German / Imported Märzens

I agree with everything you said, but I do feel there’s noticeable differences, albeit not major ones as you mentioned.

Personally I’ve always felt Weihenstephan’s is the lightest pale Oktoberfest around. And Hofbrau’s is much heftier both in flavor profile and appearance.

And Ayinger’s is the lightest amber Oktoberfest (out of the imports at least), so it should be enough of a contrast with Paulaner’s. Spaten would be the darkest in my opinion.

I always think that if anyone ever doubts that they’re two different styles to drink Weihenstephan’s Oktoberfestbier side by side with Spaten’s Ur-Märzen.

 

We're on the same page all around. Just didn't want anyone jumping from Fest to Marzen and back again.

I had a Spaten this afternoon, measured it at around 19 SRM.

 

Unless it’s Paulaner’s Fest and Marzen...we both know how similar those can taste...but we don’t want to confuse anyone.

 

And I'd still love to try Spaten's Wiesn alongside the Ur-Marzen.

 

The thread’s this year have been a real tease regarding Spaten’s pale Oktoberfest being in the states...

I would say given the slow increase in the popularity of this style in the US that Spaten would eventually export it here...but they really only seem interested in the Franziskaner brand these days.

 

I'm saving the 5L for the first Sunday of Football season. I was able to knock it off last year just when the 3rd game ended.

 

Wish I could find me some HB Oktoberfest. And some of this year's Ayinger Oktoberfest. I've found and drunk Spaten's Pale. And only saw the Paulaner Oktoberfest Weizen once, and wish I'd bought that.

 

I’ll be looking for a Pale Fest sometime today, to be honest I’m going to have to drive 30 miles to the store. So any current recommendations on Pales, not a fan of the Ambers although I always pop one Ayinger every year.

 

Weihenstephaner and HB are still tops. Both are available by me at least. Good luck hunting!

 

Spaten's Pale? I thought we established that isn't imported to the US. Bottles? Draft? Pictures?
@AlcahueteJ

Oh, and Wiesn. Paulaner Wiesn.

 

I’ve never seen Weistephaner seasonal here, but fingers crossed, love their beers.

 

What, you haven't had the Paulaner/Erdinger Okto collab yet?

 

No, must only be available in OZ.

And thinking it even further, Paulaner isn't even calling it Wiesn anymore.

 

The price aspect takes time.

20 years ago would anyone have ever thought people would line up to pay $20 (or more) for a 4 pack of beer?

It really is a lovely beer. Although if I’m being honest, it more or less looks like the Original (the Helles).

Makes sense. There’s technically nothing going on at the Wiesn this year.

 

Thinking on it that way it makes complete sense.

Re-labeling for next year?

 

Found Weihenstephaner here today got one icing up, first time for me. At least for the Fest Bier, full selection right now, light on Pumpkin Beers which I assumed, I don’t drink those anyways.

 

Weihenstephaner and Knob Creek Small/Single barrel. There’s a certain spice on the very finish that makes these Festbiers really unique, leans to Pils but completely different. Not a clue why or what that is. Decent head at pour dies pretty quickly, I guess it’s a date code 5260, ABV right at 5.8, higher than I was expecting. Good beer, enjoyable , but it’s not mind bendingly good either.

 

Just picked up a 4pak of Ayinger oktoberfest and the stamp is L0133 can anyone help me out with a date?