The Long March Of Marzen
24 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in beer, Bells, Christian Moerlein, Dundee beers, Leinenkugel's, matt brewing, Molson Coors, Octoberfest, samuel adams, Uncategorized
Actually, despite the melodrama of this title, it would be better to call this the long leisurely stroll down Oktoberfest lane. Of course in most cases, Oktoberfest beer refers to Marzen, that often amber coloured, malty brew that appears each fall, not only in Munich, Germany, but nearly everywhere else, since numerous breweries create their own versions of the style.
When I was younger and more foolish, I use to think What is the best Oktoberfest beer? But after many years I discovered such judgmental analysis is a waste of time, because Oktoberfest, in all of its variations, is a beer of love kind of thing.
Left Hand Brewing Oktoberfest was one of the earliest to appear this year. A smooth malty traditional that is a bit stronger than usual (6.6%abv), but completely focused.
Dundee Oktoberfest is Rochester, New York’s take, a densely malted recipe that puts emphasis on the orange-citrus notes and reminding me that malt is good for the soul.
Point Oktoberfest from Wisconsin, has an approach a bit brighter, but still very traditional. Another nudge to the fact that beer is food to be enjoyed with other food.
Heavy Seas Marzen from Clipper City Brewing in Baltimore, is a year-round available tribute to the style, once called “MazHon” that is malty smooth with a long gentle finish.
Leinenkugel Oktoberfest, from the craft beer division of Molson Coors, is a deliciously doughy version, expertly balanced with four specialty hops. Munich, Pale and Caramel malts give this recipe finesse.
Bells Octoberfest is lighter coloured (almost pale lager) version of the Fall classic. A pleasant reminder that not all the beer featured in Munich is deep amber in colour. This reminds me of the Lowenbrau recipe. A 5.5% quaff-able to be sure. Good from start to finish.
Saranac Oktoberfest is a tribute to German heritage. Like much of what is made at Matt Brewing, this beer is expertly done, achieving a marvelous balance between malts and hops.
Samuel Adams Octoberfest is the one most Americans will notice, due to its national visibility. And what a recipe it is! Over many years this recipe has been refined, so that it achieves sophisticated balance, which is a remarkable achievement considering the scale of production.
Moerlein Fifth & Vine Oktoberfest is a great Cincinnati take on Marzen, although it is not (as yet) produced here. A copper coloured beauty that is simply a pleasure to consume.
There are so many more, and as this season unfolds I will attempt to try as many as possible.
Hey, it is a job, but somebody has to do it.
Thank You.
The Beer Doctor
Home For The Holidays Part 1
20 Nov 2009 Leave a Comment
in beer, christmas, holiday beer, Lakefront brewing, Leinenkugel's, season's best, Shiner Holiday Cheer, sierra nevada, Uncategorized, wassail
When it comes to beer, the winter/holiday season will always be my favorite time of year. The annual return of many favorites made over so many years, they can rightfully be deemed classics. Memories abound here too. For I recall first tastings: Samuel Adams Winter Lager, when it was just a non spiced, raw wheat beer.
La Binchoise Speciale Noel: the incredible Belgian Christmas wassail, back when a gentleman from Michigan, Jeff Dafoe, introduced this world classic to the United States for the first time, 14 years ago.
I will also never forget my friend Gar’s reaction to first tasting Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 1993: “that’s one spicy taco!”
It is impossible for me to forget these things. The first Anchor Brewing “Our Special Ale” was the 17th edition of their Christmas offering. As a determined seeker of beer, this was quite a revelation.
The same can said of my beloved Saranac Season’s Best (an all-time Beer Doctor favorite). At one time it was a Holiday Amber and then later, Nut Brown Lager. A Vienna style beer, rich in malt flavor with lively hops, but not extreme or boozy in any way. It has become nearly impossible to obtain in Ohio any longer. The brewery was kind enough to send a gift of a six pack, right after the New Year of 1997. Such kindness and generosity I will never forget.
There have been many surprises along the way. Coors Winterfest 1995, was truly a shock for how good it was in those days, when macro and mini breweries were marketed like the Berlin Wall, where never the twain shall meet.
I would also like to mention that Leinenkugel’s Winter Lager was a great moderately priced holiday beer, that alas, was abandoned. Much of the distinctive aspects of the Leinie portfolio has been lost, as they aggressively market more pedestrian beers.
Moving away from remembrance of beers past, I would like to mention that this year is the first time I’ve tried Shiner Holiday Cheer, a unique dark wheat ale brewed with peaches and pecans. A very tasty, original recipe contribution.
For flat-out big time boozy wassail, Lakefront Brewery’s Holiday Spice Lager Beer, is what the doctor ordered. A massive, full strength, bold Holiday beer.
Cheers!
My only prayer is Thank You!
The Beer Doctor
