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Oktoberfest
Goose Island Beer Co.
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Goose Island Beer Co.
- Illinois, United States
- Style:
- Märzen
Ranked #345 - ABV:
- 5.7%
- Score:
- 81
Ranked #27,162 - Avg:
- 3.55 | pDev: 12.11%
- Reviews:
- 41
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Dec 31, 2022
- Added:
- Feb 01, 2019
- Wants:
- 2
- Gots:
- 8
SCORE
81
Good
81
Good
Notes:
Goose Oktoberfest is brimming with notes of toasted malt and freshly baked rye bread. This light bodied German lager is clean and crisp with a fine noble hop character and mild earthy bitterness that is the hallmark of Hallertau hops. Raise a few steins of Goose Oktoberfest this fall and celebrate this time honored tradition. Prost!
23 IBU
23 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by DrOfGolf from Delaware
3.5/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.5/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured into a clear glass. The pour was a deep golden color and the head was of a white color. The taste to me was what I was expecting from an Oktoberfest beer. Overall, this was definitely one I would drink again.
Oct 17, 2022
Reviewed by defunksta from North Dakota
3.6/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
3.6/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Appearance: Pours a clear, deep orange color with a strong white head. SRM of 13. (4.00)
Aroma: Strong aromas of brown bread, brown bread crust, and some brown sugar sweetness. (4.00)
Flavor: Moderate flavors of brown bread, brown bread crust, some brown sugar and watery flavors. Some booze and brown sugar off the end. (3.50)
Feel: Medium-bodied, low carbonation. Finishes slightly flat and watery. (3.00)
Compared to Revolution Oktoberfest 10/12/22: Pours a similar color, stronger aromas. More brown sugar flavor. Less bread, honey, flower. Flattery and more watery. Winner: Revolution
Overall: As others have mentioned this one is probably a B- at best. Brown sugar flavors, but that's about it. Drinks flat and watery. Of all the great beer in Chicago, this would not be one to seek out. (Rating: 3.60-)
Oct 12, 2022Aroma: Strong aromas of brown bread, brown bread crust, and some brown sugar sweetness. (4.00)
Flavor: Moderate flavors of brown bread, brown bread crust, some brown sugar and watery flavors. Some booze and brown sugar off the end. (3.50)
Feel: Medium-bodied, low carbonation. Finishes slightly flat and watery. (3.00)
Compared to Revolution Oktoberfest 10/12/22: Pours a similar color, stronger aromas. More brown sugar flavor. Less bread, honey, flower. Flattery and more watery. Winner: Revolution
Overall: As others have mentioned this one is probably a B- at best. Brown sugar flavors, but that's about it. Drinks flat and watery. Of all the great beer in Chicago, this would not be one to seek out. (Rating: 3.60-)
Reviewed by REVZEB from Illinois
3.58/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.58/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Clear amber brown body with an off-white cap. Nose leads with biscuit and malt, a hint of caramelize nuts underneath.
Taste is far more bready than expected but has slight smoke, old world thin caramel malt rounds out with a whisper of earthy hops. Body is thin, never gets watery but is right on the edge, hops are nonexistent here and finish is just flat. Meh
Oct 05, 2022Taste is far more bready than expected but has slight smoke, old world thin caramel malt rounds out with a whisper of earthy hops. Body is thin, never gets watery but is right on the edge, hops are nonexistent here and finish is just flat. Meh
Reviewed by Skywave from Oklahoma
3.33/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25
3.33/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25
Appearance:
Medium copper, Moderate head and lacing, clear, Looks inviting.
Aroma:
Malt forward as expected, Earthy, toasty, slightly nutty. Hops are grassy/floral and very faint.
Flavor:
Clean, caramelized, toasty malt on the sweet side, adequate bitterness. Malty, lingering finish.
Mouthfeel:
Medium to light, nominal CO2, smooth and refreshing, yet substantial and comforting.
Overall:
Flavors are a bit weak and nondescript. It is OK.
Sep 28, 2022Medium copper, Moderate head and lacing, clear, Looks inviting.
Aroma:
Malt forward as expected, Earthy, toasty, slightly nutty. Hops are grassy/floral and very faint.
