Spaten Oktoberfest Ur-Märzen

A nice and drinkable O/M by the country who should know how to do. I’d take a Hacker Pschorr over this any day, but this isn’t bad. Aroma of caramel and sticky malt. Pour was very dark for an O/M. Medium to dark brown with no head. Taste was a little light in the carbonation-nice caramel and malt flavor but a little light in the aftertatste. Good as most of this style.

Bottle. I picked this up after having enjoyed Spaten Premium. I was pleasantly suprised and would try it again.

Light amber in color with a small white head. Spicy nose that leans toward some skunk. The flavor is sweet and full with a medium finish that is nicely hopped. Best Oktoberfest I’ve had so far.

On draft at Cassidy’s in downtown Portland, 10/5/07. When I drank it I didn’t know the brewer (thought it was a local micro; had to call the restaurant to find out) but I knew it had an "authentic German" feel about it. Has that rich warming malt "feel" you expect in a German beer. One of the more endearing flavors out there for the lager style.

Had on draft at the winking lizard. Sweet smell of roasted malts. Taste was the similar. A very decent Oktoberfest, but I like Marzen’s with a bit more interst, and this one seemed a bit boring.

Bottle. Small off white head that quickly dissipates. Not very leggy on the glass, and aroma isn’t anything mentionable. Mouthfeel is a bit light, somewhat watery, but smooth. I think it is an enjoyable oktoberfest, it is what it is... I get what I expect of the genre. Enjoyable with some sausage. :) A good "drinkin beer."

Not too impressed with this Octoberfest, heavy roasted malt made it somewhat distasteful. Not one I’d choose again.

355 ml. Huge creamy and lasting head on this gold amber beer. Initial aroma is skunk (green bottle) that blows away to reveal some malty spicy goodness. Malty herbed molasses flavor with some slightly spicy cocoa in the finish. Palate is soft and light medium.