Mill Street Oktoberfest Märzen

Brewed by Mill St. Brewery
Style: Oktoberfest/Märzen
Toronto, Canada

I will preface this rating by stating that I was never a huge fan of Denison’s Märzen. I always found it a weak link in their lineup (except the smoked version). But Mill Street brewer Michael Duggan has demonstrated that when he wants to (ie. not during batches of Organic Lager), he can brew some serious beer. So putting his skills together with Denison’s impresario Michael Hancock seems to have put this Oktoberfest through the roof.

Bright bronze colour is quite eye-catching, though if you tasted this in one of those frozen space-glasses at Pure Spirits you’d probably not notice. Not much head, though. Aroma is typical Oktoberfest fare – bread crust, iron, hints of nuts and caramel. The palate, however, is a new level. Richly malty, very toasty, with lots of bread crust, and slightly smokey toffee notes. Full body, lots of melanoidins. Long, complex finish. In terms of flavour and palate, this is the most complete Oktoberfestbier I’ve ever had. The strongest outing yet from this vibrant upstart.

On tap at Pure Spirits, across from the brewery in Toronto. Light clear amber, creamy small white head, just a bit of lacing. Smoked malty/sourdough nose, lightly sweet toasty flavor, a bit too carbonated, very dry, slightly bitter finish with tarry undercurrents...somewhat thin.

A smokey pale beer. Nice white head. On malty side, offset by good use of smoke. Some spices in there, ginger, cloves, and sugar. Some hops. Smooth easy drink. California BAs sharing this mixed reports.

Draught (2005 version). At BeerBistro. Poured deep clear orange with a small white head. Solid aroma of fresh orange zest hops, light roast malt to counter. Taste follows, but there were *lots* of hops, again the light roast malt, a touch of cereal grain, and some very mild spiciness - this has a longish hop-bitter finish, but pleasant, not harsh. Decent body, simple but spot-on character. Reading the earlier reviews I have to conclude they’ve changed this recipe significantly - I’d describe this as very much like a west coast US mild pale ale with more malt character. Lovely

Nice clean look, small but decently appearing head. Aroma was not the best exposed, gentle malt base with hop touch. Full flavored, bitter. Slightly British in style, oily body. Running bit dry at finish. Its qualities made very drinkable, perfect for mass drinking ea; Oktoberfest.

2007. Draft. Cest What Festival of Small Breweries. Orange-amber body with a moderate white head and nice lacing. (3+) Modest malty aroma with lightly toasted notes and smokey hints. Similar flavour. Average palate. Meh. 6/3+/6/3/12-13 <P>2004. Dark amber body with a nice creamy white head and nice lacing. Lightly smoked maltiness in the aroma, along with something else that reminds me a lot of something I can’t place. Hmm. Nice body, Lots of maltiness with a subtle smokiness accenting it throughout. Seems simplistic at first but is relatively complex and subtle as you get into a pint of it. Much more robust than last years Draft @ BeerBistro.6/4/6/3/16<P>2003. Bottle. Reddish orange colour with a thin head. Nicely bitter to compliment the malt flavour. A pleasant pint but it didn’t do much for me. 5/3/6/3/13

Draught at Bar Volo’s Cask Days 2005. (Listed as "MIll St. Oktoberfest Organic Lager") Pours a clear orange with a spare white head. Good lacing. Really fresh aroma of sweet malt, spices and a touch of hops. Flavour follows the aroma. Thin body. An interesting and above-average Lager but not a favourite of mine.

Malty aroma, with a hint of fruit. Copper colour, small custard head. Spicey, candied malt flavour, some nutty, woody touches too. Pleasing bitterness, medium bodied, good after taste. Well done to both Michaels!