2019 Oktoberfests

I just read their event page. I think the German Wednesday menu just runs through September (they also do that menu for the Paulaner tapping on the Saturday you went).

The beer promotions go through October, so I would guess the Oktoberfests are on tap through October (they have been in previous years).

I wish Ayinger was what it used to be...

I found the bottles better than the draft I had, but still, not amazing like it used to be. Based on when the bottles were bottled, perhaps it’s just old product now?

 

Ayinger must have really be something because the 3 500ml bottles I have had were damn delicious. It is definitely one of my favorites from this season so far. Had the Zero Gravity yesterday based on recommendations in the thread and it was excellent as well.

 

I know you two aren't the only ones who claim it's not good or not the same anymore. If I may ask what is it that you dont like about it or that you feel is different now? Just curious. It's by far my favorite and has been consistently for years.

 

Can we expand this to people's favorite German style beers as well? I've been really into the german styles lately and have enjoyed Greventseiner, Weinstephaner (all of their beers), Benediktiner Helles, and Kostritzer Schwarzbier. What are some of the staples that can be found around MA?

 

I have a strong feeling the US kegs aren’t real fresh. It tasted musty (as old festbiers tend to be) & a weird grape soda-like flavor too which occasionally I get from German imports not cared for very well.

Conversely - man, that Hoffbrau tasted better than ever. Thought I heard some anecdotal reports their US exports were brewed in June.

 

The depth of the malt profile simply isn't there compared to say, Hacker-Pschorr and Paulaner's Marzen.

I've had all three on draft and bottle, and the H-P and Paulaner (more so on draft for both than bottle) had that complex breadiness (darker breads) and fuller mouthfeels.

Ayinger's was thinner in body, lacking a depth in the malt profile, and a sort of slight astringency (something unique to my palate that I get with "lesser" beers). It's not bad, but not what it used to be. However, it is improved over the last couple of years.

Now, I also don't expect it to be as robust and full as those other two, and certainly not as robust and full as Spaten's. Ayinger's has always been a "tweener" between the pale and amber styles.

But it's definitely lost some of that drinkability over the years for me.

While I would love to do this, I think that would create a beast of a thread, and is deserving of its own separate thread.

Yeah, for the pale style (and overall whether pale or amber) the Hofbrau has been right up there with Weihenstephan for me for the best of the season.

I believe it was a June bottling date, I can check later, I have one left in the fridge.

Prost!

 

Thanks. I havent had the Ayinger on draft but maybe I'll stay away if I come across it on tap given what you guys are saying.

Agree with both of on Hofbrau this year. Its tasting stellar to me. Also really enjoying Hacker.

 

Kinstoberfest
Clark Hall @ Kinsmen Brewing Co.
409 Canal St.
Milldale, CT 06467

October 12 6PM-Close
$15 Steins with first fill, then regular pour priced stein fills after.
German food platters for purchase.
"The Empty's" playing along with a Kinsmen curated German music playlist. (Think all of the David Hasselhoff)

Our Beers:
Ludwig Festbier
Awesomator Doppelbock
Heinz Kissvelvet German inspired Pils
Many More...

Guest Beers:
Haufbrau Pils
Spaten Oktoberfest
Franziskaner Hefeweizen

 

The bottle in my fridge was bottled on June 5th.

In other news, has anyone been to Brewers Alley lately? I’m curious what their Oktoberfest tap list is.

I remember hearing Notch’s Festbier will be there, plus there’s this blurb on the Rowe Wharf website.

“Starting on Setpember 26th, celebrate Oktoberfest in the Rowes Wharf Bar with six different New England breweries pouring autumnal beers including Berkshire Brewing and Downeast Cider.“

 

Do you mean Wurzburger?

Warsteiner isn’t on tap at Magoun’s. At least not according to their website, or what I’ve seen during my visits.

Then again I wasn’t looking for it, because Warsteiner sucks.

 

The Wurzburger is good. Their Pils is really good too, that shows up at Magouns fairly often. I don’t recall seeing Wurzburger at other bars. Unfortunately they don’t distribute their Oktoberfest in bottles (that I’ve seen at least).

They give you regular Warsteiner on Lufthansa. They couldn’t pick anything else? Bitburger would be nice.

I’d take any “Fernsehbier” other than Warsteiner.

 

To answer my own question....

Berkshire Life on Marzen
Downeast Pumpkin Cider
Von Trapp Oktoberfest
Ragged Island Oktoberfest
Nightshift Steinbier
Notch Zwickel

They also moved it inside. So it’s just at the bar.

 

I had Revolution's, Lamplighter's, and Schilling's "Oktoberfests" yesterday. I also threw in Spaten's for reference.

All amber style Oktoberfests. All tasty.

I would say I enjoyed Konstantin the most, I immediately thought, "Shit, shoulda bought a full four pack...or more".

Definitely the lightest of the three, which makes sense, as the ABV's went 5.7%, 4.8%, and 6.5% respectively. Probably more Vienna lager-like, although I say "probably" because I don't have a great deal of experience drinking Vienna lagers. If I had to guess, I'd probably say Konstantin was a bit heavier than a Vienna, but definitely lighter than a regular full strength amber Oktoberfest.

However, it definitely wasn't light on flavor, great sweet toasted breadiness in this one. They really nailed it.

I also swung by Magoun's this past weekend, and was disappointed with the Paulaner Wiesn and Traunstein Oktoberfest I had on draft. I think both of these are past their prime (which has happened to me before at Magoun's by the time the calendar hits October).

They were both hazy, which I highly doubt these beers are when fresh. German imported pale Oktoberfests are typically clear as day. Ah well. The only draft I haven't had from at Magoun's this season is Benediktiner's, but I don't know if I'll head back for that this year. I've heard good things, but I don't feel like having a mediocre Oktoberfest again. The drafts weren't bad, but they weren't nearly as good as they should be.

 

I had the Traunstein on draft this weekend as well. While it wasn't hazy, it was pretty bland.
No idea if it's my palate or age of keg

 

Agreed, probably my favorite of this year’s New England offerings (sorry Notch). Great drinkability and malt showcase.

 

Also swung by Magouns this weekend, Hoffbrau & Hacker-Pschorr still tasting damn good.

 

I had the Hofbrau two or three weeks ago and it was good.

At the very least Paulaner Wiesn has been hit or miss the last couple of years on draft.

I had the Traunstein last year (I think) and it was good, albeit one of the hoppier pale Oktoberfests I had that year.

 

Anyone know what Notch is pouring at the Bedford Oktoberfest today?