Carlyle Festbier

Came from the tap a nice copper color with a thick, very tall and very creamy white head. Great lacing on the glass. Flavor is almost all of Munich malt with some grassy hops notes and a slight sweet ending.

On tap at brewpub

This oktoberfest marked the change from light beers to more substantial styles. Though marzens are hardly known for being complex they have more to them than a kolsch or most pilseners. This one was much like many of the others I have had over the last few weeks. It doesn’t have too much complexity but it is a perfect cool weather beer for when the season changes.

Aroma / Appearance - The bronze carbonated body had a tannish thin head. Caramel, peat and fruits (cherries mostly) are balanced by a chocolately background. The malts are evident without being overpowering.

Flavor / Palate - Cherries highlight a creamy mouthfeel that is mildly bitter. Caramel, chocolate bars and pudding form a sessionable experience that it pretty predictable. It is not a fantastic example of the style but it does enough to make it worthwhile.

Nice copper body with a frothy white head. The aroma has a toasty, grainy sweetness balanced by a mild earthy bitterness. Good carbonation in this medium bodied lager. The flavor has just a touch of caramel, the toasty malts dominated and tempered by the earthy hops. Nicely done.

<font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=2247>Carlyle Brewing Company, Rockford, IL<font size=-1>

Had this one on draught as part of a sampler flight at the brewpub in Rockford, Illinois. Medium amber, foamy white head, floral hoppiness in the nose, hoppiness continues into the taste where it becomes dry and spicy. An interesting oktoberfest beer.

On tap at the brewpub, 3 Oct 2005.
Hazy medium golden color with wispy white head. Surprisingly spicy hop aroma with some floral and grainy notes showing as well. Flavor also surprisingly spicy and uncharacteristically bitter for a fest -- almost soapy. Malt backbone is nearly overwhelmed. Dry, crisp aftertaste. Balance leans too far toward hop/bitter for a festbier.

Draught @ Brewpub: This one pours a somewhat hazy, dark golden color, with a slight coppery hue. There was a small white head with some lacing. The nose is somewhat malty with a hint of spiciness. The taste is a medium malt body with a touch of bitterness and spices. Slightly tart, dry finish. OK, but nothing special.

On tap at the brewpub. Moderately dark orange with a large, tan head that is mostly lasting. Dried apricots, wet leather, cookies, and lemon zest aroma. Slightly grainy flavor with some caramel and taffy maltiness and a light herbal bitterness. Slightly bitter and dry finish with some more cereal grains. A very good Oktoberfest.

Sample at the brewpub. Darkish gold, small lasting creamy top, lots of thick lacing...bit of raisiny character and smoked meat in the malty nose, very masculine....excellent malt-bitter balance on the tongue, some nice caramelly sweetness balanced by a charred wood/herbal character.