O zapft is!

Oktoberfest is finally here, God bless us all!  The transition period to darker, richer beers is officially here, and I would like to tell you about a few of the better Oktoberfest beers I’ve had.

Spaten Oktoberfest Ur-Marzen, from Munich, Bavaria, birthplace of Oktoberfest (yay!) is a beautiful amber brew with a persistent, fine head, a malty bouquet with a hint of butterscotch and a silky smooth texture.  It feels substantial in the mouth, creamy, but not overbearing.  The finish is malty and smooth.  Let it breathe a moment before drinking, because a typical American refrigerator is going to make this beer to cold to fully enjoy.  To me, it is the best example of the style, foreigh or domestic.

Closer to home, Augsburger Oktoberfest Bier is a beautiful light amber with mild carbonation and a fine head that leaves enough Brussels lace to belie it’s lighter appearance.  It has a mild, sweet carmel aroma and a dry hoppiness.  A hint of roasted malt in the finish and not too sweet.  Finishes clean, very quaffable.

Others of note…Capital Brewery Oktoberfest, Hofbrau Oktoberfest and Josephsbrau Oktoberfest.

Sad news.  Michael Jackson, beer reviewer and champion of the resugence of craft brewing, passed away recently in his London home after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.