A German guy's experience with Oktoberfest 2018

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by KS_Augsburg, Oct 24, 2018.

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  1. KS_Augsburg

    KS_Augsburg Zealot (614) Jul 29, 2018 Illinois
    Trader

    As the month of October is winding down, it’s time for me to summarize my experience with from my point of view was a tremendous season for Oktoberfest brews.

    My personal kick-off was the release of Sierra Nevada in cooperation with Bavaria’s Weihenstephan, back in September. When I opened my first Oktoberfest of 2018, what impressed me right away was the incredible color. The clarity and rich copper/golden hue set the stage for an amazing experience in flavor. At that point I thought to myself: this could become a great season.


    In short, it is my opinion that vintage 2018 was an above average season for Oktoberfest. More breweries came out with very respectable versions of an iconic beer style. The strongest contenders seemed to agree that this year was somewhat of a back-to-the-roots. While Oktoberfests of the recent past often were overly dark and roasted malty, this season in general was more about brighter brews with more clarity. While still quite high in ABV, most of the beers I tried did not taste heavy, thus were not as overwhelming as they had been in some previous years.


    Growing up in Germany, I have been drinking Oktoberfests since about 35 years. The Märzen, as the original style sometimes in called, used to come in this golden brown color, which was not a “dark”. To me there is a distinct difference between the golden and the dark shades of brown. While the golden brown shade appears to radiate light, the dark variety is the opposite: it seems to make light disappear. These visual cues usually are reflected in the taste. The golden variety tastes fresh, crisp and light, while the dark can be tired, stale and heavy.

    Over several of the recent years, Oktoberfests seemed to get darker and darker, losing some of the drinkability and freshness that I used to enjoy.

    This year marks a break from that development. Some of the best examples I tried brought back the old style, with their crisp flavor and good drinkability. Turns out, I still enjoy Oktoberfests at the places where they still serve it. In past years I remember that I stopped consuming Oktoberfests no later than mid-October. This year, I keep going because of the enjoyment. I can’t seem to get enough.


    Following is the list of Oktoberfests which I enjoyed in 2018. The beers on the list are those which I tasted and enjoyed in significant quantities. None of the beers are bad. I tried some only in very small quantities. Some of those (and some others) were disappointing. The “disappointing” ones are not on my list.

    The ranking order is not absolute. The nr. 1 spot does not mean in any absolute terms that it’s “better” than nr. 2. However, a ranking at the top means I enjoyed it more than the listings at the bottom of the list. In no way is this listing comprehensive. It merely represents my order of preference and enjoyment. If a beer is on the list, it must have impressed me at least somewhat. Like I said: I don’t talk down any beers. Most I would do is leave them out, and not mention them.


    Here is my list of favorites for Oktoberfest 2018:


    Hofbräu (HB) – I just love this stuff.

    Sierra Nevada / Weihenstephan – the most amazing color and smell.

    Ayinger – overall one of the most satisfying, rich and sweet but not heavy.

    Hacker-Pschorr – they’re never at the top, but always solid. Little darker.

    Augustiner - a solid one, but their Edelstoff, Weizen and Helles impress me more.

    Paulaner – can’t go wrong, but they do better job with Weizen and Starkbier.

    Revolution Brewing – my local contender, close to home, love what they do.

    Great Lakes – a bit too dark for my taste, and seems weak on foam.

    Spaten – they missed the boat, continue the way-too-dark mistakes of the past.

    Goose Island – what can I say, a quality beer but can’t distinguish itself.



    Due to extended travel to Germany, I had the please to experience the German Oktoberfests at the actual event in Munich, and also from bottles and on draft in Germany and the US.

    Your comments are greatly appreciated.
     
    #1 KS_Augsburg, Oct 24, 2018
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  2. aleigator

    aleigator Pooh-Bah (2,684) May 10, 2014 Germany
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I get that beer is not solely about flavor, but this is basically an article about beer aesthetics, regarding how the beverage’s color diminishes / increases your overall enjoyment. Do you believe in color psychology?
     
