Urban South Oktoberfest

Every beer I've had from Urban South so far has been solidly in the great category. I for one certainly hope they keep it going, as I went out and bought this Oktoberfest. For you hardliners, don't worry, I didn't drink it in October. I just have a bit of a lag on my review postings, so this is showing up later than it should. In fact, there may be some other Oktoberfests coming that are similarly delayed. Nevertheless, we have this beverage from Louisiana in the glass tonight, so I'm going to drink.

The beer is copper-amber and clear as the driven snow. The head comes out a bit with the pour, and lacing is left in its wake quite pleasingly. The scattered mist of bubbles left on top are like the inching forward of ice as it tries to freeze a lake. The aroma is a sweet caramel malt and light spices. I used to have kind of a thing about how I didn't like Oktoberfests, but this is reminding me of some of their more charming features. 

First sip is reinforcing the idea that these beers have a style and delight that is all their own. The spices mix with what is, in fact, a malt of caramel and toffee. The effect is a very smooth and complex beverage that isn't particularly difficult to appreciate. It's sweet, spicy, and it yearns for a cool autumnal evening. 

Tip-in is moderate carbonation burn with nuts and toffee. The middle falls into spices as caramel and nuts merge with it in a solid center under a halo of furious carbonation. The finish is a dryness and wood that creep in under the spices to raise everything up before sinking into a spicy trail-off.

Bottom Line: [insert positive German word here.]

3.75/5