Granite Acorn Autumn Lager
Neighborhood Beer Co.

 

 

I am very picky about marzen beers. The standard is set by a handful of German breweries who execute it with exacting precision and consistency. Anything significantly outside of those guidelines, at least to me, should be called something else. The majority of US-made "octoberfest" beers miss the mark. Generally they are too thick, too sweet, too dark, too spiced... some or all of the above. So I tend to avoid them and stick with the Germans.

However, contrary to my rule I took a chance on this version from Neighborhood because everything I've had from them has been solid. The can label says "a super malty version of the iconic harvest Marzen-Style Oktoberfest." This initially gave me pause. "Super malty"? That's a big part of what's wrong with the typical US-produced version.. too thick, too sweet. I was prepared for yet another disappointment.

However I'm extremely pleased to say Neighborhood really hit the mark with this one. It is not the typical thick and sweet US-style. Instead it is actually on point with the Germans. I cannot remember being able to say that about a US-produced rendition. Malty, bready, crisp, smooth... I could easily down a few liters of this while singing and standing on a table in a gigantic tent in Munich with 100k other happy drunk people. Super smooth and chuggable.

With this beer Neighborhood has reached a new level in my book. They've hit the bullseye on a very small target. Well done!

"Fall spiced beer" and "Pumpkin beer" fad-loving folks, be warned: it likely is not what you're looking for. Stay away unless you're looking to educate your palate. This is a well-executed traditional style to be appreciated by true aficionados. Dry, crisp, malty in only the right ways.

16oz can purchased as a single for $2.99 at Prost!, North Hampton, NH. Poured cold into a tulip. Code "08/28/18 B 179" on the can bottom.

From the 16 oz. can dated 08/28/18. Sampled on September 22, 2018 - first day of Fall.

The pour is light to medium amber with a tremendous, albeit, short-lived cream colored head. Busy carbonation.

The aroma brings out an immediate sweet caramel malt character with only a feint floral hop character hovering beneath that.

Medium, creamy body.

The taste begins sweet and malty but I cannot get around this kind of vegetable oil character that seems to offset all the other positive attributes. Clean finish though.

Can acquired in NH and wish I had acquired more than one. One of the best Marzen Lagers I've tasted this fall season. Very malty yet also very crisp. 6.5% ABV gives it some solid body to accentuate the taste. Nothing negative I can say about it except the fact that it probably won't be a year-round product. I'll try to grab some more if I can find it before this season ends.

 

Draft at Firefly
Deep copper color with a small but long lasting off white head. Earthy floral hops and bready malt on the nose. Bitter earthy flavor counters a light bready malty flavor. I liked this better when I thought they might have actually used acorns in the brew. There's a sharp earthy bitterness that really doesn't meld well with the rich malty character here.