Octoberfest!

Fall marks not only a change in season, but also a change in beer as we go from the light, crisp, hoppy, refreshing beers of summer, or a heartier beer in preparation for the colder nights and upcoming winter. Traditionally "Oktoberfest" (or Märzen) beers were brewed in March (Märzen) (because, before refrigeration, brewing wasn't possible in the summer....that and all the bacteria problems from the wonderful hygiene practiced back in the day). The origin of Oktoberfest the festival was October 1810 when Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (King Ludwig I) celebrated his marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen (yes, she was hot...she had huge...tracks of land........ no Cindy, that's from something). What made this festival something to remember, was that Ludwig built a drum set (not really), but he did invite the public to celebrate with them (thus violating the traditional non-mingling of royalty and common folk). This festival took place in Munich...which, of course, still holds the festival today which lasts about 16 days, during which over 5million liters of beer are consumed. While most of our local Oktoberfest celebrations have come and gone, the actual Oktoberfest still has about one more week.



In the spirit of fall and Oktoberfest, i'm trying as many "Oktoberfest" style beers as i can, and as of today i'm only at 6 (but counting). i'd like to post my reviews of the beers, but i'd also like anybody else to post their reviews of any "Oktoberfest" beers that they've had as well.



So, what is an Oktoberfest style beer? They're typically darker(dark copper), full-bodied, malty beers with a distinct roasted taste (toasty). This is more of a general statement as there are multitudes of different "Oktoberfest" beers produced (as each brewery will have a different recipe). Some are lagers, some are ales, and once in a while they're just beer with an Oktoberfest label. However, most (in my experience) are really good beers.



How to review a beer? Good question. There's obviously no one right answer, but here's a good reference guide from the guys at Beeradvocate:

"What to look for
There are five categories to evaluating a beer with your review:

Appearance - Note the beer's color, carbonation, head and its retention. Is it clear or cloudy? Does it look lackluster and dull or alive and inviting?

Smell - Bring the beer to your nose. Note the beer's aromatic qualities. Malts: sweet, roasty, smoky, toasty, chocolaty, nutty, caramelly, biscuity? Hops: dank / resiny, herbal, perfumy, spicy, leafy, grassy, floral, piney, citrusy? Yeast will also create aromas. You might get fruity or flowery aromas (esters) from ales and very clean aromas from lagers, which will allow the malt and hop subtleties to pull through.

Taste - Take a deep sip of the beer. Note any flavors, or interpretations of flavors, that you might discover. The descriptions will be similar to what you smell. Is the beer built-well? Is there a balance between the ingredients? Was the beer brewed with a specific dominance of character in mind? How does it fit the style?
Mouthfeel - Take another sip and let it wander. Note how the beer feels on the palate and its body. Light, heavy, chewy, thin / watery, smooth or coarse? Was the beer flat, over-carbonated?
Drinkability - The beer's overall ease of consumption and your overall impression of the beer. Would you have another?"

So, more beer to come...but for now, I'm off to celebrate my anniversary with my Wife!! :)