Mecktoberfest | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Brewed by:
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
North Carolina, United States | website
Style: Märzen / Oktoberfest
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.40%
Availability: Fall
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by Kegatron on 09-08-2009
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 37 | Ratings: 136
4.29/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I don't really do reviews, so this is mostly a recommendation. Love OMB brews, everything they make is stellar. This is really a simply great beer, looks good, 1/2 head retention to the end, not much on the nose, but creamy, bread, a tad sweet, lots of malt. Low IBUs under 30. I'm a hop guy, and I love this beer, as well as their Pils. If I'd add anything I'd prefer it a bit more dry, maybe a tad less sweet. But that is the style.
★ 437 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I don't really do reviews, so this is mostly a recommendation. Love OMB brews, everything they make is stellar. This is really a simply great beer, looks good, 1/2 head retention to the end, not much on the nose, but creamy, bread, a tad sweet, lots of malt. Low IBUs under 30. I'm a hop guy, and I love this beer, as well as their Pils. If I'd add anything I'd prefer it a bit more dry, maybe a tad less sweet. But that is the style.
★ 437 characters
3.54/5 rDev -14.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Thanks Kegatron for gifting me with a bottle of this. 12oz poured into mug. The brew appears a clear copper with off-white head composed of large bubbles that fades fast.
The smell includes notes of minerals and fruitiness. A little carbonic and overall pretty simplistic.
The taste is sweet with caramel malt and rounded with a touch of buttery diacetyl. A slight herbal hop bitterness, fruity alcohol and a carbonic bite to the finish.
This is medium bodied and moderately carbonated. It is easy drinking and a to style marzen. You could toss a couple of these back pretty effortlessly.
★ 591 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Thanks Kegatron for gifting me with a bottle of this. 12oz poured into mug. The brew appears a clear copper with off-white head composed of large bubbles that fades fast.
The smell includes notes of minerals and fruitiness. A little carbonic and overall pretty simplistic.
The taste is sweet with caramel malt and rounded with a touch of buttery diacetyl. A slight herbal hop bitterness, fruity alcohol and a carbonic bite to the finish.
This is medium bodied and moderately carbonated. It is easy drinking and a to style marzen. You could toss a couple of these back pretty effortlessly.
★ 591 characters
4/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz Bottle
$11.99 6-Pack
Good Bottle - Charlotte
Bottled 11/10/14
Mecktoberfest is autumn orange with a enough bronze highlights to make the body shine. Clarity is about as good as you can get. A clean, white fingers worth of foam crowns the top easily before fading to a whispy cap. Delicate lace clings where foam once stood. She's a pretty lady.
Bready malts get it moving along with an undercurrent of earthy maltiness that adds some nice depth. Soft caramel surround delicate apple and grape esters. A floral and grassy hopiness is welcomed in such a fresh bottle. An easy going, peppery note of clean alcohol brings up the rear. The caramel grows with each swirl of the glass and with that, its richness does as well.
Olde Meck nailed the concept of a bright, clean Oktoberfest. Bread and caramel leap from the glass, more caramel than bread as it warms. The mild fruity esters pop up in the middle, mostly apple this time before the breadiness takes back over on the end. Floral hops comes through on the finish with an earthy depth and I'm a fan.
Drinkability is off the charts. The body sits just under moderate on the spectrum, or so it feels with a soft but active carbonation. Soft bitterness lingers briefly on the swallow and an appreciated dryness takes over which boosts that drinkability even more.
I like most of what Olde Meck does but this is up there with the best of their portfolio. It's bright, crisp, and of the drier, easier drinking Oktoberfest class. It's a great example of the style and a dangerously drinkable beverine.
★ 1,558 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz Bottle
$11.99 6-Pack
Good Bottle - Charlotte
Bottled 11/10/14
Mecktoberfest is autumn orange with a enough bronze highlights to make the body shine. Clarity is about as good as you can get. A clean, white fingers worth of foam crowns the top easily before fading to a whispy cap. Delicate lace clings where foam once stood. She's a pretty lady.