Flavor:
Clean, caramelized, toasty malt on the sweet side, adequate bitterness. Malty, lingering finish.
Mouthfeel:
Medium to light, nominal CO2, smooth and refreshing, yet substantial and comforting.
Overall:
Flavors are a bit weak and nondescript. It is OK.
Reviewed by BJB13 from Maryland
3.41/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
3.41/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
12 ounce can poured into a dimpled mug.
L: Lighter amber, a tad bit cloudy, one finger off-white head with moderate retention.
S: Mild strength, sweet caramel
T: Malty and semi-sweet, caramel, spicy hops, earthy at times.
F: Medium body, crisp, frothy, slightly chewy.
O: OK, a little sweeter than I would like.
Sep 24, 2022L: Lighter amber, a tad bit cloudy, one finger off-white head with moderate retention.
S: Mild strength, sweet caramel
T: Malty and semi-sweet, caramel, spicy hops, earthy at times.
F: Medium body, crisp, frothy, slightly chewy.
O: OK, a little sweeter than I would like.
Reviewed by dkoehler42 from New York
2.7/5 rDev -23.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.25
2.7/5 rDev -23.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.25
Going back to an old friend, Goose Island's märzen pours a transparent amber with an off-white head. Sweet malt is clear on the nose. The taste has a metallic quality rather than the malt from the smell. It's actually unpleasant, and disappointing from such a powerhouse. Then again, I haven't been impressed with their latest beers since the last few years. They need to work on their quality control.
Sep 22, 2022
Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania
3.97/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.97/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Goose Island Beer Co. "Oktoberfest"
12 fl. oz. can. "DRINK BY DATE 16JAN22 BF1803"
$2.29 @ Total Wine & More, Cherry Hill, NJ
Notes via stream of consciousness: It's poured a clear deep amber colored body beneath a standard-sized head of white foam. The aroma is pleasantly bready and sweet. No hops come through but that's perfectly acceptable. The flavor follows the aroma with some very nice floral, grassy, and herbal hops threaded through. It's clearly got a fair amount of Munich malt to it, and probably a little bit of light caramel as well. It's sweetish and bready but not sweet, and in all honesty, perfectly balanced. The fermentation is clean, the malt is clear, the bitterness is right on at around 25 IBUs, and it finishes crisp and dry with just a dollop of sweet malt fading steadily away. In the mouth it's medium bodied and gently crisp. All in all it's nicely done although the head retention and lacing could be better, and the malt is a little bit lacking in depth of character.
Review #7,778
Feb 13, 202212 fl. oz. can. "DRINK BY DATE 16JAN22 BF1803"
$2.29 @ Total Wine & More, Cherry Hill, NJ
Notes via stream of consciousness: It's poured a clear deep amber colored body beneath a standard-sized head of white foam. The aroma is pleasantly bready and sweet. No hops come through but that's perfectly acceptable. The flavor follows the aroma with some very nice floral, grassy, and herbal hops threaded through. It's clearly got a fair amount of Munich malt to it, and probably a little bit of light caramel as well. It's sweetish and bready but not sweet, and in all honesty, perfectly balanced. The fermentation is clean, the malt is clear, the bitterness is right on at around 25 IBUs, and it finishes crisp and dry with just a dollop of sweet malt fading steadily away. In the mouth it's medium bodied and gently crisp. All in all it's nicely done although the head retention and lacing could be better, and the malt is a little bit lacking in depth of character.
Review #7,778
Reviewed by CarmeloCrunch
5/5 rDev +40.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +40.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I made a beeradvocate account to review this beer. It’s amazing. This is Oktoberfest in a can, and my new Oktoberfest go to. Flawless. It’s worth the $8.99
Nov 27, 2021
Reviewed by DaveMaciolek21 from New Jersey
3.87/5 rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.87/5 rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Many major American brewers attempt marzen-style Oktoberfest beers. For most, flavor is thin, mild--far less robust than a true German marzen. Here, Goose Island gets very close to the German standard. Amber pour, off-white head, deep toasted malt flavor that sticks with you for a nice lengthy finish. This is a beer I'd be happy to return to at Fest time.
