Glassware: Any Oktoberfest beer is perfect in a dimpled mug for aesthetic and authentic German drinking experience, but the glass is not necessarily great for the beer. Sam Adams has a great line of glassware that aids in delivering the sweet malty aromatics of the beer, but if you want the real experience pour this beer in a dimpled mug, the bigger the better!

Description: Sam Adams Octoberfest pours deep red amber reminiscent of a fall sunset with a rocky off white head that leaves a thick lacing on the glass. The aroma is very malt forward with rich toasted caramel malts and subtle earthy spicing present in the background. The taste is dominated by the rich malts up front and on the back end with sweet caramel and toasted malts cascading over the palate with subtle spicy hop notes providing balance and allowing for the crisp finish to this beer. The medium-full body and moderate carbonation give way to a refreshingly dry finish that leaves you wanting more of this delicious beer. The balance with Sam Adams Octoberfest is what truly makes this beer fantastic. The slight hop bitterness is paramount to keeping the malts in check and allowing this beer to be so very enjoyable. Prost!

Food pairing: The sweet malts within Octoberfest make this an incredible beer to pair with rich and hearty fall favorites this time of year. While burgers are thought of as more of a summer favorite, let’s face it, burgers are great any time of year. Octoberfest goes especially well with burgers topped with bacon, the fattier the better, and pile it high with toppings for some contrasting flavors with pickles, peppers, and barbecue sauce. If you are looking for a bit of a healthier option but want to stay in the burger world, a turkey burger topper with avocado and turkey bacon also makes for an excellent pairing. Rich hearty soups also make for an exceptional match for Sam Adams Octoberfest. With meaty stews and thick and creamy chowders, the options are endless with either, but meat based variation are best. Wild game is also a nice pairing especially wild boar, elk, quail and venison.

The Final Word: The Oktoberfest style is sought out by many this time of year. With its sweet malty body and extremely easy drinking quality, it is a beer perfect for over indulging this time of year.

However, many beers in this style can be overly malty and lose the balance that make for a truly delicious beer. Sam Adams Octoberfest has flawless balance and even possesses a slight hop bite that makes for a crisp and refreshing Oktoberfest beer that must be enjoyed.

Sam Adams needs no introduction to craft beer lovers or macro beer drinkers, but the beers do deserve more drinking by all. Be sure to stock up on Octoberfest now and have it ready as the leaves change color, there are few better beers to enjoy on the back porch on a cool fall evening than Sam Adams Octoberfest.

Brewer: Sam Adams

Beer: Octoberfest

Style: Märzen / Oktoberfest

ABV: 5.30%

Rating: WWWW

Derek Warren is a beer fanatic, avid homebrewer and beer historian. Derek can be heard weekly on the Beer Geeks Radio Hour at noon on Sundays on WILK 103.1 FM with past episodes available on iTunes.

By Derek Warren

For Weekender

Sam Adams Oktoberfest has been in the beer game for a while and its not going anywhere.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_oktoberfestSA.jpgSam Adams Oktoberfest has been in the beer game for a while and its not going anywhere. Submitted photo