Bready malts get it moving along with an undercurrent of earthy maltiness that adds some nice depth. Soft caramel surround delicate apple and grape esters. A floral and grassy hopiness is welcomed in such a fresh bottle. An easy going, peppery note of clean alcohol brings up the rear. The caramel grows with each swirl of the glass and with that, its richness does as well.
Olde Meck nailed the concept of a bright, clean Oktoberfest. Bread and caramel leap from the glass, more caramel than bread as it warms. The mild fruity esters pop up in the middle, mostly apple this time before the breadiness takes back over on the end. Floral hops comes through on the finish with an earthy depth and I'm a fan.
Drinkability is off the charts. The body sits just under moderate on the spectrum, or so it feels with a soft but active carbonation. Soft bitterness lingers briefly on the swallow and an appreciated dryness takes over which boosts that drinkability even more.
I like most of what Olde Meck does but this is up there with the best of their portfolio. It's bright, crisp, and of the drier, easier drinking Oktoberfest class. It's a great example of the style and a dangerously drinkable beverine.
★ 1,558 characters
4.5/5 rDev +9%
Maybe it was me, maybe it was the beer. But this is the best Oktoberfest beer I have had. At least this year.
Color: Dark caramel foamy head which remained pretty consistent.
Smell: Caramel, nice sweet bready aroma.
The flavor is there which is nice, beyond the vapid typical Oktoberfest. The caramel is there, but not overpowering. Clean. Finally a clean tasting Marzen without too much of the cloying nasty almost artificial caramel flavors.
Overall: Easily the best Oktoberfest I have had. The price was not bad either. I paid more than most, but really it was only a buck more than the Great Lakes version, which to me is a huge disappointment based upon the reviews.
★ 679 characters
Maybe it was me, maybe it was the beer. But this is the best Oktoberfest beer I have had. At least this year.
Color: Dark caramel foamy head which remained pretty consistent.
Smell: Caramel, nice sweet bready aroma.
The flavor is there which is nice, beyond the vapid typical Oktoberfest. The caramel is there, but not overpowering. Clean. Finally a clean tasting Marzen without too much of the cloying nasty almost artificial caramel flavors.
Overall: Easily the best Oktoberfest I have had. The price was not bad either. I paid more than most, but really it was only a buck more than the Great Lakes version, which to me is a huge disappointment based upon the reviews.
★ 679 characters
4/5 rDev -3.1%
Crystal clear dark gold topped with a high, lumpy head of foam. Deep fresh malt, lager yeast, and slightly husky grain make up an authentic aroma that is just rich enough and features a wonderful warm, toasty bread smell. Nice toasty, bready, just-sweet-enough malts in the flavor as well, a flash of noble hops, clean lager character, and drying out slightly in the finish to dampen any lingering sweetness. Medium bodied and smooth. Very nice.
★ 449 characters
Crystal clear dark gold topped with a high, lumpy head of foam. Deep fresh malt, lager yeast, and slightly husky grain make up an authentic aroma that is just rich enough and features a wonderful warm, toasty bread smell. Nice toasty, bready, just-sweet-enough malts in the flavor as well, a flash of noble hops, clean lager character, and drying out slightly in the finish to dampen any lingering sweetness. Medium bodied and smooth. Very nice.
★ 449 characters
3.88/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured on-tap at the brewery and served in a pilsner glass, the beer is a copper coloring, with a filmy, clingy, white head. Aromas are very subtle, with caramel notes and toasty highlights. Flavors are rich, with nutty and caramel sweet notes. Very rich throughout. Smooth and crisp bodied, with a roasted sweet aftertaste. Clean, smooth finish. Wow! This is a very good beer.
