Beer Stats:

Packaging: 12 oz. bottle

BJCP Style: German Marzen

ABV: 5.6%

Hops Variety: Noble Hops (Hallertauers and/or Tettnangers)

Malts Variety: Vienna and Munich Malts

Brewery: Victory Brewing Co. – Downington, PA

Beer Connoisseur Rating: None

LUDB Notes:

• Bitterness Level: Low
• Drinkability:
  • Would I purchase again? Yes
  • Would I stock it? Yes
• Comments/Characteristics: Typical malt forward Marzen with restrained bitterness.  Nice domestically produced Marzen for Oktoberfest celebrations.

Since opening its doors in 1996, Victory Brewing Co. of Downington, PA has become well know for brewing high quality beers.  Prima Pils is probably their most recognized and celebrated beer on the market.  I am quite fond of the Marzen style and have not found many I don’t like. Victory Festbier is no exception and presents itself as one of the better Oktoberfest beers made by breweries in the United States.

Victory Festbier is of the Marzen style and pours a clear, medium amber color with a fluffy white head about two figures tall.  Head retention is moderate and carbonation is moderate to low.  This Festbier provides aromas of light toast, light caramel and mild floral/herbal notes.  Flavor is mostly bready and moderately sweet. Bitterness is quite restrained but present on the malt backbone, making this a very drinkable beer.  The mouthfeel is soft with a slight bite of carbonation at the end of a short finish.

Bottom line:  Victory Festbier is a good quality beer in the Marzen family.  Not quite to the level of authentic German Marzens but certainly a great choice amongst domestically produced Marzens.  It has wide availability in retail outlets and I would recommend it for your Oktoberfest celebration.  Prost!

Thanks for reading, and until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!