tastes like Grandpa left his beer outside again, and wondering if an animal peed in this or if it just got sprayed by a skunk. It does have a slightly satisfying pumpernickel-dark dry rye quality to the aftertaste, which prevents this from bottoming out the list. Still, I could expect a skunky beer on occasion in the ’90’s (particularly with all of the green beer bottles used at the time), but in the absence of jetpacks, couldn’t we at least figure out a way to eliminate that quality? Perhaps a sticker near the neck of the bottle saying “Now with extra skunky quality” for the stoners who’ve already enjoyed some patchouli oil and a one-hitter of low quality ditchweed. (Perhaps I have issues.) With all this earthiness, there is no absence of flavor but the overall mix is a bit strong and full for my taste.
2021/09/19 – 2:45 pm (?) – Foxtown Octoberfest (16 oz. draft)
Took Laurie to the Wine Harvest Festival in Cedarburg today and stopped to get a fresh taste of an Oktoberfest beer. This offering from Foxtown was quite good, bordering on the best I’ve had in this rotation. The first sip revealed a rather strong aftertaste, but further sips of this caramel-colored goodness earned raves from both Laurie and me, featuring a rich beer flavor with slight bready notes.
2021/09/20 – 5:45 pm – Rhinelander Oktoberfest Bier (12 oz bottle)
I haven’t seen a Rhinelander beer since I was in middle school; and can’t say as I’ve ever tasted a traditional Rhinelander in can, bottle, or on top. This one tastes a little yeasty and finished bitterly with a somewhat vinegary quality to it. Though nearly full enough to chew, I was hoping for something a little more subtle in flavor… Not the worst of the round, but feels like a step down in quality in comparison to many on this list.
2021/09/22 – 6:40 pm – Great Lakes Brewing Co., Oktoberfest Marzen Style Lager (12 oz can)
Not used to Great Lakes in a can. Have always enjoyed their tap items, and have had generally positive results with bottles in the 20-plus years that I’ve known about them. This is a decent beer. You could do better, but you could do far worse. Solid wheat and bread notes, full mouthfeel, and overall an easy drinker for this heavy a beer style. I like it and would drink it again, but would understand if others felt like holding out for the better stuff.
2021/09/23 – 6:20 pm – Aect Gehlenferia Rauchbier (Ges Gersch) Marzen [Smokebeer] (1 pint bottle)
Bought this in a bomber so that I could try it. Unfortunately did not see the mention of “Smokebeer” or I likely would’ve let it go. This one definitely is ‘smokebeer’ with a smoked meats aftertaste. Though considered a Marzen (which is closest to Oktoberfest style), I really felt this was a darker and heavier beer than the typical style. Can’t say it was bad, but I can say that I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I had hoped to. Going to blame the smoke in basically taking this beer out of its usual balance.
2021/09/23 – 7:00 pm – Rhinegeist Franz Oktoberfest Beer (12 oz. can)
This Cincy-craft beer maker has craftily named this beer Franz and made it a character in a beer story. In this instance, discussing the inspiration for the Franz beer as being a dreamer and an autumnal creature that went up the mountain on a crisp fall day and returned (with Munich and Vienna hops) to full strength and great ideas. Unfortunately, I went oh-fer on my two choices today. I can imagine more sophisticated hop-head beer drinkers rejoicing over a beer such as this; but I’m struggling with how much the piney qualities have overtaken the bready ones here. There is a bitterness that I just can’t find my way past on this one.
2021/09/26 – 9:20 pm – Cary Ale House, Das Bier Von Satan Marzen (32 oz. Crowler)
I was disappointed when I met Laurie for a meal at Cary Ale House a week ago and that they didn’t have their Oktoberfest beer online yet. Each year, I’ve always been able to enjoy at least one draft of it during this time, and while not quite Piece or Ayinger, it has always brought me joy. Well, after a night in Arlington Heights Alfresco with Laurie, I learned that Cary Ale House were having their own Oktoberfest party. I stopped off on the drive home determined to either enjoy a pint onsite or bring something back with me. Learned that Cary Ale House does a 32 oz. aluminum can that they call a “crowler” for their to-go orders. Watched the server fill the can from the tap, put a top on the can and then run it through a device that sealed the top to the can so that there was no leak and no oxygen getting through. The science alone was enough to put this in the top half. But after 24 hours in the fridge it reached a particularly good chilled temperature and when I popped the tab it was as fresh as if it was drawn from the tap. This one is a heavier beer, with a rich bready flavor and a darker caramel color. Still, I was thrilled that a day later it was every bit as good as I remembered the ones I had live in the restaurant. The challenge now is trying to determine when I will get the opportunity to get up to Mequon to grab another Foxtown OF beer, as these were the only ‘draft’ entries I’ve had this season. Hoping I will get the chance to have a little more of both (even if 32 oz is a bit much for a single drinking session).
