Beer Stats:

Packaging: Pint bottle (16.9 oz.)

BJCP Style: German Marzen

ABV: 5.8%

Hops Variety: German Hallertauer

Malts Variety: German Munich Malts

Brewery: Ayinger Brewery – Aying, Germany

Beer Connoisseur Rating: 93

LUDB Notes:

• Bitterness Level: Low
• Drinkability:
  • Would I purchase again? Yes
  • Would I stock it? Yes
• Comments/Characteristics: Smooth and drinkable with low bitterness. A must for Oktoberfest beer.

With Oktoberfest almost upon us and in some areas already started, it’s time to start reviewing some beers for the occasion. The first thing to know about Oktoberfest beers is there are basically two kinds – Festbier and Marzen. You’ll often see the moniker Oktoberfest used, but that only really means something in Germany where only six breweries located in Munich are able to use the official name of Oktoberfest. Those six breweries are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Lowenbrau, Paulaner, Spaten and Staatliches Hoffbrau. Here in the U.S., brewers will use the name Oktoberfest or Octoberfest mostly for marketing purposes.

Festbier is a pale malty lager with very low bitterness. Marzen is a copper color, slightly heavier body, malty and has very low betterness as well. Ayinger Oktober Fest-Marzen is a fine example of a marzen. It pours a clear, copper color with an off white, mousse like head that easily measures three fingers. Aromas are herbal and caramel. Tastes are accented by caramel, lightly toasted malts and herbal hops with restrained bitterness. Medium sweetness from the malt. The finish is soft, silky smooth and short. You detect a slight bitterness, but it does not linger at all.

This is a fantastic marzen by Ayinger and exactly what you would expect. Very drinkable and not too heavy given it’s darker color vs. a Festbier. This one will land on my top favorites list for certain.

Bottom line: If you are stocking up for an Oktoberfest celebration, you would definitely want Ayinger Fest-Marzen on your list. It is smooth and drinkable, but best of all it comes in a pint!

Thank you for reading and until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!