Midwest Oktoberfestbiers (2021)

Festbier from Fair State is back in circulation. Really captures the fest beer style - a slight bit hoppy and sweet, not bready or toasty. Another great lager from Fair State.

 

I prefer festbier early in the season and marzen later. Duck camp for me is the third weekend in October so that's usually when I make the switch.

 

Indeed. I visited the brewery for the first time last week -- post-pandemic reunion with some old friends.

I really enjoyed their Bohemian and German Pils, so I knew I was going home with the Festbier (wasn't on tap yet, no open lines).

Tried a can the other day -- really nice. Might focus on a review this afternoon.

I haven't read this thread, so apologies if someone already mentioned Crystal Lake Brewing's Fest. I haven't seen it yet this year (I hope they're brewing it again), but I'm keeping an eye out.

 

Just a prompt on this to @FBarber !

 

@Jaycase -- when were you at RT? Did we cross paths?

 

I like both, but I tend to buy more of Marzen.

 

@Jaycase @CB_Michigan @FBarber -- I just had a second can of RT Fest Bier (two words on their can) and took notes. It's a damn fine rendition of the style.

Kicker for me: canned on 8-9-21. I purchased on 8-11-21.

Wish I could get to the tap-room for a draft taste, but the cans are a close trip to Bavaria.

 

I could echo @CB_Michigan but everything he had to say about this was exactly what it is. I might have been a bit happier with it than you, Chuck. Only because I’m a little greener than you. I liked the beer but it was underwhelming compared to the 1050. Either way, I would
Drink it again. Thank you for sending it to me, brother. Cheers.

 

As luck would have it, I just received an email reply from CLB telling me their Fest just went into distribution and should be on shelves soon.

ISO with gusto.

 

Looks like I was there a few days after you. I only stopped to pick up cans. Did they have the Bohemian Pils on the Lukr?

 

They did, and I did. First beer I had that evening was the regular pour Bohemian and I was blown away. I had the "milk" pour later and enjoyed the experience.

In many ways I wish the brewery was closer, but I think it will become a good halfway meeting place for my friend and me.

 

I find it interesting that Beer Advocate does NOT separate Festbier and Marzen as styles. Thoughts, @Todd / @jesskidden ?

I had Half Acre's Lager Town tonight, which they simply call an "Oktoberfest" style.

I'm an idiot who never heard of the difference between the two styles until a week or two ago, but to me...the flavors scream "festbier" (light notes of cereal grain & acorn) but the mouthfeel screams "marzen" (syrup-y & thick).

It was drinkable, but I'd have rather had the mouthfeel be a bit thinner, or the flavors be more substantial & heavy. This seemed like a Frankenstein "Oktoberfest" beer gone wrong.

If this makes no sense, it's due to my ignorance for sure!!

 

Did you have a draft of anything at the bar?

Some really good stuff goin' on there. Liked both Pilsners and the cask Bitter. The Alt wasn't a favorite. My friends liked the PA.

I need to try more of their ales, but it's just too hard to pass up the lagers when they're so well made.

 

Worst abbreviation ever

 

Nice!

After that we can have endless debates about which beer belongs in which!