★ 377 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured on-tap at the brewery and served in a pilsner glass, the beer is a copper coloring, with a filmy, clingy, white head. Aromas are very subtle, with caramel notes and toasty highlights. Flavors are rich, with nutty and caramel sweet notes. Very rich throughout. Smooth and crisp bodied, with a roasted sweet aftertaste. Clean, smooth finish. Wow! This is a very good beer.
★ 377 characters
3.47/5 rDev -16%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a beautiful amber color with very minimal head.
Faint but pleasant lager smell
A fuller taste than most American lagers.
A nice introduction to real beer for someone who drinks nothing but American big beers - they'll recognize its beer and also recognize the flavor and heft they've been missing.
We would order it again.
★ 332 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a beautiful amber color with very minimal head.
Faint but pleasant lager smell
A fuller taste than most American lagers.
A nice introduction to real beer for someone who drinks nothing but American big beers - they'll recognize its beer and also recognize the flavor and heft they've been missing.
We would order it again.
★ 332 characters
4.34/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22 oz.
Pours a slightly hazy light amber gold, white lacing for a head.
Smells of honey, light citrus, and light sweet bready malts with a hint of clover.
Flavor is of light citrusy sweetness over a dry biscuity maltiness. Some very mild dry hoppiness in the aftertaste.
Medium body with crisp carbonation on the roof of the mouth.
Another very good beer from Meck, I continue to be impressed by this brewery's offerings. One of the best Marzen's I've had, really good flavor and aroma, balanced, nice body, and just a joy to drink. Delicious and worth seeking out.
★ 571 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22 oz.
Pours a slightly hazy light amber gold, white lacing for a head.
Smells of honey, light citrus, and light sweet bready malts with a hint of clover.
Flavor is of light citrusy sweetness over a dry biscuity maltiness. Some very mild dry hoppiness in the aftertaste.
Medium body with crisp carbonation on the roof of the mouth.
Another very good beer from Meck, I continue to be impressed by this brewery's offerings. One of the best Marzen's I've had, really good flavor and aroma, balanced, nice body, and just a joy to drink. Delicious and worth seeking out.
★ 571 characters
4.02/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Pours a crystal clear light golden amber in color with heavy amounts of active visible carbonation streaming from the bottom of the glass and some deep golden yellow highlights. The beer has a finger tall creamy off-white head that reduces to a thick film covering the entire surface of the beer and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate to significant amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of slightly bready malts and moderate amounts of caramel malts. Light to moderate aromas of floral and spicy hops in the background as well.
T: Upfront there are moderate flavors of slightly bready and caramel malts with just a hint of sweetness. There are light flavors of spicy and floral hops in the background which impart a light amount of bitterness which fades pretty quickly.
M: Slightly less than medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Relatively smooth.
O: I really enjoyed this brew, it is a very solid American offering of the Oktoberfest style. I found it really easy to drink and enjoyable.
★ 1,038 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Pours a crystal clear light golden amber in color with heavy amounts of active visible carbonation streaming from the bottom of the glass and some deep golden yellow highlights. The beer has a finger tall creamy off-white head that reduces to a thick film covering the entire surface of the beer and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate to significant amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of slightly bready malts and moderate amounts of caramel malts. Light to moderate aromas of floral and spicy hops in the background as well.
T: Upfront there are moderate flavors of slightly bready and caramel malts with just a hint of sweetness. There are light flavors of spicy and floral hops in the background which impart a light amount of bitterness which fades pretty quickly.
M: Slightly less than medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Relatively smooth.
O: I really enjoyed this brew, it is a very solid American offering of the Oktoberfest style. I found it really easy to drink and enjoyable.
★ 1,038 characters
4.71/5 rDev +14%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
This is my beer of 2013. I haven't had a better, more perfect example of a style than OMB's Mecktoberfest. I've had other beers this year in which I might order over this beer just due to my preference, but this is a beer that outshines all others for the style, and I order at least one pint anytime I see it at a restaurant.
