Octoberfest Beer
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- Lager - Märzen
Ranked #224 - ABV:
- 5.3%
- Score:
- 83
Ranked #25,001 - Avg:
- 3.67 | pDev: 11.72%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 06, 2022
- Added:
- Oct 02, 2001
- Wants:
- 31
- Gots:
- 220
SCORE
83
Good
83
Good
Notes:
The character and complexity of Harpoon Octoberfest comes from the malt and hops. When looking at a freshly poured Harpoon Octoberfest, you will notice the garnet-red color with a firm, creamy head. The beer’s color is from a blend of Munich, chocolate, and pale malt. The thick head results in part from wheat malt added to the grist. The hop aroma of this beer is not overpowering but it is present. Tettnang hops add a subtle spice nose that blends with the malt character. This beer is full-bodied, smooth, and malty. Willamettehops are used to provide a gentle bitterness and to balance any residual sweetness present from the malt. The finish is soft and malty with a mild bitterness.
30 IBU
30 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.35 by cold_beer on May 06, 2022
3.46/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Specialmick from Connecticut
Look...Clear copper brown with a caramel looking head and likeness.
Smell...faint caramel smell with a light hoppy citrus and malt
Taste...malty sweetness out the front then a cascade of spices of the marzen variety
Feel...Thin with low carbonation adding to the finish of dryness.
Overall...A classic i always enjoy. I have not had this in a few years and taste very close to what i have enjoyed for decades. Very drinkable and true to the festbier style. Great with food
Nov 21, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Specialmick from Connecticut
Look...Clear copper brown with a caramel looking head and likeness.
Smell...faint caramel smell with a light hoppy citrus and malt
Taste...malty sweetness out the front then a cascade of spices of the marzen variety
Feel...Thin with low carbonation adding to the finish of dryness.
Overall...A classic i always enjoy. I have not had this in a few years and taste very close to what i have enjoyed for decades. Very drinkable and true to the festbier style. Great with food
Nov 21, 2021
4.44 by Pat-George on Nov 01, 2021
3.83 by donspublic from Texas on Oct 09, 2021
3.72/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by 1009 from Massachusetts
The Marzen tour continues at the Harpoon Brewery. This was a pleasure to drink. A classic marzen deep brown color with malty aromas. The bready warm goodness warms your soul, typical for most marzens, but where this one differs is it’s sessionable nature. You don’t get that filling feeling and anticipate each sip with an eagerness. Not too sweet too, just a good old fashioned marzen lager with a smooth finish.
Sep 25, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by 1009 from Massachusetts
The Marzen tour continues at the Harpoon Brewery. This was a pleasure to drink. A classic marzen deep brown color with malty aromas. The bready warm goodness warms your soul, typical for most marzens, but where this one differs is it’s sessionable nature. You don’t get that filling feeling and anticipate each sip with an eagerness. Not too sweet too, just a good old fashioned marzen lager with a smooth finish.
Sep 25, 2021
3.43/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by Sheppard from Massachusetts
Pours a reddish brown with off white head. Caramel candy aroma. Some light toast as well. It's not the most full bodied. It's a little light weight but has some light roasted coffee notes to go with the crusty bread character. A touch of floral hops as well. This is fine in that it has no outright flaws, but it's lacking in flavor which is not something I want to continue to consume.
Aug 31, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by Sheppard from Massachusetts
Pours a reddish brown with off white head. Caramel candy aroma. Some light toast as well. It's not the most full bodied. It's a little light weight but has some light roasted coffee notes to go with the crusty bread character. A touch of floral hops as well. This is fine in that it has no outright flaws, but it's lacking in flavor which is not something I want to continue to consume.
Aug 31, 2021
3.85 by Maltyhead from Massachusetts on Sep 30, 2020
3.56/5 rDev -3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
by brother_rebus from Maine
Not bad. Missing something on the back end.
Sep 27, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
by brother_rebus from Maine
Not bad. Missing something on the back end.
