Grist Oktoberfest

Märzen | Seasonal | United States

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 93
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 17

This dark golden, crystal clear beer sports a huge, finely beaded, off-white head that would certainly look great in a one liter mug.  The aroma exudes melanoidins with bready and toasty malt and a surprising but welcomed herbal and spicy hops.  The flavor adds in a touch of sweetness to reinforce the bready malt.  Again, an unusual but welcomed spicy and herbal hops compliment the malt well.  When judged to style, this beer is too light in color for a Märzen, too full-bodied for a Festbier, and too hoppy for both.  But, when judged for overall enjoyment, this is a well brewed malty beer with plenty of noble hops to balance.