Best 2017 Oktoberfest, So Far

The draft sampler I tried had the diacetyl.

I thought about old cases, but age, from what I recall, isn't a factor in diacetyl.

Yes, 4-packs (probably .330, though). I saw them too -- now I wish I'd grabbed those.

 

I was under the impression that diacetyl levels can be influenced by age.

 

I have only seen the 4 pack of what I think are 330ml bottles. They have flown off the shelves but only showing up a case at a time and had to have somewhere agree to hold one. Did not get one yesterday. I cannot say for certain, but the pic that someone sent me of a 4 pack looked different than last years. Not sure if others have noted.

I am concerned that some of the the 500ml bottles may be old. I have seen very old bottles at our Total Wine --some stuff well over a year old esp singles on the shelf in the "imports" and in the singles section. I don't think it is intentional, just a sin of omission. I am willing to give the 12oz a shot.

On an more depressing note I saw 12 singles of Victory Harvest Ale at a craft beer store (not my go to place) when I went to get a growler fill of a one off. That is sad.

 

I really loved this beer, so far this has been my favorite of 2017, very smooth and loads of flavor, to me this hits the mark....
Cheers

 

Did a 7 Oktoberfests blind tasting: Ayinger, Paulaner, Hofbrauhaus, Ehrdinger, Left Hand, BP Deadringer, Sierra Nevada. Making it to the finals was Ayinger, Paulaner, Left Hand. Had to go with the Left Hand Marzen Lager, this is the extreme amber end of spectrum. Major hop and malt flavor. All about your preference but for me love the huge level of character that beer has.

 

I definitely didn't get any diacetyl in the 500 ml bottle I had of Ayinger. But I'm not very sensitive to it so it's possible it was there and I just didn't pick it up.

Either way, it was delicious. Very malty and grainy with just enough hop bitterness to balance things out.

 

But it has to be present to begin with? The Ayinger Okto I had last year had no diacetyl character, but I suppose it could have been very light and (based on your theory) became stronger over a year's storage.

@herrburgess any input on the diacetyl theory?

 

Just got a bottle. Funny my TW was selling a single of the 12 oz and 16.9 oz for the same price of 3.99.

Almost walked out with a 12oz!

 

The precursor has to be oxidized to form Diacetyl. It can happen in packaging, or with age as more O2 comes in under the crown seal.

 

So now I really have to question the possibility of old stock - but how about the draft Ayinger? Not too likely 02 penetrated there, I imagine.

 

That's what I was thinking - if it was AAL then it wouldn't be noticeable last year but slowly convert to diacetyl over time.

 

Surprisingly, I liked the Warsteiner Oktoberfest I had last weekend:




Granted, I had quite a few brews before I had this one but it was crisp and clean and easy enough to drink. And my buddies who aren't exactly "craft beer people" liked it too. The proper glassware helped, but if you see if anywhere it woudn't hurt to try it.

 

I'll be accused for being too loyal, but Half Acre's Lagertown (O'fest) was the best interpretation of a Marzen I've had in years... serious. If you're in Chicago (or flying through, or...)...get it.

 

this is one of the best IMO

 

This is coming in on my list, very smooth and enjoyable. Not my top but a good beer.

 

Chris, another way that diacetyl can be produced (over time) is via an infection of Pediccoccus:

“Pediococcus species can also produce diacetyl with extended storage time.”

http://www.milkthefunk.com/wiki/Pediococcus

Cheers!

 

Got sn here but no Sam Adams yet

 

The state liquor stores are slow to get new seasonals, they still have nooner that was brewed in February

 

Worked on an Ayinger 4pk yesterday, it's incredible....definitely the best so far of 2017 for me.

 

The home town boys are killing it, super fresh and just balance flavors, this is tied for my best so far, just a great version from the boys here in AZ.