Oktoberfest
Upstate Brewing Company

a proper marzen for the season, lower in alcohol but plenty bold on malt flavor, not as light as it seems like it would be at this strength, but well drinkable too, well refined, and perfect on a hangover, i like starting a day like that with a beer like this, cool space here too, was glad we had time for a quick visit while passing through! off from clear but frothy headed from the tap and nice deep rusty orange colored, bubbly too. the nose on this is toasted and baked and warming, without being too sweet as some of them are, a light almond note, graham cracker, and real mild noble hops, even the yeast is kind of understated for the style, a little more american there perhaps, its the grain that defines this for me. the flavor is similar, a bit of breadiness from the yeast but its well behind the malt, german on the grain side more than anywhere else, some light caramel and toffee but it ends up drier, autumnal and hearty in flavor without the weight on the palate or in the belly. good water chemistry, excellent carbonation which i love in this style, and a frothy feeling body that adds a richness to the texture, extending the beer some, a pretty long flavor trip here, simple and kind of tight as it is. cleanly lagered and nice execution overall, a drinkable and well made beer. this place is worth checking out if you are in the area! i drank a ton of marzen this season and this is upper middle of the pack anyway...

A big head of pancake batter reaches one and a half inches. Light fogginess adds mystery to the copper beer (SRM 14-17). Spotty lace is taupe in color and forms as the head settles over several minutes within a Spaten dimpled mug.

The aroma opens with a nice, spicy accent, reminiscent of hops. The backdrop is comprised of lightly toasted malt. Once again, this style lends itself to simple profiles.

Mild nut flavors punctuate neutral bitterness and sweetness. The sweetness fades through the middle and returns just before a long, moderate finish. Toasted pumpernickel bread comes out through the middle. The flavor diminishes with warmth.

The body is medium with a Jersey cotton texture. There is no perception of alcohol, while the carbonation is soft and light. The finish is dry.

This beer goes down easily, with nothing special, just as one should expect of this style. It works well on its own on a chilly, early evening before dinner on the last day of September.

This one pours a medium dark amber color, with a small head, and lots of lacing.

This smells unfortunately like diacetyl, with some sweet caramel on top.

This was the worst in a recent all Marzen/Festbier testing, pretty easily so. It's much too sweet, malt-wise, and there's some definite slickness and diacetyl that's obviously massively out of place.

This is light bodied, and overall not very drinkable.

It feels like Upstate is still going through some of the same problems that plagued them a few years back. It's a bummer, because when they make a good beer, it's excellent.