Oktoberfest
Bert's Brewing

16oz can from Brewers Haven. Foggy amber pour, small foamy head disappears.Malty aroma, caramel, light notes of brown sugar and dark bread. Taste is sweet, malty, toffee, brown bread, and a light tingle on the tongue. Smooth with a wonderful body.

been awhile since i had been to berts and i was stoked on all the new to me beers on tap this past weekend, and this marzen, while at the end of its season, hit for me as well as any of them, which is saying a lot because these guys are doing everything well at the moment. this is classically built, amber colored, decidedly german to me on the malt and the yeast, has some sweetness but more of that kilned type heartiness, is quite a bit more substantial than their festbier, which is also excellent, and something easy to be impressed by from a quality standpoint. the aroma and flavor are similar with an earthy minerality, a sturdy baked maltiness that hints at maple, toasted chestnut, and raisin, and with nuances of wet stone, proofing dough, and poured concrete yet somehow in a cozy way. the hops are subtle but traditional in this, not a huge factor but balance the finish, and the body is longer and smooth for a lager, maybe a tad more sweetness than it needs heavying slightly, but as we get past fall and into winter, i dont mind that element, may have felt like a lot in september though. a little bit relaxed on the carbonation but still lively enough, and overall an outstanding and authentic take on the style, well lagered and delicious. get some before its gone for the year!