★ 326 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
This is my beer of 2013. I haven't had a better, more perfect example of a style than OMB's Mecktoberfest. I've had other beers this year in which I might order over this beer just due to my preference, but this is a beer that outshines all others for the style, and I order at least one pint anytime I see it at a restaurant.
★ 326 characters
4.19/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
bomber into a snifter. 8/21/13 bottling date
pours a crisp golden color with a nice inch or so white head. the smell is crisp and malty, typical for the style. the taste is very malty and a tad bready. hops in there as well, very very drinkable. Clean and fresh and refreshing. love this one. Mild body with mild carbonation. real easy drinking.
overall just a great easy drinking lager. recommended.
★ 402 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
bomber into a snifter. 8/21/13 bottling date
pours a crisp golden color with a nice inch or so white head. the smell is crisp and malty, typical for the style. the taste is very malty and a tad bready. hops in there as well, very very drinkable. Clean and fresh and refreshing. love this one. Mild body with mild carbonation. real easy drinking.
overall just a great easy drinking lager. recommended.
★ 402 characters
3.5/5 rDev -15.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
As the taste of Oktoberfestbiers are trending lighter and lighter, Mecklenburg finds comfort in these developments with a firm fest-style lager that promotes pilsner taste with floral hop balances.
And like many German lagers, the bright straw color contains restrained gold highlights within its crystal clear appearance. Its spirited carbonation releases a fluffy cotton head of froth that shows strong staying power and laces the glass intermittently.
Floral hops deliver a bouquet of aromas that takes the olfactory senses back to honeysuckle and flowery sweetness. Backed by the crisp grainy-sweet scent of pilsner malt, the hop character is charged by the underpinnings of crisp cracker-like breads and supple sweetness.
Flavors act conversely as the malts meet the front of the mouth with malty sweetness that turns lightly grainy at mid palate before concluding dry to finish. An elevated hop taste develops at middle palate and provides floral and grassy taste before developing into a spicy and racy bitterness that balances the fleeting malt taste late. With light apple-like sulfurs and a light minerally crispness, the beer rounds out very well.
Crisply textured throughout, the beer's semi-dry malts pull away from the zest of carbonation to provide a quick transition to finish. Early creaminess wastes no time going toward a lightly arid conclusion that leaves floral hop and spice to fend for themselves in aftertaste.
Mecktoberfest is a sturdy and crisp lager that might hint toward elevated flavor, body, and strength compared to the stalwart German lager, but its lighter profile compared to the more traditional and authentic Oktoberfestbiers demonstrates a shift downward that shows no sign of slowing.
★ 1,729 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
As the taste of Oktoberfestbiers are trending lighter and lighter, Mecklenburg finds comfort in these developments with a firm fest-style lager that promotes pilsner taste with floral hop balances.
And like many German lagers, the bright straw color contains restrained gold highlights within its crystal clear appearance. Its spirited carbonation releases a fluffy cotton head of froth that shows strong staying power and laces the glass intermittently.
Floral hops deliver a bouquet of aromas that takes the olfactory senses back to honeysuckle and flowery sweetness. Backed by the crisp grainy-sweet scent of pilsner malt, the hop character is charged by the underpinnings of crisp cracker-like breads and supple sweetness.
Flavors act conversely as the malts meet the front of the mouth with malty sweetness that turns lightly grainy at mid palate before concluding dry to finish. An elevated hop taste develops at middle palate and provides floral and grassy taste before developing into a spicy and racy bitterness that balances the fleeting malt taste late. With light apple-like sulfurs and a light minerally crispness, the beer rounds out very well.
Crisply textured throughout, the beer's semi-dry malts pull away from the zest of carbonation to provide a quick transition to finish. Early creaminess wastes no time going toward a lightly arid conclusion that leaves floral hop and spice to fend for themselves in aftertaste.
