Mike Loves Beer

Name – Oktoberfish
Country – United States
Type – Marzen

For most fall is in full swing.  Us here in South Florida are still dealing with days hitting the 90s.  But at least the fall beers are coming out to which I can pretend that we have any sort of normal autumn right?

In the past I’ve made no secret of my love for Marzens.  These slightly sweet sessionable beers just seem to fit the season.  And I’m kicking off my fall with a new Marzen to our area and that is Oktoberfish from Flying Fish.  I really like the blue and white diamond patterns makes it look almost truly authentic on the bottle’s label.  But does it taste authentic?

I pour it into a nonic pint glass and it arrives a clear copper color with a nice sized off white head.

The nose is typical for the style.  There is a definitely presence of caramel and toasted malts.  Nice bready nose to it.

The taste is really a lot of the same.  You know I hate saying that but will if I absolutely have to.  Body is on the lighter side and real easy to drink.

Overall I enjoyed it.  I drank two rather easily while I was visiting my parents last night.  And I’m not going to drink two of anything I don’t like, especially all that quickly.

When it comes to Marzens I would say Oktoberfish is a little above middle of the road.  It’s not as robust as I feel most of the German ones are but definitely in the upper tier of the American breweries that I have had doing this style.  If you like most of the American offerings of Marzens then I would say go out and try this if you can.

Grade - B

And so today officially ends my 10 day vacation.  In a couple hours I will be back to the grind at my job.  This vacation was well needed.  And to say it was a good time and relaxing would be an understatement.

I visited a number of breweries (Yards Brewing, Dogfish Head, Weyerbacher Brewing and River Horse Brewing) as well as some brew pubs (Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats and Iron Hill – Maple Shade) on my trip to Pennsylvania.  I went to my always favorite bars out in the burbs of Philly (Hulmeville Inn and Blue Dog – Chalfont).  And last but certainly not least I got to spend time with my awesome family.

During the entire trip I decided not to take notes on any of the beers I drank in order to do reviews.  I just wanted to relax and enjoy.  I did however make a list of what I had and will gladly share those with you. [...]

Name – Exit 9
Country – United States
Type – American Red Ale

Just one more day of work!  That is all and then tomorrow I head to PA.  And to celebrate I am having a Philadelphia area brew.  Sure they are from Jersey and sometimes us PA and NJ folks don’t get along.  Jug handles and full service gas stations?  Really Jersey?  But they consider Philly their home market just over the Delaware River.

I’m having the latest in the Exit Series from them.  A series that celebrates (yes celebrates) the New Jersey Turnpike.  While many snicker at the thought of anyone glorifying this stretch of road (I’ll give you a minute to), the beers that I have had in this series are anything but lame. Exit 4 is the best tripel I’ve probably ever had.

This one, Exit 9, is a hoppy “scarlet” ale in tribute to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.  It is their university that is just off of exit 9 of the turnpike.  And if you know me then you know I love a hoppy red ale.

It pours into my New Belgium glass a murky red color.  There is a good sized sandy colored head on top and it leaves some good lacing along the glass.

The moment I started pouring the beer I got the huge citrus hop smell.  Placing my nose closer it’s even bigger.  Lots of scents of grapefruit and pines.  I even get a slightly biscuit malt aroma in the back.

But if you are looking for balance in the taste you won’t find much.  This is a hop bomb.  Tons of citrus and pine hops leave a great hop flavor and nice bitter finish.  Tiny bit of malt backing just to make it not overboard.

So Flying Fish said this is a hoppy beer and they weren’t kidding.  This is exactly what I wanted and hoped for in this beer.  Just a big assault of hops in a red ale.

I highly recommend  this latest creation in the Exit Series especially if you are a hop head.

Grade - A