5.7% ABV, 30 IBU. Earth Rider Brewing, Superior, Wisconsin.
Oktoberfest can be a confusing festival, for some. Not everyone knows that the main event in Munich starts in September and ends in early October. They wonder why they can’t find any at the middle of the month. Further confounding is that there are two styles, the original märzen and it’s current replacement in the Munich tents, Festbier. If it’s German, you know what you’re getting, for the label will either say märzen or festbier. With American versions, it’s not always clear. Most American craft beer Oktoberfest beers will be märzens. Sometimes, though, the label will say Festbier, and it’s actually a märzen. Let’s get it together, people!
This one from Earth Rider is called Festbier. The label is blue with some white, the only colors an Oktoberfest label needs. A woman plays accordion in front of some tents. So, which one is this?
Clear, pale golden, slim, but lasting ivory head.
In the nose: clea, bright, floral, malty, lovely lager aromas.
In the mouth: crisp, clean, light, ending dry. Distinctly hoppy, exceptionally light, smooth, drinkable. You can hoist a stein or ten, or take down a whole boot, if you want.Easy drinking beer, for sure, here.
I like märzens better, for they pack more flavor than this leaner style. But if the tuba’s pumping and the leiderhosen’s jumping, who am I to quarrel? Roll out those barrels!
The life of the party! Earth Rider’s Munich-style Festbier is a golden lager with bready malt character and subdued floral-hop aroma.
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