Buckwheat Oktoberfest
Cismontane Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clear dark amber in the pint shaker. Modest head. Pleasant aroma of beery roasted grains and something earthy. Rich and rustic in the best sense of the word.

Rich, fruity, and malty flavors with a distinct cereal taste. There is even a hint of Saison yeastiness, a farmhouse, home-made flavor. Pleasant malty warmth reminds you that this is supposed to be an Oktoberfest. The "buckwheat" turns out to be the native coastal foothills plant, not the cultivated variety we eat. It provides a touch of perfume and a little dry graininess, which reminds me more of a rye. Tremendously drinkable but flavorful beer that is easily the best Oktober-style beer I've had in ages.

On tap at Sea Rocket in San Diego. Brewery says this is the first in a series of beers that will be "incorporating native species" -- just plants, we hope.