2021/09/27 – 5:30 pm – Hofbrau Munchen Oktoberfestbier (12 oz bottle)
Was expecting this to be a bland and somewhat generic tasting beer given both the packaging and the paler amber color as I pour this into a glass. But one sip and I have to say this is very crisp and satisfying. There is a little saltiness to it but it rounds this out in the best way. Definitely fuller and bready, but in the most enjoyable fashion. This is among the best I’ve had so far.
2021/09/28 – 6:32 pm – Haymarket Beer Co. Fest Bier German Style Lager (12 oz can)
Can definitely taste quality ingredients and skill in this darker lager, but there is something a little off for me. It starts off full and tasty, but closes a little too piney for my taste. Does not seem to be the kind of beer one would try to overpack bitter hops into, and someone who is really into hop-heavy IPA’s probably would barely notice. (Though the cartoon acorn-shaped hops drawn inside the ‘H’ on the can should’ve been an advance hint were I more astute.) An interesting fusion seeming closer to an amber IPA than a traditional Marzen, and a quality beer. I just haven’t grown that immunity to hop bitterness yet.
2021/09/29 – 5:50 pm – Weihenstephaner Festbier (12 oz bottle)
Comparable to the Hofbrau, but like a low-res mp3 to a compact disc. The salty and wheat-y notes are there, but not as well blended, nor as clean a finish… Felt a little like I was drinking grandpa’s beer again. Probably could do a lot worse, but this wasn’t as smooth or as tasty as I’d hoped.
2021/10/02 – 11:40 pm – Metropolitan Brewing Afterburner Oktoberfest Lager Beer (12 oz. can)
This beer was not made for mortals, but for those who crave ultra-bitter and a somewhat dry finish. Afterburner does to beer what Texas does to chili. Lost on a novice like me. I feel badly for taking one of these out of circulation from someone who would’ve really appreciated this. I sure didn’t.
2021/10/03 – 5:05 pm – Off Color Brewing Waddle Oktoberfest Lager (16 oz. can)
A nice and tasty Oktoberfest that is a little sweet and a bit bready. Finishes with a nice crisp quality and is fairly full in terms of mouthfeel. This is a really good example of the Oktoberfest style and would be a fairly easy regular drinker in comparison to the heavier and hoppier varieties. Somewhat reminiscent of what I liked about the Foxtown entry, but lacking a knock-out quality that would make this a top 5 entry for me. Still one of the better ones I’ve had so far.
2021/10/09 – 11:50 pm – Paulaner Munchen – Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen (12 oz bottle)
One of the classic German Oktoberfest brews, but I seem to know it best as the ‘leftover’ Oktoberfest beer. My first Ayinger experience had me in a spot where I so enjoyed the Oktoberfest style, that after I had finished the initial stash I went looking for more. Unfortunately, despite it being October, there was no Ayinger to be found in the normal or larger bottles. Paulaner was the only one of the original Oktoberfest beers still in stock, so I bought it. This was several years ago, so after being disappointed by the first bottle, I gifted the remaining 5 to someone else. On this pass, I still feel like this is a little more grainy and the taste is a little stale to me than most of the other entries. While it finishes crisp and smooth, I just wish it was either a little sweeter or had some more sophisticated notes. Solid, but unremarkable.
2021/10/12 – 6:45 pm – Spiteful Brewing – Spiteful Oktoberfest (16 oz can)
Having really enjoyed Spiteful Brewing’s O’Leary’s Cow (Chocolate Milk Stout) most of last winter, I was eager to give this Oktoberfest a try, but had to buy it in a 4-pack as it didn’t make it to the stray beers’ section. The color, body, and mouthfeel are quite good in terms of an Oktoberfest. There is a slight rye bread-ish flavor to this that is throwing me a little bit. Still, it is quite enjoyable, crisp, and fits the style as well as any other local brewer’s entry.
2021/10/14 – 6:40 pm – Alesmith – Aleschmidt Oktoberfest (12 oz can)
First taste was fairly ordinary, but the more of this I had the more I liked it. Very crisp and creamy at the same time. A nice beer flavor that doesn’t overwhelm or weigh you down. This was quite good, and hoping I will get another one before the season ends.
2021/10/15 – 5:55 pm – Half Acre – Lagertown Octoberfest (16 oz. can)
From the bright brassy color to the perfectly shaped foam head, everything about this Octoberfest suggested next level. To my tastes, this is a little over-carbonated and heavy with a slightly metallic aftertaste. That said, at the coldest sips this was a full and crisp beer with good Marzen characteristics. While not one of my overall favorites, this is a more-than-satisfactory example of this beer style, and would gladly drink it in the absence of the other beers that were higher on this list.
