Midwest Made Oktoberfests

Well, that pretty much solidifies it for both Capital (if I can find it... haven't seen any yet, but I've only looked in a couple of stores) and Paulaner. I'm eager to see how Schell's compares with those two.

F44 says they have it (on their web site). The use of "Session" in the beer name was kind of a red flag for me. But, I'll probably pick of some the next time I'm at F44. May not include it in the "official" tasting, though.

 

tried it at the brewery this weekend and brought two 4 packs home w/ me. Wish i would've found it for the above stated $5.99, but still happy to have some back with me in Milwaukee.

as far as Staghorn, I didn't enjoy this year's version nearly as much. far thinner than I remember in years past.

 

I agree with @ZAP and find Staghorn to be boozier this year. Don't have issue with body so much as flavor. I still enjoy it, but am trying to limit the more middling American festbiers I put into my fridge this year.

Will have to check out Urban Chestnut! Not sure I'll make the drive out to Urbandale just to save a few dollars but that store is known for selling at or below cost in the interest of selling the most in our area so not surprised to hear they'd sell that low. Volume's the key strategy of that account for beer sales.

 

Ive only had a handful, but I really like schells and summit. I also thought exiles was pretty decent, but not anything too special.

 

There is this theory about why people drive their cars into (for example) cops who have pulled someone over ... your steering follows our eyes, or you drive where you look.

What does that have to do with anything? Well, I kept looking (ok, thinking) about such sterling recommendations as you posted for a beer from a brewer that produces other beers I really admire and enjoy. I couldn't help myself; I picked up a 6 pack this afternoon.

Sad to say, I agree with you. It is thin, unremarkable, bland even... of the ones I have tried, there is nothing to recommend this beer against the other regional Oktoberfests, and it is completely outclassed by the Germans and by Schell.

Oh, well... I have 4 to go from the 6 pack. It is not unpleasant, really. It is too bland to be unpleasant.

 

So far, I have only had Summit (from the Harvest pack) and Boulevard Bob's 47. They are above average beers. Both advertise maltiness in color and aroma, but finish more dry and crisp than expected. That's usually a recipe for success, but both fall short on the drinkability required of an Oktoberfest.

 

It's been a while since I've had summit, but I used to drink a ton of it. I might need to revisit it, but I remember really liking it.

 

I'm having the Schell's right now, and it's way too sweet for my taste. Just disappointing because of that.

 

Midwest Oktoberfests I have in my 'fridge that I haven't tried yet:

• Bauhaus Brew Labs Schwandtoberfest
• Third Street Brewhouse Oktoberfest Session Marzen

Still hoping to find this fall:

• Capital Brewery Oktoberfest
• Fair State Brewing Co-op Festbier

re: Schell's: I really liked it last year. I haven't bought any yet this year, although I plan to. My regular store was sold out of it when I was in last. To my taste, the sweet malt taste was only at the beginning; its finish was hoppy and crisp. At least, so my notes say.

 

I may be biased, but UCBC's Oakatzlschwoaf takes the cake. Deliciously malty with some nice noble hop aroma.
Plus it's won competitions in Germany.

 

Brief two cents: the fair state festbier is stellar. Nicely done. Clean. True to style. Potentially too crushable.

 

Yea, my post may have sounded like I was underwhelmed, but the Summit Oktoberfest (at least from the Harvest 12-packs) is a solid offering. Just a touch too filling, but hits all the notes.

 

I found the Third Street "Session Märzen" at Zipp's last week and have enjoyed it quite a bit - a very tasty low ABV Märzen. Has anyone had the Barley John's Märzen? I was hoping to read some reviews before buying it but didn't see any. I may have to see if Zipp's would be willing break up a four-pack...

 

I'm drinking Third Street Session Marzen right now, and have to say that it isn't worth seeking out. It's thin in flavor, aroma, and body. On top of that, it doesn't have nearly the maltiness that is desirable in a marzen . If I were to taste it blind I would probably guess that it was a stale helles. One that hasn't yet gone full cardboard, but where something is definitely wrong with the malt character.

 

The Bauhaus marzen is quite good. Great lager feel and pleasing malt flavors without being over the top.

 

Alluvial (Ames, IA) Nolan Brau needs mentioned. Had one yesterday and it was exactly what I want in a marzen. Not overly sweet, cracker like grain bill and very drinkable.

Best marzen/Oktoberfest I've had this year. Until I go to Wisconsin tomorrow, of course. Staghorn time!