Oktoberfest
Jailbreak Brewing Company

 

Appearance is lighter than a typical Marzen. This one has a clear, pale gold body along with a large white head. Aroma is consistent with the style but hops play a larger role in the flavor. A light spicy touch in the finish. Clean, crisp aftertaste. Medium bodied nicely carbonated mouthfeel. Thinking the formula (unconfirmed by the brewery) may have changed this year.

I had this on tap (amazing!) and from the can. On draft was much better, but it's still a solid Marzen from the cans. Nice creamy/biscuity malt base with a hint of caramel, with citrusy and herbal/noble hops. It was richer and maltier on tap, which is what I like in a Marzen (like Founders!). Overall there's a decent chance I'd pick up a 6-pack of this in future years.

 

The marzens are officially in season now that the calendar has changed. My version of this says 5.9% abv but otherwise looks identical. Healthy bread note laced with caramel malts and minimal, but present noble hops. Notes include chocolate and yeast. Fits the style but not outstanding.

Poured from the can into a .5 litre mug.

Deep copper red, with touches of orange and brown chestnut body. Nut much rising carbonation, but a real billowing light tan head than is frothy and rich looking. Good staying power on an aggressive pour, but settles respectably at a good clip making for not a long wait time. Nice thick bubbly collar too while the puck gives away to good measure.

First note is a mild herbal hop presence that's quite noticeable on the nose. Doesn't quite get clean, but not off putting either. Aroma makes a small touch actually of milk chocolate more than a toffee note. There seems a touch of phenolic like heat coming off this too.

Pretty neat marzen palate. First sip gives to that real nice hinted chocolate and some caramel notes that mix in real nicely together. That herbal hop presence is starting to really kick in though. Finish seems a tad hop aggressive, going from green herbs, then woody bitterness, to a real lingering tannic quality that keeps rising out of nowhere. Mouthfeel is nearly creamy on this which is a nice unexpected touch.

It's a different marzen for sure, but the hop angle is a bit much. Like this creamy flavor and texture though, if this wasn't running so hop hot this could be a real sleeper.

12 ounce can poured into a tumbler style pint glass.
Canned 9/15/20

Pouring dark copper and hazy it has a nice tan head with good retention. Nose is appropriately subtle, bread and spicy hop aromas. Taste follows as expected, spicy and bready with light caramel and just a hint of roast.. The medium body is crisp softening by the finish but not creamy. Drinkable but average Americanized hoppy Octoberfest. Not bad.

Poured from a can into a pint glass. Pours golden red with a small light white head. Smells of dark roasted grain, inviting. Tastes of dark roasted grain with nice caramel notes. Beer is light bodied and easy drinking. Overall, a very good beer.