As I write this, it is properly Oktoberfest in late September (yes, my lead time is too long). Why is Oktoberfest in September? Some odd German reason I can't be bothered to look up right now, but I'm sure it has to do with the harvest or something. I don't have a dedicated glass for Oktoberfest beers (even though I have more than one for wheat ales or IPAs) and I am starting to wonder if I should really fix that. Well, not tonight. Tonight is Monday Night's attempt at a Märzen lager (even though Märzen means a March beer... I'm starting to wonder what the German calendar actually looks like).
The very copper colored beer produces a reasonable head with a fairly strong pour. There is almost no retention of the head - a smattering of bubbles in tiny wisps across the top of the beer are an attempt at covering the nakedness. The aroma is deep bread dough with some very gentle spices on top. It's not as in-your-face as most of the other Oktoberfests I've had.First sip is spices and an unexpectedly caramel malt with some bread leaning over and wondering why it was featured so much in the aroma. The overall sip is quite sublime. Most of these beers are trying hard - like an oompah band just belting out a tune and the momentum is enough to carry everyone though into enjoying what they may not like in other circumstances.
Tip-in is moderate carbonation burn atop bread crust and a bit of dryness. The middle rolls with sudden carbonation on the roof of the mouth that overwhelms the otherwise demure beer that is positively shrinking in response to the carbonation and remaining dryness. The malt starts to turn caramel as a few spices join the dry trail-off.
Bottom Line: It could have been something.
2.5/5