Oktoberfests / Marzens

On this prompt, I found some myself and it's proving quite fresh.

It may not be as dark as I recall, but it's certainly not the bright gold of the HB Festbier. Bronze-amber with a big malt profile, dry finish, good bitterness in the aftertaste with some lingering, luscious fruitiness that's rather appetizing -- it's not an ester character as if from warm fermentation, but maybe more from fresh, rich malts.

Who says lagers are boring?

 

It's turning out to be a good year for Maibocks after all. In addition to the immensely enjoyable HB and Troegs offerings, we recently got Hacker-Pschorr's Hubertus in the NYC area.

While I was picking some up I also got a heads-up on some draught-only Ayinger Maibock being tapped next week at the growler station. Apparently it hasn't been available in years, and they only shipped a handful of small kegs to the US this year. Keep an eye out in case it hits your area, because it won't last long.

 

Michael, this Sunday (5/4) there will be Sly Fox Maibock available on cask (and draft); yum!

Cheers!

 

Something tells me you are in for a treat. I am still reminiscing about their excellent Oktoberfest, and that leads me to believe that they could do this style justice too.

I will be seeing my sister from PA this weekend, and hopefully she is bringing along some Sly Fox beers with her, so at least I have that going for me.

Enjoy!

 

Ayinger Maibock........must.......have........some........never seen it but REALLY want too.

I have to buy a 6 of HofBrau, I thought the Hubertus was kind of blah (and I love HKR-SCHR).

 

This thread is making me ready for some HP O fest with some fried sauerkraut

 

Chaz is not kidding. Get your hands on that one if you're able. I'll be stocking up on this excellent beer. Definitely an underrated style, but I get that's the feeling I get with most German styles.

 

Here's hoping the Ayinger finds its way to you (and other BAs who would appreciate it). Unfortunately the manager where I shop didn't have much more info other than how he managed to snag a few small kegs and there isn't much available. Maybe the rest will show up at German-themed restaurants and bars.

As to the Hubertus, what I had was anything but blah. Maybe temperature makes a difference; I couldn't wait to open mine such that I only had it in the fridge for a short time and drank it in maybe the upper 50s. Those hops jumped right out at me at that temp, that's for sure. Hopefully you have a better experience if there is to be a next time.

 

When I was in my thirties -working at a likker sto' and livin' above a bah - I had keg parties every week for a year, and one of those was Hubertus. It was definitely not a 'blah' kegger!

Been spoiled for German lagerbier styles, lately, and am loving it. Two new local (and 'local') Pilsners, even. Bring on the Oktoberfests, already! It's May!

 

Well maybe I will have to give it another run. We are talking about the relatively new release in the last few months that comes in the larger bottle with a green label and the cap in a cage right?

I love German lagers, Just drank a Ayinger Dunkel tonight. Hacker Pschorr Marzen is one of my favorite beers there is, but if I am thinking of the right beer, I was a bit disappointed with my first bottle of the Hubertus. Willing to give it another try though.

 

From Marzens to cask Milds and on to Bocks, back to IPAs...you either like malt or hops more...if I'm marooned on a desert isle...it's American IPAs or something similar, without question. (IMHO)

 

Meh, I had a few Hofbrau Maibocks last weekend. Would have preferred them aged in apple brandy barrels.

*yawn*

 

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen and New Glarus Staghorn

 

I read that they are going to have some barrel-aged options at this year's Oktoberfest. Apparently they will be serving them in commemorative 4 oz snifters, too. ISO!!!

 

But it took a "few" to lead you to that conclusion?

(yes, I recognize the irony/sarcasm 'cause I know you better! )

 

I think Augustiner always has barrel-aged options at the O-Fest.

 

No apple flavor? Boring....

 

That's how I sample and review beer. By having multiple.

I don't have a 2 oz. pour and "tick" it.

 

It's a swing top bottle, but I think you got the right one.

I hope you didn't read too much into my post. I was just calling 'em as I see 'em, and I'm sure you are doing the same. Definitely post back if you get another, no matter what you think (although, obviously, I am hoping it's a better experience.) Cheers!

 

No worries, I got ya and feel the same. I bought a bottle and took it to a cook out and shared it. We drank it after a bottle of Westmalle Dubbel so maybe it just paled in comparison. I'm going to try and get another bottle