American Made Marzens

Some people don't notice it at all, really? I don't think I'm terribly sensitive to smokiness -- and I love BBQ as well as Rauchbier, but the smoke is the first thing I smell and taste in the Maibock -- I think it's enough to warrant calling it a Rauchbock.

 

All their beers are outstanding, this one is no exception.

 

Have you or anyone else had it yet this year? I am wondering if it's the same beer, noticed that the packaging is a little different (note: I did not pay too much attention to it last year other than having a few bottles so it may be the same as last year's) but "Marzen" is now prominently displayed on the label and the pic of the beer is lighter:

https://victorybeer.com/beers/festbier/

Festbier
Märzen / Oktoberfest
abv: 5.6%
malt: Imported 2 row Vienna and Munich German malts
hops: Whole flower German hops
notes: Subtly sweet with a delicate malt nose, our Festbier gains its impressive body from our use of all imported German malts and decoction brewing process.

 

I have not seen it this year, looked for it Sunday, but I’m planning to pick up a six pack when I do see it this year. I think the packaging change last year, I could be wrong. I don’t remember reading anywhere that the recipe changed. But I guess that doesn’t mean it didn’t. The video it looks just as dark as it always has to me but maybe it’s an older video I guess. If I have one I’ll let you know, gotta be heading to distro soon since all the others are.

 

I have seen it here on shelves so maybe I will pick some up but yes would love to hear your take on it. And yes that video is old.

 

likewise if you try, between the two of us and others. We’ll be able to figure out if it changes at all I’d think.

 

The good news is for me this beer has a very distinct taste to me, I always pick up on some chocolate. Also why I think that it may have changed, as the description is not my take on it...I never thought that it had delicate malts or was subtly sweet (not overly sweet either but not subtle).

 

The words "Festbier" and "Märzen" on the same label are really going to make some people's heads explode on these forums.

 

Don't be absurd.

 

Interesting that you pick up chocolate. Can’t say I’ve ever heard of that description for an Oktoberfest.

 

Especially one that's (usually) closer to a Festbier* in "style."

*Or is it? I just looked at my (admittedly old) own review and it looks like this one isn't as golden in color as my memory wants to recall.

 

It has been a few years since I had Victory Festbier and those beers were not delicate or subtle. There was a very deep malt flavor that reminded me a bit of pumpernickel bread that was toasted too long. I personally was not a fan of that flavor profile. From my homebrewing experience I wondered if Victory used 'extra' dark Munich Malt to brew those beers.

It will be interesting to hear whether Victory made some changes for this year's Festbier.

Cheers!

@rotsaruch

 

Not yet, it usually comes out later than most Marzens from what I remember. The packaging usually changes, be sure to check the date if you find it on the shelf, could be last years.

 

I got curious because surely I can't be the only one and reviews mention toffee, raisin, pumpernickel (I see Jack feels this way also) so there's definitely something going on with the malts.

I can't wait to see what my thoughts are this year and I am going to really focus in on the flavors, in the past I just casually enjoyed the beer as I do with many Lagers.

 

It's already out in my area but no surprise being so close to Victory and many retailers here push their stuff, was definitely this year's.

 

Oh good! Should be near me soon then. How was it?

 

I've had Spaten, Sam Adams, and Hacker-Pschorr. The Hacker-Pschorr is superior.

 

I just got back from grocery shopping at my local Wegman's supermarket and there was a big stack of Victory Festbier there. I suppose Victory thinks it is a good idea to get out to distribuion early this year (and perhaps make up for lost sales at their various taprooms?).

I was watching a Phillies game this past weekend and one of the announcers who was trying to explain a weird circumstance responded with "Well, its 2020". Maybe that will be the catch phrase across the board for the unique circumstances we are under with this stupid pandemic?

Cheers!

 

I’ve always thought it to be firmly amber in color. Lighter amber, but definitely amber.

 

Does wegmans have some sort of deal with victory? Anyone? They’ve been my go to beer place lately (variety and great prices) and they always have a ton of victory, prima is almost always fresh and it’s only 8$ a six pack! I’m hoping when I shop again Thursday there oktoberfest is there too.

NJ and PA, neshaminy creek also sent there’s out last week. My planned beer for tonight, I remember it being a very enjoyable beer.