Mecktoberfest is a sturdy and crisp lager that might hint toward elevated flavor, body, and strength compared to the stalwart German lager, but its lighter profile compared to the more traditional and authentic Oktoberfestbiers demonstrates a shift downward that shows no sign of slowing.
★ 1,729 characters
3.88/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Tasted On: 11-24-2012
Freshness: Unknown
Packaging: Draft
Glassware: Stange
Purchased: On tap at Olde Mecklenburg
A: Bright, clear copper pour shows a fair level of head retention and good lacing. A bit lighter in color than most of the style I've had.
S: Aromas are mainly of noble hops, with grass and hay notes.
T/M: Crisp and clean lager taste, featuring bready malts, spices and moderate hop bitterness. Fresh, clean and easy drinking.
O: Overall a solid Oktoberfest-style beer.
★ 487 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Tasted On: 11-24-2012
Freshness: Unknown
Packaging: Draft
Glassware: Stange
Purchased: On tap at Olde Mecklenburg
A: Bright, clear copper pour shows a fair level of head retention and good lacing. A bit lighter in color than most of the style I've had.
S: Aromas are mainly of noble hops, with grass and hay notes.
T/M: Crisp and clean lager taste, featuring bready malts, spices and moderate hop bitterness. Fresh, clean and easy drinking.
O: Overall a solid Oktoberfest-style beer.
★ 487 characters
4.47/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Finally getting around to reviewing this after drinking it pretty consistently over the past couple months. Picked up a growler and took it home to enjoy. Poured a clear, medium amber color with a noticeable head that stuck around for a little while and created consistent lacing. Smell was bready and mildly sweet. Taste was perfect balance - malt up front and then a little hops; a touch of sweet, fresh fruit and slight spiciness. I found it to be on the more full-bodied side of the Marzens I've tried, which I really liked, with medium carbonation. Perfectly drinkable and one of the best I've tried in the style. Very happy to have this beer made just down the road.
★ 672 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Finally getting around to reviewing this after drinking it pretty consistently over the past couple months. Picked up a growler and took it home to enjoy. Poured a clear, medium amber color with a noticeable head that stuck around for a little while and created consistent lacing. Smell was bready and mildly sweet. Taste was perfect balance - malt up front and then a little hops; a touch of sweet, fresh fruit and slight spiciness. I found it to be on the more full-bodied side of the Marzens I've tried, which I really liked, with medium carbonation. Perfectly drinkable and one of the best I've tried in the style. Very happy to have this beer made just down the road.
★ 672 characters
4.35/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Big thanks to gfish for sending this my way...
Fresh clean malty aromas kissed by a tinge of noble hops... best way to describe the aroma... not overdone or overanalyzed.. simple, clean and true to style...
Perfectly blended formula of lightly toasted biscuit malts and noble hops... what a refreshing Oktoberfest this is... clean and crisp with a slight bite from the hops... they didn't pound this with malts and make it all syrupy and sweet... excellently crafted and delicious...
I liked this beer quite a bit and wish I had more of it... I bet this thing is a beauty on tap... I'd love to have a keg of this to drink during O'fest...
Great beer!
★ 655 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Big thanks to gfish for sending this my way...
Fresh clean malty aromas kissed by a tinge of noble hops... best way to describe the aroma... not overdone or overanalyzed.. simple, clean and true to style...
Perfectly blended formula of lightly toasted biscuit malts and noble hops... what a refreshing Oktoberfest this is... clean and crisp with a slight bite from the hops... they didn't pound this with malts and make it all syrupy and sweet... excellently crafted and delicious...
I liked this beer quite a bit and wish I had more of it... I bet this thing is a beauty on tap... I'd love to have a keg of this to drink during O'fest...
Great beer!
★ 655 characters
4.5/5 rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Another successful, generous trade with Herr Burgess.
19 ounce bomber, bottled-on 9.25.12.
A -- Clear, deep orange-gold with a creamy, dense, long-lasting head.
