Das Beer!
That’s about all the German I know, but all I need.
As I poured Spaten’s Oktoberfest into my goblet, I was a little surprised. I was expecting to see a clear golden lager but instead a beautiful clear amber brew filled the glass with minimal head. I believe in the past Spaten has put out a more pale Marzen, which may have lead to my presumption. It was almost copperish in color. without even trying I could smell the malt, as Mike predicted. It was a sweet malty smell, slightly spiced/herbal smelling.
As it hit my tongue it was a little drier than I expected, but as I concentrated on the beer the sweet malty flavor takes over. It had a slightly bready taste. As the beer washes down a hoppy (but very subtle) metalic flavor remains for a pleasent aftertaste. The beer had a bitter quality that was quite nice that was present from the first smell to the finish that complimented the sweetness well.
Overall, I enjoyed the beer. I liked the warmth in my mouth, the roasted malt flavor, and the bitter finish. Until we put together a grading scale here at THFB (this weeks project) I will say it wasn’t the best I ever had; that is, it hasn’t left a lasting impression like other beers have, but I would buy it again.
[...] Nate wrote a fantastic post today on “Spaten Oktoberfestbier Review”Here’s ONLY a quick extractAs it hit my tongue it was a little drier than I expected, but as I concentrated on the beer the sweet malty flavor takes over. It had a slightly bready taste. As the beer washes down a hoppy (but very subtle) metalic flavor remains for … [...]
Let me add a couple notes about my impressions of the beer. I noted a nice dry malty finish to the beer. Maybe I would go so far as to describe it as woody and acidic. Another impression that I got was (although it didn’t retain its head) that the beer was very bubbly. One other note that I got on the finish was a hint of very palatable honey characteristics. I do want to note too that originally a Marzen was brewed in March, hence the name. It was also stored in very cold caves (this is where Lagering originally came from) until supplies ran out. Typically, this was September and October. Hence the name of the beer. The additional grains in the beer added the color that Nate mentioned. However, their real purpose was to help the beer to keep longer.
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Let me start by saying I am a huge fan of domestic light beer. I rarely stray from these beers as well. But I am one for trying different beers in hope that I will find another beer to drink my stupidity away. Friday night, 2 friends and myself chipped in on a six pack of this Spaten Oktoberfest. We each poured a good half a bottle in our glasses and began with smelling the beer. It smelled light, crisp. I took the first taste, and my friends knowing me, expected me to make a bitter face. But I did not. I actually found this beer to be very pleasant to drink. It was smooth, and easy for me to enjoy. Only one of us three that night found the taste to be unpleasant, but everyone has different tastes. I’d like to thank Mike for mentioning this site and the suggestion of new beers for me to try, and look forward to this week’s beer of choice.
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Dave,
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad that you liked this beer. Like you said, “everyone’s tastes are different”. I know that over the course of suggesting beers on here, we will surely pick some beers that people (including us) won’t like. The point is to keep doing what you are doing…trying new ones. I know that the more I’ve tried the more I appreciate things about beers (even the ones I don’t like). Actually, the post you added is a good way for me to move into what I’m writing tonight.
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I enjoyed the Spaten as well. Crisp and bubbly, yet complex and flavorful.
Cheers!
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Cheers to you to friend! I’m glad you liked the beer!
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I know it is very late but this is by far my favorite Marzen out there. I can’t wait for the fall just to drink this.
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