Nov 22, 2021
Rated by Nass from Florida
3.16/5 rDev -11%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
3.16/5 rDev -11%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
The pour is copper colored. The taste is caramel & brown bread crust. I don't know I'm kind of on the fence about this Oktoberfest beer. Cheers! B-
Nov 10, 2021
Reviewed by German-Helles from Wisconsin
3.63/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
3.63/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
This is a 12oz. can poured into a weizen glass. The brew is a medium amber color, very clear, above average carbonation, and a nice looking two finger light tan head. The cap lasted several minutes before receding to a thin layer with just a touch of lacing left behind.
The aroma is sweet malts and fresh bread, very pleasant.
Sweet caramel up front, a touch malty, with a light hop bite, peppery, and a touch dry to the finish. The hops cut the sweetness very nicely.
The feel is a little on the thin side. I enjoy my Marzens a little on the heavier side, nice and creamy.
This is a very good Marzen, easy to sample a few, a nice blend of malt and hops.
Oct 27, 2021The aroma is sweet malts and fresh bread, very pleasant.
Sweet caramel up front, a touch malty, with a light hop bite, peppery, and a touch dry to the finish. The hops cut the sweetness very nicely.
The feel is a little on the thin side. I enjoy my Marzens a little on the heavier side, nice and creamy.
This is a very good Marzen, easy to sample a few, a nice blend of malt and hops.
Reviewed by mothman from Minnesota
3/5 rDev -15.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
3/5 rDev -15.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Can. I like most festbiers; I don’t think they are too tough to make to style, but goose island missed the mark with theirs. Just wasn’t what a festbier should taste like. Had a lager vibe but that was it.
Oct 22, 2021
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois
4.17/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.17/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
"Best by 1/14/22"; drank 9/19/21 @ the Yarchives.
See-through golden appearance.
A rough pour yielded a HUGE khaki head; frothy lace.
Caramel, acorn & faint brown sugar notes in the nose.
Creamy medium thick mouthfeel.
Caramel & cream flavors up front; acorn & mild brown sugar bite on the finish.
This is...fantastic? One of the better American made marzens I've had this year.
Sep 20, 2021See-through golden appearance.
A rough pour yielded a HUGE khaki head; frothy lace.
Caramel, acorn & faint brown sugar notes in the nose.
Creamy medium thick mouthfeel.
Caramel & cream flavors up front; acorn & mild brown sugar bite on the finish.
This is...fantastic? One of the better American made marzens I've had this year.
Reviewed by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
3.63/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
3.63/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
12oz can. Best by date stamped on can bottom is '03FEB22'.
Clear, medium amber colored body. One finger of yellow white head settles back to a near complete cap. Leaves small trails of lacing.
Aroma of sweet bready malt, with some spice. Herbal, earthy hops.
Taste is down right spicy, as the foundation of dark bread holds at the bottom end. Some apple fruity sweetness. The bitterness comes in at the end and lingers into the aftertaste. This is earthy bitterness, almost woody.
Seems a little thinner than medium body. Good carbonation.
Has a good malt base but the bitterness is a little much for session work.
Sep 12, 2021Clear, medium amber colored body. One finger of yellow white head settles back to a near complete cap. Leaves small trails of lacing.
Aroma of sweet bready malt, with some spice. Herbal, earthy hops.
Taste is down right spicy, as the foundation of dark bread holds at the bottom end. Some apple fruity sweetness. The bitterness comes in at the end and lingers into the aftertaste. This is earthy bitterness, almost woody.
Seems a little thinner than medium body. Good carbonation.
Has a good malt base but the bitterness is a little much for session work.
Reviewed by rudiecantfail from Pennsylvania
3.82/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.82/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
12 ounce can poured into a pint glass. Best before Jan. 14, 2022.
L---Crystal clear, rich dark gold color. Fluffy off white head had very good retention and left very nice lacing.
S---Weak hops but strong malts. Bready.
T---Malty & bready.
F---Medium bodied with good carbonation.
O---Solid, but nothing special. A good one in September.