Sep 27, 2020
3.82 by SFHbeerME from Maine on Sep 13, 2020
3.87 by teamgalt from Massachusetts on Sep 06, 2020
2.78/5 rDev -24.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
by Raime from Korea (North)
Random single grab at a citgo. Cool September night.
Look - Clear copper with a big foamy white soapy head. Low carbonation.
Smell - Faint bready malts. Touch o hop. Nothing discernible.
Taste - Moderately bready with some AAL quality.
Feel - Sweet and almost syrupy. Touch bitter in the throat. Swallows dry.
Overall - Meh. Glorified AAL. The two new O-fests I've tried this season have been swings and misses. Betta luck next time.
Sep 05, 2020
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
by Raime from Korea (North)
Random single grab at a citgo. Cool September night.
Look - Clear copper with a big foamy white soapy head. Low carbonation.
Smell - Faint bready malts. Touch o hop. Nothing discernible.
Taste - Moderately bready with some AAL quality.
Feel - Sweet and almost syrupy. Touch bitter in the throat. Swallows dry.
Overall - Meh. Glorified AAL. The two new O-fests I've tried this season have been swings and misses. Betta luck next time.
Sep 05, 2020
3.75 by Velivolus1 from Vermont on Jul 19, 2020
3.87/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Peach63 from New York
Pours amber with a 1/2 inch cream-colored head. Moderate lacing.
A little hop aroma, a bit of spices.
Taste is malty and spicy. Light bitterness.
Full bodied, semi-sweet finish. Light carbonation.
This is a very good Marzen, malty with just the right amount of sweetness.
Nov 14, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Peach63 from New York
Pours amber with a 1/2 inch cream-colored head. Moderate lacing.
A little hop aroma, a bit of spices.
Taste is malty and spicy. Light bitterness.
Full bodied, semi-sweet finish. Light carbonation.
This is a very good Marzen, malty with just the right amount of sweetness.
Nov 14, 2019
5/5 rDev +36.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by Tantonys from Maine
A very nice Marzen very close to German Octoberfest brews. Excellent hoping, good bitter, great yeast and malt background. Certainly worth grabbing while you can!
Oct 29, 2019
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by Tantonys from Maine
A very nice Marzen very close to German Octoberfest brews. Excellent hoping, good bitter, great yeast and malt background. Certainly worth grabbing while you can!
Oct 29, 2019
4.12/5 rDev +12.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4
by deleted_user_995920
Pours a ruddy copper color with a fairly quick diminishing creamy/foamy head. Smell is muted, smell some gentle spices and mild hops, some toffee. Taste is reminiscent of almost like a butterscotch taste, with some stone fruit and pumpernickel bread. Feels full bodied, finishes semi dry. Overall very good. This does not seem to be a true fest bier because of it's viscosity. This is delicious, but definitely not a fest slammer by any means. You would feel too full in my opinion. Would buy again.
Oct 21, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4
by deleted_user_995920
Pours a ruddy copper color with a fairly quick diminishing creamy/foamy head. Smell is muted, smell some gentle spices and mild hops, some toffee. Taste is reminiscent of almost like a butterscotch taste, with some stone fruit and pumpernickel bread. Feels full bodied, finishes semi dry. Overall very good. This does not seem to be a true fest bier because of it's viscosity. This is delicious, but definitely not a fest slammer by any means. You would feel too full in my opinion. Would buy again.
Oct 21, 2019
3.57 by ddoyle23 from New Hampshire on Oct 07, 2019
3.67/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by WesMantooth from Ohio
Dark copper and very clear with a frothy, sticky light tan head. Says robust. Smells robust. Definitely a strong aroma. Smells like toasted dark bread with a bit of a baking spice and some caramel. Tastes pretty much like it smells. Some flavor in there that reminds me of Sam Adams Chocolate Bock though. Doesn’t say caramel malts in the description, but I would swear there is. Fairly hoppy. Especially in the finish, but not overly so. I little light in body. The abv has to be on the lower side for any Marzen I’ve had.
This is definitely what I would call a typical American version, but a decent one. It’s like a Sam Adams that you can actually drink a lot of.