    #2 aleigator, Oct 24, 2018
  3. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    #3 JackHorzempa, Oct 24, 2018
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  4. invertalon

    invertalon Pooh-Bah (2,249) Jan 27, 2009 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hofbrau was my top pick this year through three blind tasting brackets. Easily picked out due to its amazing aroma and flavor profile.
     
    #4 invertalon, Oct 24, 2018
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  5. Oktoberfiesta

    Oktoberfiesta Initiate (0) Nov 16, 2013 New Mexico

    Mediocre selection as a whole for my area. I remember doing a 16 then 8 oktoberfest sampling a year or two back. Although quality>quantity, I was sad to see no more than 5 on store shelves at any given time this year.

    I think the style is downward trending sadly. Maybe it's just my area. This year felt a lot like last year overall. I guess I'm expecting a yearly growth in quality and quantity state side.
     
    #5 Oktoberfiesta, Oct 24, 2018
  6. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    Probably is your area then. What you are describing doesn't fit what's been happening here in SE PA.
     
    #6 drtth, Oct 25, 2018
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  7. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,884) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hofbrau (Munich) has been my fave since they started exporting it to the US. But I also had a couple of nice surprises this year-
    Hofbrau Freising- vibrant and on the hoppy side, but just shy of overly hoppy, and the malt gets more assertive the more you drink, all without losing any zip.

    Wooly Pig Festbier- best of both worlds flavorwise, incredible malt and hop balance, really reminded me of the original SN/Riegele collab. Solid contender for best made in the US by this up and coming stellar lager brewery. Big thanks again to @WesMantooth for sending some my way.
     
    #7 TongoRad, Oct 25, 2018
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  8. FatBoyGotSwagger

    FatBoyGotSwagger Grand Pooh-Bah (3,999) Apr 4, 2009 Pennsylvania
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I actually saw less oktoberfest from nationally distributed breweries and a few new ones from smaller locals.

    Notably absent were Great Lakes and Sly Fox but I'm sure there are a few more big guys I had in years past and did not see this year.
     
    #8 FatBoyGotSwagger, Oct 25, 2018
  9. WesMantooth

    WesMantooth Grand Pooh-Bah (4,844) Jan 8, 2014 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I was blown away by the WP too. I really think it was the best American made one I have tried this year. That Hofbrau though...
     
    #9 WesMantooth, Oct 25, 2018
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  10. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    Now you mention it I don't recall seeing the Great Lakes either (maybe because I didn't get to Jersey or Delaware much this year). But I'm surprised you didn't see Sly Fox. That's fairly puzzling. Most of the O-fest I drank this year was either the Sly Fox or the Sierra Nevada/Weihenstephaner collaboration. There were a few other new ones I tried, e.g., the Half Acre Lager Town, the Cigar City Marzen, and the Flying Dog Dogtoberfest,
     
    #10 drtth, Oct 25, 2018
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2018
  11. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Where do you live that you couldn't find Sly Fox? I bought a case (two 12-packs) and my wife drank the last two cans earlier this evening. I suppose it is time to get another case?:thinking_face:

    Cheers!
     
    #11 JackHorzempa, Oct 25, 2018
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  12. Ahonky

    Ahonky Initiate (0) Feb 13, 2018 New York

    Hofbrau was the winner for me this year too. I also agree that Spaten is poor, and indeed an ugly one to boot. I grew to like the SN/Weihenstephaner over time (though Braupakt was by far the superior collaboration). Following those, I would say Weihenstephaner and Victory Festbier were my favorites, the latter being rather distinctive, but on the darker end of the spectrum.
     
    #12 Ahonky, Oct 25, 2018
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  13. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    @KS_Augsburg

    Another vote for "it's just your area". Here's a list from the other thread of Oktoberfests I've had, and I've since had even more.

