Sunday, September 22, 2013

A Founding Father's Octoberfest

Another Boston Octoberfest beer is in a glass tonight. Sam Adams' Octoberfest.  Since Sam Adams is a microbrewery, but a pretty big microbrewery, it makes you wonder how little a brewery has to be to be a microbrewery?  Sam Adams has a national following, after all. Still, it's not Budweiser or Miller which each have breweries spread across the nation.

Their website says, "Our version of the classic Oktoberfest lager blends 5 roasted malts for a rich, hearty flavor while Bavarian Noble hops add a touch of bitterness." (http://www.samueladams.com/craft-beers/octoberfest) Samuel Adams usually has good products. I cannot say that I've tried anything I didn't like.  Although, I must admit that I've a little hesitant about buying fashionable beers, when I've had a Sam Adams I've enjoyed it.

The same is true for their Octoberfest. The aroma is a tad hoppy, as it probably should be. The head was a little disappointing  as have several of those I've tried so far. Yet, when I took a mouthful, I was surprised by the toasty, malty, full-bodied flavor, with just a hint of a hoppy aftertaste.  It's really good!

I've been looking for single-bottle beers (or cans, as the case may be) that are in the store. While I'm just tasting around, I don't want to invest in a full six-pack.  But, I may be tempted to go for a full six of the Sam Adams' Octoberfest. Just to be sure, I bought one of their Harvest Pumpkin Ales, too! But that's a story for another post.