Oct 06, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by WesMantooth from Ohio
Dark copper and very clear with a frothy, sticky light tan head. Says robust. Smells robust. Definitely a strong aroma. Smells like toasted dark bread with a bit of a baking spice and some caramel. Tastes pretty much like it smells. Some flavor in there that reminds me of Sam Adams Chocolate Bock though. Doesn’t say caramel malts in the description, but I would swear there is. Fairly hoppy. Especially in the finish, but not overly so. I little light in body. The abv has to be on the lower side for any Marzen I’ve had.
This is definitely what I would call a typical American version, but a decent one. It’s like a Sam Adams that you can actually drink a lot of.
Oct 06, 2019
3.75/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by mike22ne from Massachusetts
Poured from a can, dated 7/20/20
Pours a dark amber with a fine off-white layer of foam.
Smells malty, sweet dark bread and caramelized fruits. Subtle spice or herbal hops.
Taste follows with solid malt profile, light earthy/herbal hop bitterness to round it out.
Feels medium light. Balanced on the sweet side, but a dry clean finish.
Overall a good offering. Best e joyed from a stein at the Harpoon beer hall, but I suppose a can at home will have to suffice.
Oct 05, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by mike22ne from Massachusetts
Poured from a can, dated 7/20/20
Pours a dark amber with a fine off-white layer of foam.
Smells malty, sweet dark bread and caramelized fruits. Subtle spice or herbal hops.
Taste follows with solid malt profile, light earthy/herbal hop bitterness to round it out.
Feels medium light. Balanced on the sweet side, but a dry clean finish.
Overall a good offering. Best e joyed from a stein at the Harpoon beer hall, but I suppose a can at home will have to suffice.
Oct 05, 2019
3.74/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by Lingenbrau from Oregon
Thanks again Patty.
A dark one here. Looks like late Fall in a glass. Deep orange with red and brown highlights, clear as can be, with an off white and well lacing foam.
Aroma is extra toasty with a generous hand full of toasted breadcrumbs and caramel syrup.
Flavor has a bit of a grassy and mineral water metallic presence over the toasted breadiness. There's a touch of raisin too.
Thinner than expected, well carbonated and well balanced, though it flip flops being sweet at first with a creeping bitter finish.
An interesting Octoberfest beer. Much more in line with what is typically thought of as an American signature to the style, but that's not a bad thing. A perfect, cold, night time Festbier.
Prost!
Oct 05, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by Lingenbrau from Oregon
Thanks again Patty.
A dark one here. Looks like late Fall in a glass. Deep orange with red and brown highlights, clear as can be, with an off white and well lacing foam.
Aroma is extra toasty with a generous hand full of toasted breadcrumbs and caramel syrup.
Flavor has a bit of a grassy and mineral water metallic presence over the toasted breadiness. There's a touch of raisin too.
Thinner than expected, well carbonated and well balanced, though it flip flops being sweet at first with a creeping bitter finish.
An interesting Octoberfest beer. Much more in line with what is typically thought of as an American signature to the style, but that's not a bad thing. A perfect, cold, night time Festbier.
Prost!
Oct 05, 2019
3.92/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by GreesyFizeek from New York
This one pours a slightly dark yellow color, clear, with a fluffy head, and lots of lacing.
This smells like subtly spicy hops, toasty and grainy malt, and a slight sweetness.
Harpoon isn't always my favorite brewery, but they tend to do this sort of stuff pretty well. It's got the appropriate amount of sweet, some slight graininess, and a nice spicy hop character.
I'd want this to be a bit crisper, but it's very drinkable, with a nice light body, and a smooth finish.
I'd have this again. It's not completely a top level version of the style, but I enjoyed it.
Oct 03, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by GreesyFizeek from New York
This one pours a slightly dark yellow color, clear, with a fluffy head, and lots of lacing.
This smells like subtly spicy hops, toasty and grainy malt, and a slight sweetness.
Harpoon isn't always my favorite brewery, but they tend to do this sort of stuff pretty well. It's got the appropriate amount of sweet, some slight graininess, and a nice spicy hop character.
