Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
Baxter Brewing Co.

On tap at the river road tavern one night after work with the guys.

Picked this up at the Hannaford in Bar Harbor, Maine a few months back, having never had this before. Not the biggest fan of this style and tons of these are on the shelves come autumn, and this was a typical example of both a Marzen and what you'd enjoy during Octoberfest!

Nutty and bright in hue, there were plenty of bubbles in the liquid and in the head itself. That faded quickly as the bigger ones rose to the top as the lacing down the side was not quite as extensive. Only a few wavy suds remained near the top of the liquid as some of them slid down. Lots of Munich and Crystal Malt in the nose along with some chestnut and walnut tones, as the aroma was quite subdued. Bread and caramel came through in the taste with the end result being a brew that was full-bodied, even-keeled, and easy to drink. A bit cloying, this never felt sticky and didn't need any chasers of water to get it down in the end, as the back was quite nutty and easily left me wanting another sip.

The alcohol was fine as it was barely detectable, making this ideal for a festival with brats and a brass band. Dated 7/29 on the bottom of the can, it held up well and would be something I'd reach for again if I was ever up in New England in late summer. Lovely label that was on par with the liquid, as this needed just a bit more pop to stand out from the pack.

 

 

Great stuff. Borderline incredibly sweet but not cloying. Looks good, smells good, yadda yadda yadda. I wish I could just get this any time of the year.

Pleasantly surprised by this offering. Good color, tho the cap faded quickly to nothing. Aroma is balanced and slightly roasty/malty. Flavor is similarly balance and not too complex. Just very enjoyable beer approximating the style. Nice job Baxter.