Octoberfest Beer | Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Brewed by:
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Massachusetts, United States
harpoonbrewery.com
Style: German Märzen / Oktoberfest
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.30%
Availability: Fall
Notes / Commercial Description:
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
Added by BeerAdvocate on 10-02-2001
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 1,244 | Reviews: 503
3.53/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
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.
166 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
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.
166 characters
3.57/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
(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
1,031 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
(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
1,031 characters
3.47/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
3.71/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark amber color with mild carbonation. Smell is definately octoberfest with some other spice note that I don't know. Initial taste is pleasant and sweet with a mild aftertaste. The feel is a just right for the style. Overall just as good of a brew as all he other big names but not a stand out
304 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark amber color with mild carbonation. Smell is definately octoberfest with some other spice note that I don't know. Initial taste is pleasant and sweet with a mild aftertaste. The feel is a just right for the style. Overall just as good of a brew as all he other big names but not a stand out
304 characters
3.79/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Amber color, light foam, very good.
35 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Amber color, light foam, very good.
35 characters
3.72/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
3.46/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a 16 ounce glass. Dark red amber with moderate tan head the didn't last very long but does leave decent lacing. Smells sweet and malty. When sipping it has a sweet front end with a touch of bitter on the finish. The mouthfeel is good and I like the carbonation. I honestly had my first one out of the bottle ans was ready to totally pan the beer but out of a glass it is a totally difference experience. It's not a bad fall offering. Not too malty and not too sweet. I enjoyed my second try at it much more that the first.
566 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a 16 ounce glass. Dark red amber with moderate tan head the didn't last very long but does leave decent lacing. Smells sweet and malty. When sipping it has a sweet front end with a touch of bitter on the finish. The mouthfeel is good and I like the carbonation. I honestly had my first one out of the bottle ans was ready to totally pan the beer but out of a glass it is a totally difference experience. It's not a bad fall offering. Not too malty and not too sweet. I enjoyed my second try at it much more that the first.
566 characters
3.9/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 Oz Can poured into glass
Look - Dark copper brown color, large foam head slow to fade and some nice glass lacing
Smell - Pick up the sweet malt, roasted nuts, some earthy spices and a very slight creamy note
Taste - Not as heavy as other Octoberfest beers i have had. Some chocolate malt and roasted peanuts. Pick up the grain flavor from the wheat and a noticeable zing at the end from the hops. Seems to get better every sip which is interesting. Fairly sweet but nothing overpowering. Texture is fairly smooth. Carbonation medium-low and somewhat drinkable, not overly filling.
Overall, i like the beers this company makes. They may not be as unique as Sierra Nevada or Sam Adams but they have solid flavor and they don't disappoint. This beer is a pretty good Octoberfest, not the best I've had but i enjoyed it.
Grade is a B+
834 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 Oz Can poured into glass
Look - Dark copper brown color, large foam head slow to fade and some nice glass lacing
Smell - Pick up the sweet malt, roasted nuts, some earthy spices and a very slight creamy note
Taste - Not as heavy as other Octoberfest beers i have had. Some chocolate malt and roasted peanuts. Pick up the grain flavor from the wheat and a noticeable zing at the end from the hops. Seems to get better every sip which is interesting. Fairly sweet but nothing overpowering. Texture is fairly smooth. Carbonation medium-low and somewhat drinkable, not overly filling.
Overall, i like the beers this company makes. They may not be as unique as Sierra Nevada or Sam Adams but they have solid flavor and they don't disappoint. This beer is a pretty good Octoberfest, not the best I've had but i enjoyed it.
Grade is a B+
834 characters
3.5/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
2.71/5 rDev -26.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
3.69/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.31/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
3.93/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
3.49/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
3.62/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.75/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.58/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.76/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Reddish-orange in color with excellent clarity. Poured with a short, creamy, off-white foam with good retention. Medium light bready malt aroma. No ester or hop aromas. Medium bodied with medium carbonation and light creaminess through the middle. Medium light grainy and bready malt up front. Medium bitterness through the middle that tapers to the end. No hop flavor. Finished with lingering bitterness and grainy malt aftertaste. Balance tips a bit heavily to the bitter side. Malt character was a bit light and the bitterness a bit sharp. This was good, easy drinking, but lacked good malt character.
604 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Reddish-orange in color with excellent clarity. Poured with a short, creamy, off-white foam with good retention. Medium light bready malt aroma. No ester or hop aromas. Medium bodied with medium carbonation and light creaminess through the middle. Medium light grainy and bready malt up front. Medium bitterness through the middle that tapers to the end. No hop flavor. Finished with lingering bitterness and grainy malt aftertaste. Balance tips a bit heavily to the bitter side. Malt character was a bit light and the bitterness a bit sharp. This was good, easy drinking, but lacked good malt character.
604 characters
3.75/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.59/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a clear mug.
The appearance was a nice looking brisk dark orange to amber color with an ever so slight transparency about it. Carbonation could be seen rising at a moderate pace. Just a cap of a little white foamy head that slid off at a slight pace. Not much lace.
The aroma captured some clean caramel/toffee malts with some breadiness/light toast, a whiff of roasted nuts and a clasp of earthiness.
The flavor was moderately sweet with a trail of earthiness. Slight spice came in ever so subtle. Mild aftertaste of some clingy nuts, but not so roasty with a little bit of malts.
The mouthfeel was almost medium bodied with a fair sessionability about it. Carbonation felt on par. ABV felt appropriate. Malty to semi-nutty and earthy sort of finish.
Overall, as an Americanized Oktoberfest, it's not bad, perhaps not one of the better ones on the American market, but it's do-able.
895 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a clear mug.
The appearance was a nice looking brisk dark orange to amber color with an ever so slight transparency about it. Carbonation could be seen rising at a moderate pace. Just a cap of a little white foamy head that slid off at a slight pace. Not much lace.
The aroma captured some clean caramel/toffee malts with some breadiness/light toast, a whiff of roasted nuts and a clasp of earthiness.
The flavor was moderately sweet with a trail of earthiness. Slight spice came in ever so subtle. Mild aftertaste of some clingy nuts, but not so roasty with a little bit of malts.
The mouthfeel was almost medium bodied with a fair sessionability about it. Carbonation felt on par. ABV felt appropriate. Malty to semi-nutty and earthy sort of finish.
Overall, as an Americanized Oktoberfest, it's not bad, perhaps not one of the better ones on the American market, but it's do-able.
895 characters
3.77/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Octoberfest Beer from Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Beer rating:
3.67 out of
5 with
1,244 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with ≥ 150 characters.
Explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.