The air is getting cool and crisp here in Chicago and its my favorite time of year in the beer world. Oktoberfest! The most enjoyable part of this season is trying every breweries own recipe at this historical brew.
Today, I am indulging in the Spaten Oktoberfest. This beer made the trip over from its brewery in Germany. It is bottled in green bottles with a blue checkered label inlcuding the Spaten crest. I tend to have issue with beers in green bottle because of the light refraction rate being lower than those beers in brown bottles. This is especially concerning in imports. nonetheless this beer doesn't disappoint. Here's how I score it:
LOOK: A nice clear copper color, when pour there is a carmel colored head but it fades fast.
SMELL: Sweet malt, floral hops, a distinct caramel smell, nutty, this batch was slightly skunky from the green bottle
TASTE/FEEL: Sweet and Malty, distinct grain flavor, taste of bread almost. This batch taste slightly watered down, taste profiles dont linger long on the palet. the feel is crisp and smooth, dryness at the end leaving a nutty flavor.
OVERALL: I am a bit biased because I have had great, off the tap, experiences with this beer. The green bottle and import obviously hurts the quality though. I think this beer is certainly worth buying in bottles if you enjoy a true oktoberfest, but understand the risk your taking since it is imported. If you ever get a chance to taste it out of the tap then you have to buy a pint. Overall 3.5 for this batch (slightly higher than 4 out of the tap)
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