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I'm a fan of summer. I like warm days, and that's why I moved to the south. Well, it's not the only reason I moved to the South, but it was a compelling one. It is this time of year that things start to cool down and I start to realize that the shorter days means it's going to get cold soon. To somewhat ameliorate that, breweries come out with beverages for the time of year to celebrate it. Octoberfest are one of those kinds of beers that allow me to appreciate the change of the seasons and the different kinds of beverages that would go well in them.
The caramel colored beverage doesn't produce a whole bunch of head, but it doesn't really need to, does it? What head there is dissipates pretty quickly, and a dusting of bubbles is all that's left on top. I don't even get a full ring around the sides of the glass. The aroma is faint and malty. I'm willing to bet that there are spices in this beverage, but I can't smell them from where I am; and where I am is very close to the beverage. I guess I'm going to have to drink this to find out what it tastes like, and that seems reasonable enough.
First sip is strikingly crisp with a caramel and bread malt merging into light spices. Some people like their pumpkin spice lattes, but I will take the spice that comes in a Octoberfest any day of the week. The malt is giving it a good amount of heft, and that leads to a rather enjoyable experience. What could be a better experience is actually gulping.
Tip-in is quite a bit of carbonation alongside spices and caramel malt that is joined by a bit of bread. The middle is quite drinkable with the spices mellowing out and letting the malt drive the heft and flavor home; a nice nuttiness joins in. The finish is a little more abrasive with the spices becoming a little too tinny and the malt not able to compensate.
Bottom Line: A pretty good Octoberfest.
2.75/5