I'd want this to be a bit crisper, but it's very drinkable, with a nice light body, and a smooth finish.
I'd have this again. It's not completely a top level version of the style, but I enjoyed it.
Oct 03, 2019
2.75/5 rDev -25.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2
by AvengeTheRavel from Connecticut
Tried this in bottle format. Something about the combination of flavors uses produced *for my palette* a hint of the taste that blood has. Not saying that was the only flavor, but one of a few flavors that was present. It was present enough for me to not want to finish the beer.
Sep 22, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2
by AvengeTheRavel from Connecticut
Tried this in bottle format. Something about the combination of flavors uses produced *for my palette* a hint of the taste that blood has. Not saying that was the only flavor, but one of a few flavors that was present. It was present enough for me to not want to finish the beer.
Sep 22, 2019
3.6/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Amendm from Florida
A light pour from a 12-oz. bottle yields a finger of light tan soapy foam with average retention and sliding blotches of lace. Clear reddish amber, orange-amber in sunlight.
Mild smell of caramel and toasted malt , floral hops and toasted wheat.
The taste features bready rich malt, semi-sweet and boldly bitter. Apple, apple cider and bitter/sour grape emerge with a mild drying alcohol astringency. Hop flavor builds at the quick clean finish, bitterness continues to rise during the long aftertaste.
Light-ish body, below average carbonation. Almost smooth, hindered by the astringency yet still session-able. Nice malt bill. barley shines through the wheat. PKG 7/29/19.
Sep 22, 2019
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Amendm from Florida
A light pour from a 12-oz. bottle yields a finger of light tan soapy foam with average retention and sliding blotches of lace. Clear reddish amber, orange-amber in sunlight.
Mild smell of caramel and toasted malt , floral hops and toasted wheat.
The taste features bready rich malt, semi-sweet and boldly bitter. Apple, apple cider and bitter/sour grape emerge with a mild drying alcohol astringency. Hop flavor builds at the quick clean finish, bitterness continues to rise during the long aftertaste.
Light-ish body, below average carbonation. Almost smooth, hindered by the astringency yet still session-able. Nice malt bill. barley shines through the wheat. PKG 7/29/19.
Sep 22, 2019
3.15 by VelvetExtract from Massachusetts on Sep 20, 2019
3.58/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by rktrat from Massachusetts
Old time classic now in can
Sep 14, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by rktrat from Massachusetts
Old time classic now in can
Sep 14, 2019
2.5 by T66tah from Pennsylvania on Sep 14, 2019
3.98/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Mugman8 from New York
I like this one. Garnet red on the pour with firm creamy head and nice hop aroma. Taste is full-bodied, smooth, and malty with slight bitterness on the finish.
Sep 14, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Mugman8 from New York
I like this one. Garnet red on the pour with firm creamy head and nice hop aroma. Taste is full-bodied, smooth, and malty with slight bitterness on the finish.
Sep 14, 2019
3.68/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by MUTINY from Virginia
2019 Release. 12oz bottle into a perfect pint.
A: Pours a clear reddish-copper with 1" dense off-white head that recedes slowly. Retention and lacing are both not bad.
S: Bready malt, pitted fruit, big undertones of hop bitterness. Spices and sweetness underneath. It reveals itself to be increasingly complex with each whiff.
T: Messy, hop-forward with sustained bitterness throughout mid palate. More bracing than is traditional for the style, if they'd committed more hops to this brew it'd read closer to a weak, watery 3IPA. The sweetness does ultimately focus things toward the finish - which reads more like an Oktoberfest should. Spicy, vaguely fruited and malt forward right at the end.
M: Medium carb with a fairly robust, slick body. It's adequate.
O: Seems unfocused and unsubtle. Not a train wreck, and I appreciate it's uniqueness - I just feel that the end product is a bit too clumsy and aggressive for the style. Style point for the appearance though, it's a head-turning brew.
Sep 11, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by MUTINY from Virginia
2019 Release. 12oz bottle into a perfect pint.
A: Pours a clear reddish-copper with 1" dense off-white head that recedes slowly. Retention and lacing are both not bad.
