Flying Dog Dogtoberfest

Brewed by Flying Dog Brewery
Style: Oktoberfest/Märzen
Frederick, Maryland USA

True, it is January of ’07 and I did buy this beer with a "sell by" date of December ’06, but when you walk into a Maryland air base comissary and there is a case stacker of Dogtoberfest prominently boasting a price of $13 dollars a case, I thought I would regret it if I didn’t then buy three cases. Did I need three? No. Did I want more? Yes. Do I spend more than a reasonable amount of my disposable income on beer anyway? Yes. A nice, plump amber liquid in the glass with a small white head that soon gets bored and settles down quitely to play its new Wii. Smells of your typical marzen, that is to say a very appetizing maltiness rich in light caramel and toffee accents. Definitely some Grapenut influence wafting up. Not fresh Grapenuts mind you, but the ones that perhaps have been lanquishing in a bowl of milk for twenty or so minutes; and in my opinion, that is the best way to eat them. Note to self, with my three cases of this stuff I should try actually eating Grapenuts with Dogtoberfest as a milk substitute. Very smooth on the palate, showcasing the medium-rich body of caramelized malts with a deft touch of buttery roundness on the swalllow. End product is a quaffable, mild beer whose quantity will hopefully seen me through a week or two.

I like this beer. Nice amber color, with a head that doesn’t really last that long. Smooth and easy drinking - not bitter at all. Not as strong tasting as the color would lead you to believe, but just right in my book. I like a good porter or stout better than this beer, though.

Very good overall beer. Not as potent tasting as some Oktoberfests, but less overwhelming/more subtle and flavorful. As an amber lover, this is my most enjoyed Oktoberfest to date.

I really liked this beer. Lots my notes that I took on a randome napkin, but the text message I saved on my phone has the rating numbers I felt about it.

Medium-dark reddish brown with a short-lived, two-finger head; head turns quickly to a tiny, white ring. Aroma malty, slightly viney, with a hint of rotten vegetables, dark fruit, and caramel, yet somehow fairly generic smelling. Flavor is pretty easy-going; malts and caramel; lightly bready; light but bitter hops; finish is bready and slightly bitter. Medium-thin and hardly sticky at all. Easy-drinking and moderately above average; not a challenging beer; I like it.

Brown 12 oz bottle. All the flying dogs have about the same aroma. It’s a fruity hard to explain aroma that is high class attractive. A flavor that begins with good dog food bite, meaty and chunky. I like those two dudes on the front with their dog. They are both wearing grun lederhosen. Pours brighter than a dark beer, but just a little. Flavor is not too aggressing. Good finish that lacks any offense but is enjoyable. It lingers a little with some alcohol. Not as good as stoudts or hacker-pshorr.

Ok but unremarkable. I increasingly enjoy this style. More carbonation and dryness then some in the styole but mouthfeel not as good as you want.

Pours deep amber, with a fairly large fluffy head. Aroma was sweet and malty. Had a nice flavor of caramel, malts and some yeast. Some hops are also lingering around, though not all that strong. A solid Oktoberfest, though not at the top of my list. I’d have another, though.