Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen

Hello my thirsty friends,

I’ve got to come right out and admit it, I’ve fallen off of the Oktoberfest wagon these last few weeks. While I do enjoy these brews I’m not a huge lager guy and lately I’ve had a few stouts, pale ales, an amber ale, and IPAs that keep clamoring for my attention when I open the door of the beer fridge. Regardless, there is one last Oktoberfest I wanted to write up; Paulaner Oktoberfest.

Now, I touched on this brew back in August after a tasting at The Market @ Washington & High. It’s also what spurred me to grab a bunch of these to write about. Thus, I saved it for last in hopes of not skewing my ranking anymore than I’ve already done so. However, let’s review our standings, shall we?

#1) Ayinger Oktober Fest
#2) Sam Adams Octoberfest
#3) Spaten Oktoberfest
#4) Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest
#5) Beck’s Oktoberfest

Paulaner Oktoberfest for many is the gold standard when it comes to these brews and I can’t deny that – it’s a great example. This particular bottle comes from our friends at Leaf & Ale – if you haven’t checked them out all you need to know is this; top notch beer, top notch cigars, one stop – you won’t be sorry. On to the beer! This brew pours with an amberish golden tint and a decent head that fades fast. On the nose you get the malts, yeast, a hint of hops. On the tongue this brew feels thin, easy to drink but there is a breadiness to it with a nice hint of spice. This isn’t a sipping beer – it goes down quick and nice, finishes dry and as it has warmed up a little since I poured it, the spice note are opening up a bit more.

Final snobs: I’m not going to lie, I had a feeling this would be somewhere in the top when I bought it. If I was going to Oktoberfest and knew I was in for a long day of Märzen-style lagers, this would definitely be one of my top choices. However, I must say, Ayinger is still my favorite but Paulaner – you’re a close second.

Cheers!

Final Standings:

#1) Ayinger Oktober Fest
#2) Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen
#3) Sam Adams Octoberfest
#4) Spaten Oktoberfest
#5) Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest
#6) Beck’s Oktoberfest