As I write this, it is September, and those in the know will recognize that this is actually the right time of year to celebrate Oktoberfest. Why wouldn't it be October? Well, feel free to celebrate it then, too. Like St. Paddy's day, it's more of a feeling than an actual date set in stone. I picked up a few packs of the poorly named Edmund's Oast beers, and I will be wading through them in the coming days. I decided that this evening, which is overcast and starting into a fall coolness, would be just about perfect for an Oktoberfest.
The nicely clear and golden lager produces a nice head of very white bubbles. I really feel like I have to comment on how clear this is. They didn't try to go with a haziness, and I applaud a simple beer brewed the way it's supposed to be. I almost forgot what a clear beer looked like. The aroma is rich spices over a sweet malt, and I remember how nice these kinds of beers can be.
First sip is a mix of spices over a bready malt that has just about the right amount of molasses and honey sweetness to it. As seems traditional for these Oktoberfests, this feels like it needs room to really stretch out and fill the space. A little sip isn't enough to let me know what the beer really tastes like, and that is why we gulp.
Tip-in is bread crust malt with a drizzle of honey and some sunflower seeds. The middle moves into an almost breathy mix of flowers, herbs, spices, and that delightful malt. The finish brings yeast and dryness before sending spices into the trail off.
Bottom Line: Better light the fire pit and drink this all night.
3.5/5
