2018 Oktoberfest Releases

@BeerVikingSailor

How is the GL Oktoberfest drinking this year?

 

I'm so happy I'll be in Cleveland later this month for a concert. Drinking OFest on draft at Great Lakes is going to be GLORIOUS.

 

west sixth has released theirs.

 

Yes, but a rebuttal can still be unbefitting indirectly, even if it's not a direct personal attack. In fact, I would argue that's worse. For example, when @EvenMoreJesus disagrees with you, and doesn't use tact, he's quite direct about it. Some may find the former disingenuous.

@steveh is a solid contributor on this board, and has been for many years. I've learned many many things from him. Him and I have certainly not agreed on multiple things, but it's always been civil.

Moreover, I have no issues with anyone on this board, so that's all I'll say about that. @BeastOfTheNortheast perhaps I was a bit too forward in suggesting that Sam Adams isn't a classic Oktoberfest. I don't agree (obviously), but your palate is your palate. Anyways, back to Oktoberfest!

Prost!

 

Agreed. We have different tastes and different opinions, so we of course will disagree. I don't think anyone (maybe I'm wrong) is doing it to be mean because we are all here for the same reason.

 

At least we'll both enjoy Sam Adams Octoberfest, albeit for different reasons.

 

Yes, biding our time until the SN/Weihenstephaner Oktoberfest hits our local shelves, dammit!

 

Super delicious! And fresh.....gonna have to grab several 6 pks of this sweet brew!

 

Yes, they should make Christmas beers'WinterWarmers year round. Why not?
As for pumpkin beers,there aren't any "well made " ones so I could care less if they made those year round (or if they made them at all).

Of course, if you don't want O'Fest (or other beers) "out of the season", you don't have to buy them.

 

Now that it's August, I think the floodgates are about to open.

A couple of Minnesota ones have landed: Mankato Oktagon (Amber Märzen) and Utepils Reception (Festbier). I see that O'Dell Oktoberfest is also on the shelves, along with previously mentioned Goose Island, Sam Adams and Shiner O-fests. Spaten Ur-Märzen is a year-rounder, along with Paulaner's.

 

Nothing beats a "real" Oktoberfest from a Masskrug, fresh from the keg (or tank, for that matter), sitting in the actual tent or even a beer garden in Munich.
Traveling to Germany soon, end of September, guess I'll be taking advantage of the opportunity. Augustiner seems to be my favorite each year, unfortunately their products are difficult to get here in the States (and only in these 11.2oz bottles!!).

 

Picked up Jack's Abby Copper Legend (super fresh, canned 7/27) and Hofbrau's Oktoberfest (also super fresh, for an import, bottled mid-June!!!).

The Hofbrau was absolutely delicious. Insanely rich and malty, almost Maibock-like. Of course it is 6.3% ABV, so it's one of the heftier Oktoberfests you'll find.

I would say it was also so good because of how fresh it was when I had it. Then I remembered I've had it about as fresh as you can get at the actual Oktoberfest in Munich. But that was awhile ago, so my memory is fuzzy. Although I do remember loving it then too.

 

Glad to hear you're finally coming over to the dark (pale?) side.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/commun...tween-maibock-and-marzen.535882/#post-5634522

In all seriousness though, really happy to hear you're enjoying it. And that June bottling date is awesome!

 

This year's tastes more Maibock-like than previous years to me. Still a tad short of an actual Maibock, but you're right, if I was tasting it blind I'm not sure I'd peg it as an Oktoberfest or not.

Ever had Smuttynose's Oktoberfest in recent years? That one definitely sits in the Maibock camp for me, it's also 6.3% ABV, but I sort of remember it being stronger the last year or two.

When having the Hofbrau on draft the last few years I don't remember thinking it was Maibock-like though. I don't recall thinking that at Oktoberfest either, but that was years ago and probably before I'd had many, if any, Maibocks.


By the way, incredible memory to pick that comment out of an old thread. That or you're just creepily tracking every post I've ever made.

Off topic, but I really wish when you quoted someone's post on Beeradvocate, that it actually quoted the entire post, including the actual quotes you posted.

 

I've seen a few pop up at Total Wine, but a lot are from last year. I guess they're getting rid of ones that didn't sell last year while cashing in on the season creep, getting people to say "oh look, the fall seasonals are out!" and buy them all up thinking they're fresh.

 

Picked up a 6er of the Hofbrau Oktoberfestbier and been loving it, as I do every year. Always one of my favorites each year. Anxiously waiting that SN collab to roll in this week hopefully and picking up more options once they hit the shelves.

Also had a Thirsty Dog Oktoberfest this year (single) and it was garbage. Way too sweet/rich, almost raisin like. Had a light oxidation character along with it. Didn’t even finish the bottle.

I will pick up a single of Great Lakes Oktoberfest when I see it, but the past few years have not cared for it. But as I have mentioned a few times, the GL bottled stuff hardly ever impresses me. Would prefer to find on draft.

 

Fwiw, the way you're describing the Hofbrau now is how I've always found it. Have your past experiences with it always been on draught?

 

OMB Mecktoberfest is releasing 8/27. I’m excited because I’ve never had this beer before. And I’m driving through Charlotte on 9/1. Will finally get to try it.

 

It's the best beer they make which is saying a lot if your ever had beers from these guys. Capt Jack Pils is also great, but hey I like every beer they make. Case worthy.