How To Brew Beer » oktoberfest

Goose Island Harvest Ale Review

Justin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:27:19 +0000

Another beer in the fall seasonal group of beers. This one is a little different than most. Unlike making an Oktoberfest, Goose Island went a different route, making an American Amber Ale with a nice Cascade hop presence. This is a great beer and the hoppy aroma gives a nice change of pace from all the Oktoberfest seasonals.

The beer pours a clear copper color with a white head that leaves a nice lacing. The aroma has a moderate spicy, citrus hop character as well as a medium-low toasted malt aroma. The flavor is moderately malty, some sweetness with a pronounced, moderate spicy hop flavor. The bitterness is moderate. The beer

finishes crisp with a lingering hop flavor and slight sweetness. The body is medium-full and carbonation is moderate. Overall a nice brew, an Oktoberfest meets an American Amber Ale. I especially like the balance of very robust hop and malt flavors.

Great Lakes Oktoberfest Review

Justin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:35:34 +0000

With the leaves changing I can’t help but keep with the Oktoberfest theme. I thought I’d share some notes on a new Oktoberfest I recently tried: Great Lakes Oktoberfest. This one is definitely one of my favorites and worth every penny!

This fest pours a brilliant copper color with moderate white head, just like the picture from their website! The aroma is moderately malty, spicy, biscuity, grainy, and a bit sweet. The flavor is highly malty; biscuit and bread-like, spicy malt and a spicy, earthy low but noticeable hop flavor. The finish is exceptionally smooth and pleasantly dry. Carbonation moderate-low and body is full. Overall an exceptionally smooth, flavorful beer. A great example of the style.

Victory Festbier Review

Justin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:32:43 +0000

Fall is the time for Oktoberfests! I love the Oktoberfest style! Oktoberfests have a lot of range in terms of are they sweet or malty or a bit bitter, but all are equally delicious! If you haven’t tried many Oktoberfests they generally fall into the amber color range, usually have a notable malt presense (toasty, bready, biscuity) and can finish from sweet to just a bit bitter. A few Oktoberfests will even include a touch of spicy European hop flavor and/or aroma.

Victory Festbier is one of my favorite Oktoberfests. I had one the other night and thought I’d share a few notes about it. The Festbier pours a clear copper color with a thin white head. The aroma is moderately malty, toasty, bread-like and slightly sweet. The flavor is highly malty; bready and a bit spicy. The hop bitterness is medium-low and there is just a hint of hop flavor at the swallow. The body is full and carbonation is medium with a very smooth swallow. Overall a well done Fest, smooth and a bit of a unique aftertaste!

Check out the Victory Festbier webpage and pick up a six pack tonight!