Festbier
Flensburger Brauerei

 

 

 

 

a new one from these guys perhaps, have not seen this before in the states, cool its come to idaho, ive liked their other brews. this is lighter than most marzen types, but maybe a little more sturdy than other festbiers, a touch stronger too. rich honey orange colored with a creamy white head from the tap, looks well refined even without being perfectly clear. the nose has some fresher smelling german malts, slightly sweet cereal character, a toasted nuttiness, minerals in the water seem apparent too, simple in a lot of ways, lovely european lager yeast here too, seems quite fresh. the flavor is mellow, maybe slightly hoppier than what is common in these, noble and spicy and i like it, gives some lift to the finish, which has a little sweetness still hanging on, but also crisp enough to be refreshing and drinkable at the same time. earthy minerals, very autumnal, toasted without being caramelized on the grain side, beautifully lagered, great carbonation. lots to like about this one, a perfect beer for end of september early oktober, and i am happy this festbier style seems to be gaining in popularity. a nice and bold example of it here, quintessentially german.