Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen

Brewed by Brauerei Aying
Style: Oktoberfest/Märzen
Aying, Germany

Pours deep amber into a nonick. Significant white micro head with excellent retention. Bread and caramel aromas. Upfront medium, creamy sweet caramel with a bitter, lasting finish.

Over all I found this beer to be extremely plesant in all aspects and quite drinkable. I will say I measure every oktoberfest up against Spaten, and perhaps I shouldn’t but I find Spaten to simply be amazing. Personally I didn’t find it to be something I would want over a Spaten, except on occasion when I needed a break. If you get some you wont be disappointed and might even find yourself enjoying it.

Aroma jumps out at you. Very strong carmel, reminds me of molasses somewhat. Translucent orange body with several fingers worth of head. Very full body. Malt and carmel dominate the flavor. Some roasty presence. Some hops there, but this is definitely a malt-forward beer. Unfortunately, there’s just a hint of that roasted vegetable taste in it, I think. Goes away as you drink it. Not the best octoberfest I’ve had (as a result of the slight off-flavor, as well as the flavor not being as full as it could), but definitely one of the best. I wish I could find it on tap, since I’ve heard it’s exquisite that way.

500mL bottle. Pours a bright, medium orange-amber color; huge light-tan head that fills the glass; good retention and lacing. The aroma on this is pretty sweet, showing nougats and dried oranges and sugar; a bit overripe. Medium mouthfeel: I think where this beer succeeds over so many other märzens is in the adicity coming through from the citrusy hops: the hoppiness isn’t over the top or even all that immediate, but the jolt of lemony and orange acidity keeps that candy sugar and dried fruit core alive in the mouth; most other märzens are flabby by comparison. Lengthy, orange and candy sugar finish, with some mild citrus bitterness coming through.

500ml bottle, poured a clear copper/amber, with a frothy off-white head. Mild aroma of sweet toasted malt, caramel, and slight hops. Taste of malt, caramel, and spices. Mouthfeel is light and dry. Pretty good!

Pours an orange tinted golden with a small, but persistent white head. Great sweet roasted malt, tofffee, banana, and a nice roasted nuttiness on the nose. Great full creamy mouthfeel with a good dose of spicing, like maybe nutmeg....or......hell I don’t know, but it is pleasant nonetheless.. Nice light floral hoppiness finishes out the palate carrying a light dose of heat. Very nice and exactly what I would expect from Ayinger.

1 pt 9 oz bottle. Nice amber pour with a thick light tan head. Aroma of caramel malt. Fantastic taste of malt and sugar with that familiar Oktoberfest sharp finish.

500ml bottle. Pours a very dark amber body with a huge, fluffy light tan head. German beer never fails to impress in the appearance department. It just looks like a beer should. On the nose I get spicy hops, sweet malt notes, biscuit dough, grapefruit, lemon zest and floral notes. Fore is lightly astringent, with the hops and bready notes dominating. Back of the tongue brings more malt sweetness into play, as well as the citrus hints. Palate is creamy and medium bodied. Finish is sweet bread dough and hops, medium length and refreshing. Great beer.