S: Bready malt, pitted fruit, big undertones of hop bitterness. Spices and sweetness underneath. It reveals itself to be increasingly complex with each whiff.
T: Messy, hop-forward with sustained bitterness throughout mid palate. More bracing than is traditional for the style, if they'd committed more hops to this brew it'd read closer to a weak, watery 3IPA. The sweetness does ultimately focus things toward the finish - which reads more like an Oktoberfest should. Spicy, vaguely fruited and malt forward right at the end.
M: Medium carb with a fairly robust, slick body. It's adequate.
O: Seems unfocused and unsubtle. Not a train wreck, and I appreciate it's uniqueness - I just feel that the end product is a bit too clumsy and aggressive for the style. Style point for the appearance though, it's a head-turning brew.
Sep 11, 2019
3.05/5 rDev -16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by jrc1093 from Connecticut
Canned on 7/29/19
Pours a clear deep copper-brown capped with a few fingers of tight off-white foam; solid retention yields layers of moderate lacing and a light cap-collar of froth.
Aromas present as robust and lightly malty upfront, with a dominant brightness mostly of dark fruit and apple with the occasionally sharp coffee tone in between; hints of pumpernickel bread and further light caramel malt tones develop over time; not offensive, but awkwardly lacking in any malt definition.
Taste follows the aroma, seeing floral apple peel and cherry intertwine with light caramel malts and bread crust; a toasted wood tone and some smoked toffee become apparent toward the relatively quick finish.
Mouthfeel shows a medium-full body with moderate carbonation balanced easily along the palate; consistent and smooth, with a slightly syrupy heft just before the finish dries.
Well-built American take on the style falling short of a more defined malt profile; the fruitier tones are unique, but can become overbearing and prohibit balancing breadier notes from taking shape. Overall, just an ok beer.
Sep 08, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by jrc1093 from Connecticut
Canned on 7/29/19
Pours a clear deep copper-brown capped with a few fingers of tight off-white foam; solid retention yields layers of moderate lacing and a light cap-collar of froth.
Aromas present as robust and lightly malty upfront, with a dominant brightness mostly of dark fruit and apple with the occasionally sharp coffee tone in between; hints of pumpernickel bread and further light caramel malt tones develop over time; not offensive, but awkwardly lacking in any malt definition.
Taste follows the aroma, seeing floral apple peel and cherry intertwine with light caramel malts and bread crust; a toasted wood tone and some smoked toffee become apparent toward the relatively quick finish.
Mouthfeel shows a medium-full body with moderate carbonation balanced easily along the palate; consistent and smooth, with a slightly syrupy heft just before the finish dries.
Well-built American take on the style falling short of a more defined malt profile; the fruitier tones are unique, but can become overbearing and prohibit balancing breadier notes from taking shape. Overall, just an ok beer.
Sep 08, 2019
3.75 by jprudhomme7 from New Hampshire on Sep 07, 2019
3.75/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by VABA from Virginia
A-Pours a nice amber color with a nice head and lacing
A-Aroma had caramel malt hints
T-The taste follows the nose with a caramel malt flavor
M-A light bodied decently carbonated beer
O-A decent Octoberfest beer
Sep 05, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by VABA from Virginia
A-Pours a nice amber color with a nice head and lacing
A-Aroma had caramel malt hints
T-The taste follows the nose with a caramel malt flavor
M-A light bodied decently carbonated beer
O-A decent Octoberfest beer
Sep 05, 2019
3.75 by Velivolus from Vermont on Sep 01, 2019
3.75 by seakayak from Massachusetts on Aug 23, 2019
3.5 by PhineasMcClintock from Massachusetts on Aug 20, 2019
3.8/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by mushroomcloud from Texas
12oz bottle best by 11-15-18
Appealing, clean, bright amber Marzen with a 1" off white head and good retention down to 1/4" then a solid cap. Good lacing.
Rich, malty caramel aroma with a hint of floral hops - well balanced, good aroma.
Bready flavor, caramel, toffee, some hop spiciness from middle thru the end. Earthy finish.
