| Samuel Adams OctoberFest |
Samuel Adams Octoberfest is a seasonal beer from the Boston Beer Company. Available August through October, this beer makes the perfect transition between light, summer ales and heartier, more robust winter brews.
Brewery: The Boston Beer CompanyBeer: Samuel Adams OctoberFest (2006) Style: Seasonal German Marzen (Darker Lager) Color: Red to Amber Packaging: 12 oz. bottle with freshness date notched on side Alcohol Content: 5.7% Calories: 165 Price Range: $6.99-$7.99 / six-pack Signature Ingredients: Blend of five malts led by Moravian malted barley Flavor: Malty with notes of caramel and toffee 2006 Awards (Partial Listing): Gold - Great American Beer Festival Silver - New Zealand International Beer Awards Silver - North American Beer Awards Silver - Los Angeles County Fair Brewer's Description: "The first thing you notice when pouring a glass of this seasonal beer is the color. Samuel Adams® Octoberfest has a rich, deep golden amber hue which itself is reflective of the season. Samuel Adams® Octoberfest is a malt lover's dream, masterfully blending together four roasts of barley to create a delicious harmony of sweet flavors including caramel and toffee. The beer is kept from being overly sweet by the elegant bitterness imparted by the German Noble hops. Samuel Adams® Octoberfest provides a wonderful transition from the lighter beers of summer to the winter's heartier brews." Tasting NotesAppearance: Dark amber or rust color, almost bordering on a ruby red. Good clarity, jewel-like tone. Initial rich, creamy head on pour, retains head well. "Belgian lace" froth lingers nicely on sides of glass once head dissipates. Myriad, minute bubbles.Smell: Spicy, fruity, nutty, clean aroma. Taste: Spicy, crisp, clean. Well-balanced flavor. Mild, slightly fruity, pleasant aftertaste. Feel: Full-bodied, not too heavy. Well-carbonated. Comments: When I stepped out the front door this evening, I was hit with that first feeling of autumn in the air, with winter close behind. What a perfect evening to try a seasonal, autumn beer. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this beer, based on its description, but I was very pleasantly surprised. It sounded sweeter and heavier than I found it to be. I think even those used to drinking light beer will find this a great introduction to a more robust and flavorful beer, and I agree with the brewer that this autumn style is a good transitional beer from the lighter, summer ales. This beer is available August through October, but it seems like a perfect beer well into November and even December to me, with a spicy, holiday quality. I can see myself sipping it in front of a roaring fire, if only I had a fireplace. In any case, I'm planning to stock up! |