004 Lager, Oktoberfest
By All Means Brew Lab

the naming remains a mystery to me, not an ideal way to identify and brand these beers, a shame even, not quite a tragedy, but its real dumb, but whats really stupidly amazing is the quality of this marzen, one of my favorites from the whole season this year, and as much as i think the branding is lame, the beer in the glass is next level, easily one of the best regional examples of the style this year, so stoked to be able to have a fresh pull at the brewery in billings. its radiantly bright, clear, deep amber toned for the style, and frothy headed, more than an inch, close to two, of light khaki foam on this, tops it beautifully, bubbly and alive as well. it smells and tastes like the fall, fallen acorns, turned leaves, and nutty vienna type malt, the yeast is german and traditional to me in nose and taste, a pretty soft voice here, and only lightly hoppy too, noble and bitter, grassy but not vegetal, fresh but not a significant factor here overall. the malt moves this, honey and toffee but not overly sugary late, baked and bready, but not heavy, and complex without being overly deep, it just works on every level. i taste and appreciate the mineral profile and the water chemistry, which also lines up well for the style, and on the whole this is flavorful, masterfully refined, and something i want to drink again and again. absurd with their pork green chili in here, what more could anyone want?!