Bell’s Brewery- Octoberfest Beer: I’m Glad It’s December

I’m seriously making an effort to clear out some of this Craft Beer inventory before it goes out of date or season.  This bottle has been staring me in the face for the last month or so and I just haven’t felt compelled to drink and review it.  Wes loves Marzen’s but they’re not my favorite style but I figure I can kill two birds with one stone by drinking and reviewing this brew and by keeping Pam off my ass about not having enough variety on the website.  I do my best but I really gravitate towards the Pale Ales and IPAs so this website comes off a little biased.  Even though I am a few months late I am going to celebrate Octoberfest in December.  On the docket is Bell’s Brewery’s Octoberfest Beer, will this have me wishing it was October again or will I be glad that it’s over?

Bell’s Brewery classifies this brew as an Oktoberfest and their website describes Octoberfest Beer as, “Crafted as a flavorful session beer, Bell's Octoberfest Beer is perfect for a week-long wedding celebration in Germany or the start of the Michigan autumn. As with Bell's Lager Beer, Octoberfest spends a full six weeks maturing in the fermentation vessels. Unlike its cousin, Octoberfest trades in the assertive hop presence for a focus on a light caramel malt note, lending body without too much sweetness.”

Octoberfest Beer pours a golden honey color with a ½” off-white head.  The aroma is bready, grainy and a touch of biscuit.  There are some sweet malty scents as well as hints of fruity esters in the background.

Maybe someday I’ll get it but as of now I don’t.  I’m just not that big a fan of Marzen’s and Octoberfest Beer from Bell’s is no exception.  The flavor is good but there is nothing interesting about this beer at all.  It tastes like your average, every day Lager.  It’s got all the characteristics of a good brew but doesn’t stand out in any way.  This is where my job gets difficult; it’s good but not great.  If you are a fan of Marzen’s, I’m sure that you’d love this beer…or would you?  I’ll let you be the judge for yourself.  When it comes to Fall seasonals I’ll stick with the likes of a New Belgium Hoptober or Southern Tier Pumking.

ABV: 5.5%

Consumed: Sam Adams Sensory Glass

Verdict: Buy A Six Pack

Bell’s Brewery- Octoberfest Beer: This gentle giant won’t be going bump in the night.

Remember when you were a kid and you wished everyday was Christmas? Well, when it comes to beer, I wish every month was October. I could drink Oktoberfest brews everyday, all year long. But when it comes to October beers, you have to choose wisely, because the month is short and any accomplished beer drinker needs to prioritize. Think of October beers like the World Series, you need to trim your rotation down to four reliable starters. Let’s see if Bell’s Octoberfest beer makes the cut!

Bell’s Octoberfest poured the traditional pale orange hue of an autumn brew. It was extremely fizzy at first but had no head to speak off. The carbonation died down in a hurry. The nose was very light and sweet with hints floral hops and a certain fruity hint that reminded me of apple juice. It certainly looks better than it smells.

Octoberfest is very interesting simply because of the sheer number and complexity of its flavors. It has hints of a traditional German Marzen but also a sweet creaminess and a subtle hops flavor. I find it to be a little sweeter then I prefer my fall beers, as the hint of apples that appears in the scent does find its way into the final mouthfeel.

All in all, Bell’s Octoberfest is an ever so slightly above average autumn ale. Personally it’s not my thing, however; I could completely see why some people would prefer this brew. I like the earthy autumn ales that remind me of rainy days and leaf piles. This reminds more of pumpkin carving and apple cider, which might be what some people are looking for. Give it a shot, you might fall in love. Me, personally, I’m going to keep looking.

ABV: 5.5%

Consumed: Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy a twelve pack!