Beck's Oktoberfest - didn't get me doing the chicken dance
Oct 15 '01
The Bottom Line A widely available Oktoberfest (although not in Germany) that's adequate and worthwhile but not the best of its style.
Every year the German’s of Munich gather to guzzle 10 million pints of beer, and Americans style their own occasions across the country. This event originated almost 200 years ago as a commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese, and the link between Oktoberfest and beer is to a certain extent coincidental.
The names Vienna Beer, Märzen and Oktoberfest are often thrown together in many beer guides, and for the most part with pretty good reason. In the past Oktoberfest beer was Vienna-style beer also called Märzenbier (March beer). The link between March and October is simply that brewers had to stop brewing in March to avoid contamination from the warm weather. The barrels were stored in cool mountain caves until mid-September (common practice in lager production) and opened for Oktoberfest.
So what could be better than an Oktoberfest beer brewed in its home nation, not to mention that all German beers are forced by national law to adhere to strictest of purity regulations? If you go to the Beck’s website they proudly claim to be “The Official Beer of Oktoberfest”. However you won’t find anyone drinking it in Munich right now.
A further strictness in German brewing laws means that only 6 brewers (all from Munich) may use the title “Oktoberfest”, and so Beck’s Oktoberfest, although brewed in Germany, is only available in export markets. This of course sent my mind to the prostitution of Beck’s and the Beck’s Light commercials. Of course I’ll hold off on judgment until I tell you a little about the beer.
The Corporate Version
“Beck's brewmasters create the distinctive, malty-sweet, amber-colored brew so people throughout the world can celebrate the season popularly known in Germany as Oktoberfest. The blend of barley, hops, yeast, and water created especially for Oktoberfest makes its annual appearance a treat you want to enjoy over and over again.”
Beck’s Oktoberfest is seasonal and available in 12 oz bottles and kegs.
Tasting Notes
The beer pours to a clear reddish amber hue, with a generous level of carbonation and off-white foam. There’s evidence of the toasted caramel malt expected of this style in the nose, but also a distinct peppery floral hop. The flavors come through pretty much the same way with the sweetness of the malts turning lightly treacley but not quite having enough body or being full enough in flavor. The hops provide a light tangy bitterness to the finish, and a well-balanced aftertaste that also adds a touch of dryness. Although a little too fizzy at first the beer does get a little smoother on the palate as it sits in the glass while also developing a little more malt character.
Overall Thoughts
Judged by itself this is a decent beer, and certainly a worthwhile sociable choice or session beer. It’s a little on the light side allowing for easy drinking, and although adequately flavorful certainly wasn’t bold enough to leave too much of a memory.
It’s worth a try and I’ll give it a slight recommendation to those familiar with the style. You’ll probably find this beer agreeable if you like a less hoppy US pale ale or English brown ale. Personally I’ll be on the look out for other German brewed Oktoberfest’s, and I do feel that the widely available Samuel Adams version is better.
Recommended: Yes
Rating: 3.5 Stars
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Epinions.com ID:
andaryl
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Member: Andrew Smith
Location: The Desert, So Cal
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