Comments on: “Festbier” is here. Should we celebrate?

by: Chris Workman

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:11:17 +0000

From your beloved BJCP guidelines for Marzen/Oktoberfest:

Domestic German versions tend to be golden, like a strong Helles. Export German versions are typically orange-amber in color, and have a distinctive toasty malt character. German beer tax law limits the OG of the style at 14°P since it is a vollbier, although American versions can be stronger. “Fest” type beers are special occasion beers that are usually stronger than their everyday counterparts.

by: Chris Workman

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:36:14 +0000

Do you think that maybe the Penn seemed too hoppy because when we get the real thing it is kind of old? I mean, the Penn stuff comes from three hours away, the stuff from Spaten has to come across the Atlantic.

by: Rood Cervical Zymurgist

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 01:38:42 +0000

They can be different,Brewer’s(Artistic)license. But, technically, they are the same. The Penn Octoberest is a little too hoppy. But, that is my take on it. I thought the Sam’s Octoberfest was pretty malty.

by: Chris Workman

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:26:47 +0000

Rood,

Although Oktoberfest and Marzen beers are more or less the same, in my experience I have found that when the brewery makes both a beer called Oktoberfest and one called Marzen, the Oktoberfest tends to be a bit stronger and fuller flavored. Case in point, would be Penn Brewing - they make both and the Oktoberfest is a bit darker, and more flavorfull than its paler and less tasty sister the Marzen.

crw

by: Rich Ireland

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:26:35 +0000

Mike D- If you can get down to Blues BBQ, try one of the Sierra Nevada Anniverary Ales. I don’t where to find it retail… But it is great!

by: Mike Dillion

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:56:12 +0000

Mike, listen to Rich on the subject of hoppy beers. He knows what he’s talking about! Burning River, Anchor Steam–Anchor Steam, Burning River. Decisions, decisions…personally, it’s had for me to pick a clear-cut winner in this race. Both are excellent beers, and two of my favorites, but to my taste buds, Burning River has more and varied flavors. Very spicy, indeed!

I’m gonna have to give Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale a try, too, though.

by: Rich Ireland

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:55:24 +0000

Rood, you obviously did not carefully read the article, nor did you look at the BJCP guidelines (click on the link in the article).

Excerpt: Usually, anything labeled a Vienna Lager, Marzen beer or even just amber lager, falls into this category.

I state that Oktoberfest/Marzen/Vienna/Festbier are basically the same range of beer. The BJCP guidelines for Euro amber Lager say the same thing! would not a rose by any other name smell just as sweet?

by: Rood Cervical Zymurgist

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:22:10 +0000

There are other beers in the European Amber catagory.(Edit for above post, to be inserted after smiley.)

by: Rood Cervical Zymurgist

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:18:03 +0000

I really don’t see where you got that fest beer “owns the catagory? What needs mentioned is that Ocktoberfest/Marzen is the same beer. The Octoberfest is usually just sold around Sept/October. Marzen is usually sold year round. Also, that Vienna Lager(e.g. Elliot Ness. Negra Model)is a lighter versionof Octoberfest/Marzen(although, sometimes a little browner in color.)

by: Rich Ireland

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:20:46 +0000

Hey Mike, I guess I will have to break down and go buy some… It’s a shame they apparently went overboard with the hops. I like (love) hops, but they are not supposed to jump out at you in this type of beer. I guess you may not be a fan of hops, since you had a hard time drinking this one. Hops are just another herb, albeit a bitter one. I would suggest that you attempt more balanced beers that are also hoppy, Roque’s Dead Guy Ale, GLB’s Burning River or Anchor Steam.

Trust me, if you like spicy or interesting flavors on your tongue from food, you will come to be a hophead… If you give hoppy beer a chance!