2021/10/17 – 5:40 pm – Scorched Earth, Oktoberfest (1 pint draft)
After a nice day spent antiquing with Laurie, I ended up with a little time to grab a brew outside at Scorched Earth in Algonquin. Ended up with a pint pour of their Oktoberfest and a 4-pack of the dark German lager. This was a treat, and I really did enjoy it. Cold, crisp and a good balanced flavor. While I still preferred the Cary Ale House and Foxtown brews a little more, this was a fairly good entry.
2021/10/22 – 11:15 pm – Holzlager Oktoberfest Marzen (16 oz. can)
Picked up a four-pack of the Oktoberfest this week, and this is the 3rd can of the bunch. (Wasn’t near the computer to write the result.) Overall, I think this is a fairly solid example of Marzen beer, but there is a prevailing doughy sourness to this that just messes with me. Hoping I may have an opportunity to get one fresh from the tap before Halloween to see if it’s a better experience. If not for that slightly sour staleness, this would be among my favorites. Having the right color, carbonation, and overall fullness, it is disappointing to see it fall a little short.
2021/10/30 – 6:36 pm – Urban Chestnut Brewing Company – O-KATZ Oktoberfest Lager (16 oz. can)
After going through another round of my favorites the past week, I uncovered a few more Oktoberfest beers that I didn’t get the chance to cover. This one has a slightly skunky quality and tastes suspiciously close to granddad’s beer, but there is a fullness to this that I am enjoying. It is rich and tasty, but the odor-profile is throwing me a little. Wondering if I waited too long to drink it, or it this is as it was originally intended. (Marzen-style beers haven’t kept particularly well for me in the past.)
2021/11/04 – 6:24 pm – Point Oktoberfest Marzen-style (12 oz. bottle)
Full rich beer with great mouthfeel. If not for the slightly piney taste, this would have finished a lot higher. Still I was expecting another granddad’s beer, and this was pleasantly different than I had imagined.
2021/11/06 – 3:40 pm – Kishwaukee Brewing Marzen (12 oz. bottle)
Someone at Binny’s recommended this one as a top Oktoberfest-style beer. Picked a six of of it thinking it would be enjoyable, and on first exposure am not so sure. The characteristics are right (dark orange/tan color, carbonation, full bready taste); but there’s a kind of pine-meets-soap kind of taste to this one. It does finish crisp and clean; but not enough to make me forget my initial thoughts on this.
2021/11/10 – 5:10 pm – Spaten Oktoberfest UA Marzen (12 oz. bottle)
It was a rough way to cap a shortened teaching week, and instead of going for something I knew I’d enjoy I went here. I had had Spaten beer before, but never their Oktoberfest. Despite the green bottle, this did not have a skunky quality; but was still very rich, aromatic, and full. Really enjoyed this one.
2021/11/11 – 5:30 pm – Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Oaktoberfest Oak-Aged Lager (12 oz. bottle)
The final Oktoberfest-styled beer in my purchase, and have to say it felt more like a nut-brown ale than a Marzen-styled lager. This one was a little bitter and definitely oak-y; completely betraying the dark orange hue and the heft of the beer. Had a slightly smoky quality as well. Someone with more sophisticated beer taste might really appreciate this, but I just didn’t feel it did Marzen or oak barrel aging any favors.
2021/11/24 – 10:35 pm – Phase 3 Oktoberfest German-Style Lager (16 oz. can)
I thought my Oktoberfest days for 2021 were done before being gifted a small lot from my friend, Adam. I have been looking forward to trying a Phase 3 beer, and this Oktoberfest was an interesting place to start. On first sip, I like the fullness of this beer and a quality that is more wheat-y than pine-y. There is a slight sweetness though that is throwing me a little bit. Color and heft is fully accurate, but this may be a little heavy to be more than an occasional tipple.
2021/12/21 – 10:20 pm – Sketchbook Brewing Company, Oktoberfest (16 oz. can)
Was looking forward to this one after a short hiatus from Oktoberfest-styled beers. Clean and hefty pour with a rich dark amber color. Substantial without being chewy, though the carbonation is hitting me a little weirdly… concerning me that this particular pint may not settle gently. Good flavor with a pleasant aftertaste… it does linger, but unlike others the aftertaste doesn’t go sour, nutty, pine-y, or grainy… it is almost exactly the same as it went in. If not for that carbonation, this would’ve finished a bit higher.