S -- Bready, yeasty with that "fresh breeze" smell that I now know is related to DMS.
T -- Even balance of bready and nutty up front, some fleeting spiciness from hops in the middle, and a fresh bread toastiness that commandeers the aftertaste. The maltiness in the aftertaste is more fresh than any other German-style beer I've had from the U.S.; luscious and almost juicy. There's a vague hint of nuttiness in the last of the aftertaste, but it's not at all distracting, along with the lightest bite of spicy hops for balance.
M -- Mouthfeel is soft and smooth with a light-medium body.
O -- This is a very good take on a difficult to brew style. Olde Meck avoided the usual shortcut of roasted malts for color and body and went straight to Munich and Pilsner styles. Quite nice.
★ 948 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Another successful, generous trade with Herr Burgess.
19 ounce bomber, bottled-on 9.25.12.
A -- Clear, deep orange-gold with a creamy, dense, long-lasting head.
S -- Bready, yeasty with that "fresh breeze" smell that I now know is related to DMS.
T -- Even balance of bready and nutty up front, some fleeting spiciness from hops in the middle, and a fresh bread toastiness that commandeers the aftertaste. The maltiness in the aftertaste is more fresh than any other German-style beer I've had from the U.S.; luscious and almost juicy. There's a vague hint of nuttiness in the last of the aftertaste, but it's not at all distracting, along with the lightest bite of spicy hops for balance.
M -- Mouthfeel is soft and smooth with a light-medium body.
O -- This is a very good take on a difficult to brew style. Olde Meck avoided the usual shortcut of roasted malts for color and body and went straight to Munich and Pilsner styles. Quite nice.
★ 948 characters
4.33/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a lighter copper shade with a large blooming white head into a 1/2 liter stein,just great clarity and a great head,a little lighter than most O-fest beers.Aromas of toasted grain and lightly sweet dough,a little iron/mineral thrwon in,very authentic stuff here.I love the fact the beer is not overly caramely sweet like way to many versions,it's mildly sweet with a firm toastiness,a noticable metallic note comes in along with a smattering of leafy hops in the finish.This is a helluva damn fine Oktoberfest beer,my expectations were fufilled...and more.Hell yeah!.
★ 573 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a lighter copper shade with a large blooming white head into a 1/2 liter stein,just great clarity and a great head,a little lighter than most O-fest beers.Aromas of toasted grain and lightly sweet dough,a little iron/mineral thrwon in,very authentic stuff here.I love the fact the beer is not overly caramely sweet like way to many versions,it's mildly sweet with a firm toastiness,a noticable metallic note comes in along with a smattering of leafy hops in the finish.This is a helluva damn fine Oktoberfest beer,my expectations were fufilled...and more.Hell yeah!.
★ 573 characters
4.03/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Big ups to Wil for sharing this one.
Bottled: 11.07.11
Pours a bright saturated copper orange, sharp clarity, and a pillsbury biscuit of creamy foam on top. Long lasting head retention, coverage for the duration of the glass.
Soft doughy bread aroma, light malt sweetness. Pleasant with some apple notes surfacing too.
Lightly sweet, very smooth feel, clean and dry finish. Bready notes with a hint of apple again in the taste. Lingering shortbread flavor. Medium bodied and full flavored, lighter carbonation. Overall a great Oktoberfest with the advantage of freshness. Thanks again Wil!
★ 595 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Big ups to Wil for sharing this one.
Bottled: 11.07.11
Pours a bright saturated copper orange, sharp clarity, and a pillsbury biscuit of creamy foam on top. Long lasting head retention, coverage for the duration of the glass.
Soft doughy bread aroma, light malt sweetness. Pleasant with some apple notes surfacing too.
Lightly sweet, very smooth feel, clean and dry finish. Bready notes with a hint of apple again in the taste. Lingering shortbread flavor. Medium bodied and full flavored, lighter carbonation. Overall a great Oktoberfest with the advantage of freshness. Thanks again Wil!