Somewhere less than medium bodied - seems like it should/could be "fuller". Carbonation is right. Even with the rich malty presence the beer doesn't finish sweet and has a pleasant lingering finish balanced between caramel malts and spicy/floral hops.
Another good American version of a Marzen...my last Oktoberfest of the season.
Nov 04, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by mushroomcloud from Texas
12oz bottle best by 11-15-18
Appealing, clean, bright amber Marzen with a 1" off white head and good retention down to 1/4" then a solid cap. Good lacing.
Rich, malty caramel aroma with a hint of floral hops - well balanced, good aroma.
Bready flavor, caramel, toffee, some hop spiciness from middle thru the end. Earthy finish.
Somewhere less than medium bodied - seems like it should/could be "fuller". Carbonation is right. Even with the rich malty presence the beer doesn't finish sweet and has a pleasant lingering finish balanced between caramel malts and spicy/floral hops.
Another good American version of a Marzen...my last Oktoberfest of the season.
Nov 04, 2018
3.92 by nmwhitehead from New York on Oct 29, 2018
3.55 by O-Meg from New York on Oct 18, 2018
4/5 rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by birdyone from Maryland
Good overall fest beer. Traditional, smooth, easy drinking. slightly more bite than the ubiquitous Sam October.
Oct 16, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by birdyone from Maryland
Good overall fest beer. Traditional, smooth, easy drinking. slightly more bite than the ubiquitous Sam October.
Oct 16, 2018
3.53/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by izraelc from New York
Looks fantastic. Deep ruby with a thick foam. If it only it tasted as good as it looks. Falls very flat. Not much character. Slight malt finish. A very average brew.
Oct 14, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by izraelc from New York
Looks fantastic. Deep ruby with a thick foam. If it only it tasted as good as it looks. Falls very flat. Not much character. Slight malt finish. A very average brew.
Oct 14, 2018
3.57/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by Bouleboubier from New Jersey
(12 oz bottle, enjoy by 12/15/18... poured into a simple 14 oz glass mug)
L: crystal-clear, deep amber almost garnet colored liquid... does throw a few thin streaks of lace
S: surprising degree of hop presence on the nose - orange, grass, pine... bit of sweetness and a touch of toast from the malts poking out, but the hops seem to lay level if not above... might not guess it's an Oktoberfest in a quick blind whiff
T: brown bread crust, hint of caramel; hint of dried orange peel and a good pop of earthy, lightly spicy hops in the aftertaste; quite dry, little residual sweetness, subtle spice flickers longest... flavors fade with each sip
F: smooth, soft, but a bit frayed on the edges... wonderfully dry in the back end; has a delicate bounce to its body; faint warmth remaining mid-palate
O: didn't care for this much - the hops get in the way of the malt, which doesn't project much character or depth anyway... just an odd move with the hops; best part of it may be its near-crisp dryness... no repeat visit in sight
Oct 14, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by Bouleboubier from New Jersey
(12 oz bottle, enjoy by 12/15/18... poured into a simple 14 oz glass mug)
L: crystal-clear, deep amber almost garnet colored liquid... does throw a few thin streaks of lace
S: surprising degree of hop presence on the nose - orange, grass, pine... bit of sweetness and a touch of toast from the malts poking out, but the hops seem to lay level if not above... might not guess it's an Oktoberfest in a quick blind whiff
T: brown bread crust, hint of caramel; hint of dried orange peel and a good pop of earthy, lightly spicy hops in the aftertaste; quite dry, little residual sweetness, subtle spice flickers longest... flavors fade with each sip
F: smooth, soft, but a bit frayed on the edges... wonderfully dry in the back end; has a delicate bounce to its body; faint warmth remaining mid-palate
O: didn't care for this much - the hops get in the way of the malt, which doesn't project much character or depth anyway... just an odd move with the hops; best part of it may be its near-crisp dryness... no repeat visit in sight
Oct 14, 2018
3.47 by AccipiterofBeer from New York on Oct 10, 2018
Octoberfest Beer from Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Beer rating:
83 out of
100 with
1281 ratings