Märzen/Oktoberfest
Dry Dock Brewing Co.

 

 

2010 Docktoberfest celebration, and yes...it was poured into a 1L heavy-ass glass.
Brown, amber color poured with a huge head. Looks great and wish to be in Germany. But Dry Dock tap room is fine.

Faint spice in the aroma that is mostly malty. Light, not quite as intense or thick as some German lagers, which is on par with style.

The malt is dominant in the taste, but again, not all that strong. Some spice gives it some zing, but not enough to take attention away from the slightly sweetened caramel.

This year it came in at 5.4% abv, and very drinkable. Good thing, too. That's a lot o'beer.

This is the Fall 2009 Oktoberfest that was tapped on 9/12/09.
This is/was served in normal pints and half-pints as well as the option of getting one in a Dry Dock branded 1L mass.
Color is a deep burnt orange. Head was intentionally layered when served in a mass to go to the 3" line at the top of the mug. Spot on for an old-style marzen.
The flavor profile on this is pretty bold. Strong clover honey and ginger snap cookie flavors start things off. In the middle you pick up just a hint of noble hops. The finish is clean with continued hints of honey and hearty bread.
Like most well made lagers, it's thin enough to be highly drinkable, but never watery. The foamy texture keeps things in balance.
I had a pint to start with, and rather than try anything else, I had to order an immediate 1L. It's that good, and that drinkable. At 6%, it's also no too potent to keep you from being able to handle a mass or two.
This is the best Oktoberfest I've had this year, period.
If you're in the area and you like the style, this is a must have.

EDIT: The 2011 version is as good as ever. Not sure what the ABV is, but it's still easy drinking.