In the local area Oktoberfest celebrations have come to a close. Fortunately, the beers commemorating the event can be found yearlong at most of your favorite local and area bars. With a tasting partner in tow, it was easy to find a place to try some of what Oktoberfest offers, beer.
Three available options we secured on the beer list menu.
Fitchburg Hop Haus: Oktoberfest Festbier
First, Fitchburg Hop Haus: Oktoberfest Festbier, 5.5% ABV. My palate tasted vanilla within my first sip. I felt it tart in the back just for a few seconds, and that tart faded into a lovely light flavor.
And for me, it was vanilla. If it were a coffee, I would compare it to a blonde roast. Tasting partner, also giving Oktoberfest Festbier a try said, “Crisp and hoppy.” He added, “it lingers.”
Potosi, OktoberfestMarzen style lager
Next up, Potosi, Oktoberfest Marzen style lager, 5.5% ABV. Frothy, the taste was there without flavor. This beer as a lager style was much darker than the first. Its vibes were low and slow. If it were coffee, I would compare it to a breve (an espresso-based coffee drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk), with a lot of head.
Potosi’s Marzen felt like a grab of the tongue before pooling down. I felt this beer was meant to be pulled, sipped, slowly. The flavor seemed subdued. I would suggest this beer for those who drink their coffee with steamed milk, no sweetener. Pairing this Marzen style lager with food might be ideal. Like the adding of a flower to your dinner table.
Warsteiner Oktoberfest Marzen style lager
The third and final option available, Germany: Warsteiner Oktoberfest Marzen style lager, 5.8 % ABV, 13 IBU. As it were the final, I allowed mine to rest for a bit, perhaps 10 minutes. I did take a sip from a fresh pour and the taste although slightly different was almost more enjoyable after the brief sit. It revives itself. My personal favorite proceeded with my loss of words. I could find nothing to compare it to. I’d never tasted anything like it before, it was that good.
In Wisconsin and midwestern states, the Oktoberfest stories date back generations. Here’s one from the book “Prairie Whistles” by Dennis Boyer on Oktoberfest Special:
“You guys remember what it was like back then, don’t you? Oktoberfest was a big event for young railway workers. Naturally, the largest contingents were from Milwaukee Road and BN. But we always ran into our counterparts from Soo Line, Northwestern, and Green Bay and Western. Even some from Rock Island and Illinois Central would drift in.
“Now, you realize that we weren’t coming to Oktoberfest to meet rail workers. No, it was for the young ladies. Gals who liked railroaders and beer. Oktoberfest pulled in the ones who liked us.”