Oktoberfest
Guilford Hall Brewery

Poured from the can into a Libbey style pilsner glass.

Frothy rich and very tall forming head with a light khaki color. Fine bubbles in the head easily pushing over 4 fingers in height, and very lengthy staying power with big retention. Quite a nice color in the body, mixing copper with dark brass yellow, although slightly hazy overall. Some very light carbonation makes it's presence as well through the body.

Really pleasant aroma. Manages to stay classic clean sensing, with a light sweet malt, even a hint of toasty quality. There's a faint touch of fruit on this almost raisin like but not that sweet. Some gooey caramel and a mild herbal hop round things out. There's a lot of pleasant diverse flavors here which is quite impressive for a standard oktoberfest.

Palate is more grounded but real solid. Gooey and slightly thickened mouthfeel makes for an almost sticky experience. Sweet caramel and dark honey are the primary sensing flavors, with a body that manages to still be thick but not too outrageous. Herbal bitterness cuts in just in time, to give a real nice balance, and lingering almost minty feeling. The robust flavors take away from some of the clean hinting lager presence, but they are also bold. Dark honey, gooey caramel, dark raisin, milk chocolate, and event a hint of mint.

Very unique tasting Oktoberfest, and also addictive.

Copper colored with off white head which thins quickly.
Lager malts and biscuit aromas.
Smooth drinking, malt forward. Slight malt liquor flavor.
Very good and I’d definitely drink it again.

 

Could probably cut and paste a review from one of my previous O'fest ratings and accurately describe this selection. Attractive deep amber body with an average size beige head. Malt focused aroma aided by a modest hop addition. A firm malt base that eschews any bitterness. Rich mouthfeel. Well made but nothing out of the ordinary.

My first marzen of the year. Big sweet caramel note in the nose is the main pre drink takeaway. Flavor is sweet and bready and almost chewy in texture, which is a plus for me. The finish is strong and doesn't lend itself to wateriness. Compact, and efficient, this is a solid marzen. Prost and all that!