    "Here's how I'm doing by September 30th this year...so far I've consumed:

    Pale (US):

    Uinta Fest Helles (can), Smuttynose Oktoberfest (bottle)

    Pale (imported):

    Andech's Festbier (draft), Weihenstephan (bottle and draft), Hofbrau (bottle and draft), , Paulaner Wiesn (bottle and from a wooden barrel), Friesing Hofbrau (bottle), Traunstein Festbier (draft)

    Amber (US):

    Sam Adams Octoberfest (draft), Brooklyn Oktoberfest (bottle), Jack's Abby Copper Legend (can), Sierra Nevada/Weihenstephan (bottle), Victory Festbier (bottle), Idle Hands Brocktoberfest (draft), Lamplighter Oktoberfest (draft), Remnant Brewing Oktoberfest (draft), Narraganset Oktoberfest (can), Element Altoberfest (cask), Zero Gravity Oktoberfest (can), Left Hand Oktoberfest (can), Nightshift Steinbeer (draft and can)

    Amber (imported):

    Hacker Pschorr (bottle and draft), Spaten (bottle and draft), Ayinger (bottle and draft), Hofstetten's Original Hochzeitsbier 1810 (can), Paulaner Marzen (draft and bottle)


    I'll probably add a few more in October, but at this point things start to slow down as the events come to a close. And it's entirely possible I forgot a few along the way as well.

    Winners in the club house so far: Hacker Pschorr for the amber, and leaning towards Weihenstephan for the pale, but it's close with Andech's and Hofbrau also being superb this year.


    Finally, a fun little experiment that was introduced to me by @steveh.

    Try the Paulaner Wiesn and Marzen side by side in a blind tasting. You'll be surprised how close they are. Both my roommate and I were able to pick out which was which, but it was closer than we thought. The stronger Pils malt character in the Wiesn gave it away for me.

    Prost!"
     
    #13 AlcahueteJ, Oct 25, 2018
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  14. anfield86

    anfield86 Pooh-Bah (2,606) Nov 21, 2006 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Paulaner Oktoberfest Weisn was my favorite again this year.

    Honorable mentions: Jack's Abby Copper Legend (it was delicious this year), Cape May Oktoberfest (great job for Cape May's first lager attempt)
     
    #14 anfield86, Oct 25, 2018
  15. Lahey

    Lahey Initiate (0) Nov 12, 2016 Michigan

    I tended to enjoy the darker ones more, though ayinger was delightful. There are way too many to try, I've probably had enough for this season. Great holiday though.
     
    #15 Lahey, Oct 25, 2018
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  16. EvenMoreJesus

    EvenMoreJesus Initiate (0) Jun 8, 2017 Pennsylvania

    Very fortunate that I live near a Hofbrauhaus. They had an Oktoberfest, a Marzen, AND a Festbier this year. Marzen was very dark and malty and the Festbier was amber and hoppy with the Ofest being somewhere in the middle. Excellent stuff, all.
     
    #16 EvenMoreJesus, Oct 25, 2018
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  17. Tamarack

    Tamarack Initiate (0) Sep 22, 2016 Massachusetts

    Where'd you find Andechs Festbier on draft plz&thanks
     
    #17 Tamarack, Oct 25, 2018
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  18. nc41

    nc41 Initiate (0) Sep 25, 2008 North Carolina
    Trader

    I've tried as many as I'm going to, my favorite has been Hofbrau, following by a very local Red Oak Old Oak and Olde Mecklenburg Mectoberfest. So I'm thinking freshness does count, and one week old beer has an advantage on one that's 4 months old. I didn't like the SN Collab, I only bought 2 sixers but that's all I really wanted, a bit disappointed I was hoping for better. Never had a Weietephaner Fest, we get all their beers here, but I've never seen this one. Ayinger is on point for the style, but I find it just a tad sweet.
     
    #18 nc41, Oct 26, 2018
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  19. zid

    zid Grand Pooh-Bah (3,132) Feb 15, 2010 New York
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Oktoberfest, Marzen, and Festbier are all pretty much the same thing when looking at the big picture. Of course, with plenty of room for interpretation, Hofbrauhaus Pittsburg can fill in those names with any beer that they think meets their criteria. They could also say: "We have 3 different seasonal Marzens," or "We have 3 different seasonal Festbiers." Or at least that's how things seem to me with my limited understanding.
     
    #19 zid, Oct 26, 2018
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  20. EvenMoreJesus

    EvenMoreJesus Initiate (0) Jun 8, 2017 Pennsylvania

    IMO you can use Marzen and Oktoberfest pretty interchangeably, but not Festbier. That's a different beast.
     
    #20 EvenMoreJesus, Oct 26, 2018
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