Sep 01, 2021L---Crystal clear, rich dark gold color. Fluffy off white head had very good retention and left very nice lacing.
S---Weak hops but strong malts. Bready.
T---Malty & bready.
F---Medium bodied with good carbonation.
O---Solid, but nothing special. A good one in September.
Reviewed by ZebulonXZogg from Illinois
3.61/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
3.61/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pours a nice clear copper color, small head fades quickly, no lacing. Aroma of toasted malted, toffee and spicy breads. Tastes follow, thin body, lightly carbonated. I enjoyed it!
Aug 28, 2021
Reviewed by SuperGrover from Minnesota
1.71/5 rDev -51.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1
1.71/5 rDev -51.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1
I have no idea what happened with this beer. It looks right for a Marzen, and it smells fine. But this may be the worst beer I have ever had. I can’t even describe the flavor- “God-awful” is the only thing that comes to mind. I needed a Natural Light after drinking this to get the taste out of my mouth.
Others rate this much higher than me. I don’t understand why. I could not finish it. I gave it to friends who will drink ANYTHING, and they refused to drink it. I love Oktoberfest. This is garbage.
Nov 14, 2020Others rate this much higher than me. I don’t understand why. I could not finish it. I gave it to friends who will drink ANYTHING, and they refused to drink it. I love Oktoberfest. This is garbage.
Reviewed by Stevosps from Pennsylvania
3.93/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
3.93/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
This Marzen style lager when poured from a can has a half inch foamy head. It is a clear dark amber Color with a fresh malty aroma. A slight bitterness with a tender sweetness of Carmel savored for the taste buds. A nice full Refreshing Octoberfest Maren flavor to quench the fall thirst.
Oct 25, 2020
Reviewed by barnzy78 from Illinois
3.95/5 rDev +11.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
3.95/5 rDev +11.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
12oz can
date stamped 18JAN21
L: slightly hazed caramel colored bier; foamy beige head
S: toasty grain, caramel, herbal hops
T: nicely balanced; caramel, toasted malt, bread crust, herbal & spicy noble hops
F: medium body, ample carbonation, crisp & balanced finish
O: a good representation of the Märzen style
Oct 16, 2020date stamped 18JAN21
L: slightly hazed caramel colored bier; foamy beige head
S: toasty grain, caramel, herbal hops
T: nicely balanced; caramel, toasted malt, bread crust, herbal & spicy noble hops
F: medium body, ample carbonation, crisp & balanced finish
O: a good representation of the Märzen style
Reviewed by daliandragon from Maryland
3.55/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
3.55/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
So, weirdly. although I have been drinking Goose Island on and off for twenty years, I don't have many GI reviews. One is the Goose Fest. So now, like two fifths of my all time Goose reviews are Marzen. Crazy world, huh?
Anyhooo, translucent dark copper color with big head that quickly ceases to be. Nose is caramel and grain. Taste is pleasant although generally uninspiring and watery at the end. Not a good example of the style but hits most of the main characteristics. Quaffable at any rate. Would do in an Oktoberfest pinch, but no more.
Oct 11, 2020Anyhooo, translucent dark copper color with big head that quickly ceases to be. Nose is caramel and grain. Taste is pleasant although generally uninspiring and watery at the end. Not a good example of the style but hits most of the main characteristics. Quaffable at any rate. Would do in an Oktoberfest pinch, but no more.
Reviewed by HoppingMadMonk from New Jersey
3.76/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
3.76/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Really nice clear amber. Medium bodied with about the same for carbonation.
Aroma is malt, caramel, sweet doughy bread.
Taste is mildly sweet with some caramel. Malt, some honey, sweet doughy bread.
Overall it is a pleasant beer that's flavorful and goes down easy. Could easily have a few of these in a row
Oct 04, 2020Aroma is malt, caramel, sweet doughy bread.
Taste is mildly sweet with some caramel. Malt, some honey, sweet doughy bread.
Overall it is a pleasant beer that's flavorful and goes down easy. Could easily have a few of these in a row
Oktoberfest from Goose Island Beer Co.
Beer rating:
81 out of
100 with
85 ratings
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