Arches Festbier

Arches Festbier by Arches Brewing is an Oktoberfest-style lager that I am judging according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 4B, Festbier.

A brilliantly clear and sparkling bright copper-colored beer supports a large, bubbly beige head that persists somewhat. Rich caramel malt rises from the glass and greets the nose, and light spicy and earthy Noble hops follows suit. The same rich malt aroma carries into the flavor, and faint nuttiness and tastiness joins the palate. Medium-light hop bitterness rounds out the flavor.

The aroma presents some light toasted nuttiness upon further analysis, along with a clean lager nose. The clean lager also creates a clean flavor that allows the malt-forward character typical of this style to shine. The finish is lightly sweet malt but dry. The beer is medium bodied with medium-high carbonation and a light alcohol warmth.

I would enjoy a rich German meal of mushroom gravy atop a crispy schnitzel, warm red cabbage and chunky mashed potatoes alongside this beer, especially on a slightly cool fall afternoon.