★ 595 characters
5/5 rDev +21.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I noted the serving type as 'bottle' but my real love of this beer is on draft, but alas, it's gone. But still available in bottles where you can find it.
I was absolutely blown away by this incredibly accurate version of a German Marzen style Oktoberfest beer. The wonderful malty nose and the subtle use of hops leads to a beer that is balanced to the malt side in ways that I have never ever tasted from a US brewery. Obvious use of all German ingredients brings forth a richness that rivals, and in my opinion, is as good or better than true German versions. Makes me wish that fall would last forever.
★ 607 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I noted the serving type as 'bottle' but my real love of this beer is on draft, but alas, it's gone. But still available in bottles where you can find it.
I was absolutely blown away by this incredibly accurate version of a German Marzen style Oktoberfest beer. The wonderful malty nose and the subtle use of hops leads to a beer that is balanced to the malt side in ways that I have never ever tasted from a US brewery. Obvious use of all German ingredients brings forth a richness that rivals, and in my opinion, is as good or better than true German versions. Makes me wish that fall would last forever.
★ 607 characters
4.48/5 rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
On-tap at the brewery (October 2011):
Appeared a very nice darker amber color with a very nice off-white, creamy 2 to 3 finger head that was well retained throughout the entire beer.
The beer gave off a nice, deep toasted malt aroma and perhaps a hint of toffee sweetness.
The taste of the beer is exceptional. This is what I imagined a marzen to taste like. The beer had a bready, malty sweetness to it, balanced well with some light hops. The taste was full with an excellent aftertaste.
The beer had a medium body to it, was extremely smooth and extremely easy to drink. I put down two before I even knew it. This is an outstanding brew. If you like this style or beer you should try this one.
★ 702 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
On-tap at the brewery (October 2011):
Appeared a very nice darker amber color with a very nice off-white, creamy 2 to 3 finger head that was well retained throughout the entire beer.
The beer gave off a nice, deep toasted malt aroma and perhaps a hint of toffee sweetness.
The taste of the beer is exceptional. This is what I imagined a marzen to taste like. The beer had a bready, malty sweetness to it, balanced well with some light hops. The taste was full with an excellent aftertaste.
The beer had a medium body to it, was extremely smooth and extremely easy to drink. I put down two before I even knew it. This is an outstanding brew. If you like this style or beer you should try this one.
★ 702 characters
4.05/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
74oz growler, plugged away at over the course of a saturday afternoon in charlotte
appearance: clear amber body, lovely milky-white foam head with strong retention
smell: nice toasted malts, autumnal, red apple, caramel
taste: a nice, highly drinkable, interpretation of the style - toasted malt, rich caramel, sweet red apple, sourdough, sweet hops
mouthfeel: spot-on, not too heavy and not too sweet, rich with a creamy finish
overall: good
★ 447 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
74oz growler, plugged away at over the course of a saturday afternoon in charlotte
appearance: clear amber body, lovely milky-white foam head with strong retention
smell: nice toasted malts, autumnal, red apple, caramel
taste: a nice, highly drinkable, interpretation of the style - toasted malt, rich caramel, sweet red apple, sourdough, sweet hops
mouthfeel: spot-on, not too heavy and not too sweet, rich with a creamy finish
overall: good
★ 447 characters
3.91/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Dispensed a clear, darkened amber-gold body with a spumed, off-white head.
Smell: Toasted whole-grain bread and a fragrance of spicy noble German hops above some lighter crackery tones and far-off traces of sweet-scented caramel.
Taste: Maltiness of moderately toasted bread given a touch of sweet caramel, maybe even a hint of honey as well. Spicy, floral German hops, lightly bitter and more than enough to balance things out. Soft, faint fruitiness. Drying finish with a delicate mix of spicy hops and maltiness.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light body. Medium carbonation.
