Right on the heels of the rather disappointing Wiseacre entry of Oktoberfests, I came across the version from the famous lawyers from Tennessee. I freely admit that this is not my favorite style, but it's cold outside right now, and a spiced beer has no better chance of becoming an inviting beverage than this kind of night. I hope this is the one.
The clear, mahogany beer produces less head than I anticipated, and it’s gone pretty quickly with no lacing and a spiderweb of small bubbles floating on top. The aroma of molasses and spices is a departure from the last Oktoberfest I had. This is a lot more malt and a lot less spices, as I perceive them. I’m trying to say that this is promising.First sip is a lot more spices than the smell led me to believe. They are enveloped in a sea of molasses and honey, but the sweetness from those two is more of a dryness that has a bitter and almost tart hue to it that isn’t necessarily improving things. I mean, sipping an Oktoberfest isn’t actually a thing, is it?
Tip-in is light carbonation tingle over wood and earth with molasses bringing sweetness into the fold quite unexpectedly. The middle is a thick helping of molasses and honey with the carbonation still just highlighting the outsides as the sweetness drains from the beverage entirely. The finish is spices and flowers with a dry and slightly bitter trail-off.
Bottom Line: Better than most Oktoberfests.
3.5/5