Already Craving Oktoberfest Beers?

First off, you have great taste on Oktoberfests.

Second, I agree with the Sam Adams sentiment. I think the modern beer geek has evolved to the point that they don't need some overly sweet caramel mess of a beer labeled, "Oktoberfest". The only reason I can think of that they don't change the recipe is that perhaps it still sells well.

But I agree, I sort of remember it being particularly below average last year, I'm sure I commented on it in the German forum, so I could check there. Like you, I try to have it each year, same with all Sam seasonals. It's just something I do. I think of it more as an "Imperial" Boston Lager than an Oktoberfest. That helps shift my expectations.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/22202/62012/

Ever heard of "Altoberfest" from Element?

 

Not local and someone has to send/bring it to you but the OMB Mecktoberfest from Charlotte is the best of this style I have had from the USA. OMB does German beer styles true to form and other than the Ayinger, my favorite fest beer and fortunately get it a week old in season. Get some--hit me up close to time!

 

I would strongly encourage you to try this beer. IMO it is not what most folks would consider to be a 'true' Oktoberfest; I personally would not advocate that it is a 'true' Oktoberfest beer. I buy at least one 6-pack a season since it is reasonably priced and for me it is a genuine joy to drink!!

Cheers!

 

Thanks, I wasn't craving them until you posted this thread .

 

It just hit me like a DIPA, we've spent three pages talking about anticipating a Fall beer. That my friends is dedication.

 

I can certainly understand BA's who prefer maerzens seasonally and connect them with that time of year, just like I get those who like them year round. I am one of the latter. Then again I like dunkels and bocks anytime too. I don't drink a lot of them during the summer given our hot humid weather, but I would never turn one down.

Last summer on a very warm day in Bamberg, a couple bottles of cold Faessla Zwergla (a dunkel) in our apartment were terrific after a half day of biking. A maerzen would have been too.

OP, appreciate you starting this thread. It prompted me to pick up a 6-er of pretty fresh Spaten maerzen. I'm enjoying one now and really looking forward to this years SN-Mahrs beer.

 

Nope. I like a good Octoberfest as much as anyone, but it drives me nuts when on July 25th and it's 85 degrees outside I see nothing but beers with a bunch of orange leaves and Jack o lanterns on the label. Just let it be summer. The weather will turn to garbage soon enough.

 

Yes. But I crave them all year round.

 

Please stop this madness and enjoy your summer!

 

I look at it this way. There's two multi-page threads right now talking about lagers that aren't IPLs, and this one is about a fall beer that isn't related to pumpkins.

That's progress my friends.

Wait a sec, how'd you get fresh Spaten Maerzen?

 

Yeah, because they'll all be gone come... October.

 

Yeah, I didn't think Texas was one of those regions that had it available year-round. Then again, he did say pretty fresh.

 

Oh, is this one of the Maerzens that is year round? I believe Paulaner is, correct? (the amber version)

 

Some things actually will be, believe it or not. In particular, I will be getting my Hofbrau Mini Keg as soon as I see them because they will sell out.

Other than that, though, as much as I love these beers and drink them in quantity, I still like to mix things up a bit. So having an extra month or so helps with regard to that.

 

In certain markets. I asked a couple of my retailers if it was available to them, but the area distro said no way -- won't sell.

Not sure whose turn it is this year, Paulaner or H-P?

Seriously, a few years ago H-P was available year-round and I'd see it pretty often. Then it switched to Paulaner, and I never see that until late August -- maybe. Again, it all depends on distro perceptions of the market.

 

Oh -- I wasn't joking -- I know first-hand how fast it goes.

I've given in to them being available so early just because I know I could miss some of the better ones.

 

Just be careful of those jack ass liquor stores who pull out LAST YEAR'S stock first. Sometimes this starts with the distributor as well I imagine, giving stores old stock.

Last year I believe I got a six pack of Spaten from January or so (is this because it's year round?) that had just arrived at my store. A few weeks later some stock that was only a few months old showed up. I honestly don't remember if there was a difference in taste, but at the prices of beer these days, I want as fresh as possible.

 

I know I am starting to crave some pumpkin beers. DFH Punkin, Heavy Seas Greater Pumpkin and SA Fat Jack.

 

No no, sorry -- start your own thread -- this is about Oktoberfest, none'a this spiced-up veggie brew-talk around here... run along now.

 

I definitely blame the distros, how many retailers do you know who can translate date codes?

Could be. I've heard that they only package 12 packs of the Okto for the season, the year-round stuff is cases/6-packs -- so the distro probably jumped the gun to get stock on the shelves. Look for 12 packs and you'll know that new stock is coming in.