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Oktoberfests - 2015
General Beer Discussion by KINGER
Oktoberfest Marzen........one of my all time favorite beer styles. This year I compiled single bottles of every decent festbier in my area and have been enjoying the variety along with analyzing each one based on the others and my past reviews. Without getting into too much detail the stand outs this year somewhat in order of preference: 1. Ayinger - this one leaped to the top kicking out Paulaner to take the top spot. Out of the 20+ offerings I've sampled this one undeniably is head of the class. 2. Paulaner - classic and still enjoyable, but Ayinger is better. 3. Sierra Nevada Brauhaus Riegele - new offering to me, this stands out as the best example from the good ol' USA. Mild well rounded flavor, huge German influence, crisp and highly carbonated. 4. Summit - I've always loved this one, now available in cans and still kicking ass! One of the stronger versions, but drinks with ease. 5. Spaten - Quality stood out this year more so than I remembered. The third best of the authentic German offerings, surprised my how much I enjoyed it this time around. 6. Samuel Adams - say what you will about this brewery, their Oktoberfest has stood the test of time to me. Heartier than the others above and more of the Americanized versions of this style...I've always looked forward to this one, and another bonus for being available in cans. 7. Thirsty Dog / The Brew Kettle - Two of the local favorites. Great Lakes used to captivate me but this year's version from them is lacking...Akron's Dog leaps to represent oHIo in my fridge & Brew Kettle is always solid. Both are More akin to Sam Adams, huge flavors.
9 years ago
SLOWRUNNER77
84439
I agree the Sierra Nevada collab is a pretty great example of the style, and after one weak year, Sam Adams version has been very solid. Ayinger is always a favorite, and for a non-traditional Marzen, but a good one, I like Great Divide Hoss Rye Lager.
THOMASSOVA4
22062
Love seeing top raters still contributing here. I still love Sam Adams' Oktoberfest.
BLUESANDBARBQ
74923
Great list kinger. I'd add Free State Octoberfest and local favorite Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest (their best beer) to your offerings. I also agree that the style is definitely one of my favorites. Prost!
I am not sure if you've been able to get any from Great Lakes this year, but I noticed a distinct decline in flavor. Typically I buy they hell out of GL Oktoberfest 12-packs...but not this year. Nothing drastic, but I've noticed less enjoyment out of Great Lakes offerings over the past year. I hope it's just temporary perception, and not a bigger issue.
quote: Originally posted by bluesandbarbq
Great list kinger. I'd add Free State Octoberfest and local favorite Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest (their best beer) to your offerings. I also agree that the style is definitely one of my favorites. Prost!
Sham Adams oktoberfest is THE WORST version of this style and a complete fraud. Wrong color, wrong, taste a sickening quality to the high that is just AWFUL. Drink some last night..yea it stands the test of time, same puke every year. By the way the Okto from Paulaner and Spaten or Nothing like the real deal unless you get Paulaner Oktoberfest Wiesen...its close but pasteurized. Its not your fault, what is sold in the states are castrated frauds...drinkers here mostly know no better, take it from a bier Nazi