Saxtoberfest!
Haw River Farmhouse Ales

 

A: Pours a crystal clear very dark copper in color with moderate amounts of active visible carbonation rising quickly from the bottom of the glass and moderate mahogany + garnet red + chestnut brown + honey colored highlights. The beer has a three finger tall dense foamy dark beige head that reduces to a couple of small to medium sized patches of medium thick film surrounded by a large patch of mottled very thin film covering the remainder of the surface of the beer and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Light amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Slightly stronger than moderate aromas of toasted + bready + caramel malts with a light amount of caramel + light fruit (apple) sweetness. Just shy of moderate aromas of lager yeast. Finally there are light aromas of earthy + floral + grassy hops.

T: Upfront there are slightly stronger than moderate flavors of toasted + bready + caramel malts with a light amount of caramel + light fruit (apple) sweetness. That is followed by just shy of moderate flavors of lager yeast. Finally there are light flavors of earthy + floral + grassy hops which imparts a light amount of bitterness which fades away leaving a relatively clean finish.

M: Medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Crisp upfront then smooth with a relatively clean finish.

O: Easy to drink with well hidden alcohol and a pleasantly crisp/clean/smooth mouthfeel albeit a touch drier than other examples in the style. Very enjoyable with traditional flavors and aromas.

Look: It pours dark cooper with a tan head. Head retention is very good. It has very good clarity.

Smell: It has bread and bread crust aromas.

Taste: The flavors are bready up front with a very low spicy elements.

Feel: It has a medium body with a malty aftertaste.

Overall, a good example of a marzen.