Drinkability: Very drinkable. A clean, satisfying O-fest. Keep up the good German work, OMB.
★ 674 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Dispensed a clear, darkened amber-gold body with a spumed, off-white head.
Smell: Toasted whole-grain bread and a fragrance of spicy noble German hops above some lighter crackery tones and far-off traces of sweet-scented caramel.
Taste: Maltiness of moderately toasted bread given a touch of sweet caramel, maybe even a hint of honey as well. Spicy, floral German hops, lightly bitter and more than enough to balance things out. Soft, faint fruitiness. Drying finish with a delicate mix of spicy hops and maltiness.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light body. Medium carbonation.
Drinkability: Very drinkable. A clean, satisfying O-fest. Keep up the good German work, OMB.
★ 674 characters
4.47/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Picked up a growler of this from the brewery
Poured from a growler into a pint glass
Pours a nice crystal clear copper color with very little off white head that leaves virtually no lacing.
Nice malty aroma with some fruity/citrus and caramel notes as well. More spicy hop aroma than I was expecting. Slightly bigger overall nose than I expected, not overwhelminly so, but definately bigger.
Very clean tasting beer. A perfect mix of sweet maltyness and slightly bitter hops. Really quite nice and very enjoyable. Well carbinated, with a crisp, clean finish. Definately easy to drink
This is probably my favorite example of this style. Very subdued and understated, yet still very interesting and enjoyable.
★ 715 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Picked up a growler of this from the brewery
Poured from a growler into a pint glass
Pours a nice crystal clear copper color with very little off white head that leaves virtually no lacing.
Nice malty aroma with some fruity/citrus and caramel notes as well. More spicy hop aroma than I was expecting. Slightly bigger overall nose than I expected, not overwhelminly so, but definately bigger.
Very clean tasting beer. A perfect mix of sweet maltyness and slightly bitter hops. Really quite nice and very enjoyable. Well carbinated, with a crisp, clean finish. Definately easy to drink
This is probably my favorite example of this style. Very subdued and understated, yet still very interesting and enjoyable.
★ 715 characters
4.15/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had this beer at the brewery taproom on 9/23/10. Reviewed from notes. Poured into a giant mug. Came out a very clear copper/amber color with a large 3-finger creamy off-white head. Light lace stuck behind. Nose of toffee, caramel, light hops. Pretty average.
What it lacked in the nose, it made up for in flavor! Semi-sweet candied malts. Notes of toffee, bread, and lightly oily hops on the finish. Excellent aftertaste. Good carbonation level. Easily drinkable. Had I not had to drive home, I would have had another mug, as the first mug was gone before I knew it. Recommend.
★ 579 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had this beer at the brewery taproom on 9/23/10. Reviewed from notes. Poured into a giant mug. Came out a very clear copper/amber color with a large 3-finger creamy off-white head. Light lace stuck behind. Nose of toffee, caramel, light hops. Pretty average.
What it lacked in the nose, it made up for in flavor! Semi-sweet candied malts. Notes of toffee, bread, and lightly oily hops on the finish. Excellent aftertaste. Good carbonation level. Easily drinkable. Had I not had to drive home, I would have had another mug, as the first mug was gone before I knew it. Recommend.
★ 579 characters
Mecktoberfest from The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4.13
out of 5
based on 136 ratings.
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: The beer is a little hazy yellow in color and has some orange hues along with a moderate amount of carbonation. It poured with a short white head that died down, leaving some lacing on the surface and a collar around the edge of the glass.
S: Light to moderate aromas of toasted malts are present in the nose along with some hints of bready malts and noble hops.
T: Similar to the smell, the taste is quite malty and has lots of flavors of toasted malts along with subtle hints of sweetness. There is a light amount of bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer is an excellent American representation of a German style. I liked how it was nice and malty but there was a good amount of underlying hops to balance off just about all of the sweetness.
Serving type: bottle
★ 843 characters