In Reply To #1 Troutbrook's O'Fest, silver medal GABF 2002. :) Personally, I think the style is boring, but that's me. It seems the German versions taste the best, and American versions aren't quite up to par with the exception of Troutbrook. Give Spaten's O'Fest a try.

In Reply To #1 You are correct...Now it IS NOT too early....Penn Brewery's Oktoberfest is next weekend, in correlation with the one in Munich....Can't wait, baby!......as for the beers themselves, see my thread about Hacker-Pshorr OkFest Brew...It blew me away! Oiz

Tried the Magic Hat Jinx yesterday! PRetty good but I don't think I'm too high on the style either. Is that a beer that only comes out at this time? I think so...

In Reply To #4 Yep, it's a fall seasonal, and a beer I pick up every fall. Last year they released a similar smoked beer with their winter mix packs called Batch 622. I liked it quite a bit, I hope they bring it back soon. It had a nice chocolaty undertone and a fuller body than Jinx. Maybe my pestering e-mails will be answered soon. If you want to try it, pester magic hat and maybe they'll bring it back like they did with Hi.P.A. - ForWhomtheBellTolls@magichat.net If you really want to try some insane smoke beers, look for the Aecht beers I mentioned earlier in another thread. Also, Paper City in Holyoke, MA released a smoked porter that was very good. You may still be able to find it around if you look hard enough. I think you'd like it, since it's smooth, chocolaty, but not as roasty as most stouts and porters. Nice coffee flavors as well. Not sure if they still brew it, but if they do hopefully you can find some.

Saranac Octoberfest is about the only one that I have tried. It is very enjoyable but I have nothing to comapre it to. Luckily, I am due for a beer run so I will see what I can come up with.

In Reply To #2 I'll second the Spaten O'fest. An excellent lager. I'd also recommend Paulaner's O'fest as well.

In Reply To #1 I am visiting the states at the moment, but on my return to the forest, it will be in time for the local Oktoberfest, which is nothing like the famous one in Munchen. The local brews for fall are Bock biers, and the events are built around the slaughter of swine. The Oktoberfest biers sent to the states are nothing like the ones served in Munchen at the fest-the bier there tends to be deep gold in color, not the amber brew we are used to seeing. The trouble with the big party is it is very expensive, and way crowded with tourist from England and italy just to mention a few places.No surprise Sham Adams produces a lack luster version of Oktoberfest, it is typical of their style or brewing. On my retrun, it is not only Fest time, but in the Forest fall is stark bier season, I will report on it in mid Oktober. If you can find Aktien Oktoberfest, Allgauer, or Weltenburg fest biers, you have a shot at drinking as close to the real deal as it gets in the states.

In Reply To #8 Hey, Brad! Nice to hear from you. Been awhile! Enjoy your visit here stateside. I will look for your reports in mid-Oktober.