Appalachian Kipona Fest

Has a darker pour close to a dark bronze. Had an aroma slightly of coffee and an almost smoky flavor to compliment the darker style of beer. Overall a great beer.

Probably not fair to call this a marzen or a fest, but I did enjoy it. Beautiful clear dark copper pour with a large frothy off white head that leaves great lacing. Nose is sweet malts and a surprising amount of spice ... not marzen but appealing. Mouthfeel is good and full, better, again, than a marzen. Taste is sweet malts and caramel, a little spice, more bitterness than appropriate, but I liked it, and a bitter and nutty finish. I’m probably the high rater on this one, and probably because I’m ignoring the poor match between the beer and its stated type.

This beer has a dark color to it with head that is thick and has decent sized bubbles. There is a sweet smell of chocolate malt and mild hops. As you drink it you taste the chocolate and coffee with some intence hops. there is also a bitter taste that sticks around in your mouth for a while after you drink it.

Pint at the Harrisburg brewery. The color is surprisingly dark for a marzen/festbier/Oktoberfest/whatever – it’s a dark pumpkin brown with deep red hues at the bottom of the glass, and a patchy, toast colored brown head. Nose of sweet caramelized onion and bread, with some squash and grass scents, a little grainy as well, with some light roast. Has a bit too much coarseness or bitterness on the palate, but it’s redeemed by some nice plum, port and oak flavors, on top of more subtle char and roast. I had this fresh from the brewery, and it tasted like it – extremely vibrant and new. Overall it’s sweet and coarse at the same time, and I found myself liking it a lot.

Tap at the sports bar of ABC- Nice amber color with lots of malty flavors. Aroma is of a typical Oktoberfest. Very smooth and enjoyable.