While out looking for a Halloween costume for the boy, I found myself in the same shopping center as Total Wine. So, I thought that I while I was getting something for him, I might as well get something for me. As a part of a mixed six, I picked up a couple of seasonals (Oktoberfests and Pumpkin Ales); one of those was Shiner’s Oktoberfest. This is a Marzen-style beer. For those, unfamiliar with the Marzen-style, this style is characterized by a medium to full body, a malty flavor and a clean dry finish. In Germany, the term covers beers which vary in color from pale (Helles Märzen), through amber to dark brown (Dunkles Märzen). Here in North America, the Marzen style tends to exhibit a stronger, though not aggressive, hop aroma and bitterness balance.
Here is what Shiner has to say about their Oktoberfest:
Here in Shiner, TX (pop. 2,070), we’re suckers for tradition. Which is why this classic Oktoberfest brew is made with the highest quality two-row barley, Munich and caramel malts, along with German grown Hallertau Tradition and Hersbrucker hops. It’s our way of honoring our ancestors and the beer they loved to celebrate with. So raise your stein to tradition and enjoy this utterly classic brew.
I found this beer to be…
- Appearance: Orange marmalade with some foam and lacing.
- Aroma: Malty, yeasty with a hint of citrus.
- Taste: A little light on the carbonation, sweet and a little doughy.
- ABV: 5.7%
While I found this to be very drinkable, it really didn’t have the full flavor of a good German Oktoberfest. I would prefer the Spaten or the Hacker-Pschorr. As American Oktoberfests go, I would rather have a Great Lakes.