2022/01/03 – 6:18 pm – On Tour Brewing Company, Oktoberfest Marzen (16 oz. can)
After reacquainting myself with some stouts, I finally am looking to wrap up the rest of the Oktoberfest beers I’ve collected from the past season. This one was given to me from Adam with high recommendation (which is probably the reason why I didn’t finish it before the holidays). This has all the correct identifiers of a decent Marzen (dark caramel color, slight carbonation, heft-without-chewy-ness, etc.) On the first sip, I have to say this may be among the best beers I’ve had ever. Flavorful without aftertaste, some hop quality without being too piney; and just a good mouthfeel balance for me. While I recognize that this was one of the longer stretches of palate cleansing (few if any Marzen beers has been sampled since Christmas); I’m enjoying this more than I have my recent excursion through chocolate milk stout examples. The Hacker-Schorr entry impressed me, and I really enjoyed the Foxtown version of the Marzen; but this is as close as I’ve gotten to that fabled growler of Piece Oktoberfest from several years back or the first few rounds of Ayinger. Next year, it will definitely be Ayinger, On Tour, and Foxtown as my pre-season picks for next year.
2022/01/08 – 6:33 pm – Dovetail Brewery, Festbier (16 oz can)
This is another entry that I got from Adam. The can describes itself as “malty, autumn-colored, party-making”, and my primary hope is that it doesn’t color my winter mood. [Seriously, we’ve had an ice storm for going on two hours now that is anything but autumnal…] It does appear a little lighter and more carbonated than most of the OF beers I’ve had. On first taste, it’s not quite ‘granddad’s beer’ but a bit bitter for me with a slight aftertaste. I like it, but feel that this beer would appear to be far more flavorful and refreshing if served with something incredibly salty or spicy. The bitterness seems like it would take the edge off. Maybe it is a mistake to be drinking these beers without snacks or a plate of wings or something. I like this beer, though it definitely was aiming for a more sophisticated palate than mine.
2022/01/08 7:02 pm – Maplewood Festbier Lager (16 oz. can)
It’s an icy Saturday night, and I know I’m not going anywhere, so I will bend my usual rule and have another. This Maplewood was also gifted to me from Adam. I’ve had several Maplewood beers in the past, and I will admit that my experiences have been a bit erratic. Appreciated one of their milkshake beers, but have found some of their other stuff to be a bit more sophisticated than I need. On first pour this thing is fizzling like the most aggressive soda pop I’ve seen. Color is a little lighter than I’d expect as well. On first taste, I have to admit really enjoying this one as well. It is a little fuller than I was expecting, but only a slight piney quality prevents this from being among the best I’ve had as well. This also was likely aiming for a slightly more sophisticated palate than mine, but think this particular beer would go well with a salty charcuterie tray or a spicy-salty BBQ meat menu. A very good beer challenging the great.
Recap:
40. Left Hand Brewing Co., Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
39. Brooklyn Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
38. Victory Festbier Marzen-Style Lager
37. Metropolitan Brewing Afterburner Oktoberfest Lager
36. Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Oaktoberfest Oak-Aged Lager
35. Allgauer Festbier Duble Bier
34 Aecht Gehlenferla Rauchbier (Ges Gersch) Marzen
33 Paulaner Munchen Oktoberfest Marzen
32. Weihenstephaner Festbier
31. Rhinelander Oktoberfest Bier
30. Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Amber Marzen
29. Haymarket Beer Co. Fest Bier – German Style Lager
28. Rhinegeist Franz Oktoberfest Beer
27. Kishwaukee Marzen
26. Crystal Lake Brewing, Dry Land Series German Style Oktoberfest
25. Shiner Oktoberfest, Marzen Style Beer
24. O’Dell Brewing Co. Oktoberfest Marzen Style Lager Seasonal
23. Phase 3 Oktoberfest German-Styled Lager
22. Half-Acre Lagertown Octoberfest
21. Samuel Adam’s Oktoberfest
20. Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, O-KATZ Oktoberfest Lager
19. Dovetail Brewery Festbier
18. Holzlager Oktoberfest Marzen
17. Spiteful Brewing Spiteful Oktoberfest
16. Point Oktoberfest, Marzen-style
15. Scorched Earth, Oktoberfest
14. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Marzen Style Lager
13. Bell’s Octoberfest Beer Marzen
12. Alesmith Aleschmidt Oktoberfest
11. Sketchbook Brewing Company Oktoberfest
10. Off Color Brewing Waddle Oktoberfest Lager
9. Goose Island Beer Co. Oktoberfest Marzen
8. Spaten Oktoberfest UA Marzen
7. Maplewood Festbier
6. Revolution Brewing Oktoberfest German Style Lager
5. Cary Ale House Das Bier Von Satan Marzen
4. Hofbrau Munchen Oktoberfestbier
3. Foxtown Oktoberfest Lager
2. Hacker Pschorr – Oktoberfest Marzen
1. On Tour Brewing Company – Oktoberfest Marzen
And your ears shall hear... 
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