The other day, I found myself on a layover in Charlotte, NC. I had about an hour to change terminals and grab dinner. Just outside my gate, I found the Carolina Beer Co. and grabbed a 22oz Mecktoberfest on tap. While not a big fan of the Märzen style, I thought since it was the season, and since I would probably not get a chance to try something from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery anytime soon, why not? The OMB is the brainchild of John Marrino, a former advanced water treatment exec who noticed the absence of a brewer in Charlotte and sought to rectify the problem. Opened in 2009, OMB provides the Charlotte area with fresh, German-style beer. The Mecktoberfest is one of a line-up of seven mostly seasonal beers in the style of Altbiers, Bocks and Maibocks.
What they say…
A classic Maerzen style amber lager. The original Oktoberfest Bier and quintessential Ueberseasonal. Rich and malty up front, which transitions to a smooth, satisfying finish courtesy of the noble Bavarian hops and a flavor profile produced by an outstanding yeast strain from the oldest brewery in the world. If there were a season for beer, fall would be it. And for beer season, nothing beats Mecktoberfest!.
I found the Mecktoberfest to have the following characteristics…
- Appearance: Nice golden-orange color with a quickly reducing foam and lots of legs.
- Aroma: Mostly dough and malt with a little hops and citrus
- Taste: Not overly carbonated but still fizzy with a fair amount of sweetness on the tongue followed by some citrus zest and a little tang ending with a mild bitterness.
- ABV: 5.4%
The Mecktoberfest was very easy drinking … had I a longer layover, this might have been a dangerous stop with another 22oz glass or two (or three) on the horizon. I’m still not a fan of the Märzen style, but the quality of this attempt really came through in the finished product. Now, I wish I found myself with a little time in Charlotte to try the OMB’s Bauern Bock (the Thanksgiving release) or the Yule Bock (at Christmas).
