SurlyFest - Surly Brewing Company

joemcgrath27

Alberta (Canada)

4.18/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A - clear bronze, generous head held its own with plenty of sticky lacing
S - caramel, grains, wood, mild citrus and earthiness
T - pleasant mix of earthy, spicy, and light piney hops, big caramel and hearty grain maltiness, finishes with a mild woody flavour
M - slightly heavy, full malty feel with just enough hop bitterness to balance
O - this is a fine brew with a nice mix of spicy rye grain, sweet malts, and a smooth finish, not a traditional 'fest' beer as I know it but big ups for putting a twist on it, this brewery is the real deal

Serving type: can

04-20-2013 01:05:41 | More by joemcgrath27

StonedTrippin

Colorado

4.01/5  rDev -2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

apparently surly makes only interesting and top quality brews. I love this one. its like a Oktoberfest, but is spiked with rye malt, and has a unique vanilla character im not used to in the style. the pour is more bronze than orange, mostly clear, with an inch or so of lasting white head. the nose is german malty, but with that familiar peppery rye kick and a finish of fresh vanilla beans cut open and scraped clean. yum! the flavor is a little less dramatic on the vanilla, and its more toward the front than the finish, but its still there. the malt balances out into a nice german traditional marzen style. this has characteristics of both an ale and a lager, its crispness is remarkable for its complexity, and its super sessionable. strong carbonation lightens up a fuller medium body, and the 6% abv is just right for me in thus style. overall a very strong offering from surly, I really love the vanilla twist here.

Serving type: can

04-09-2013 17:07:49 | More by StonedTrippin

HuskyinPDX

Washington

4.05/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Can opened on 3.14.13
9/14/11

A - Pours a clear, dark orange-red with a foamy three inch head that fades slowly.

S - Malty, rye bread, still hoppy.

T - Silky smooth rye and wheat bread with a touch of hops.

D - Gread carbonaton with a light body.

O - Old, but still tasty. Some hops still left. How'd I miss this one? I want a fresh one!

Serving type: can

03-24-2013 04:51:09 | More by HuskyinPDX

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

First had: can, as a trade extra

I went in expecting a typical marzen, but this was actually quite different: a tasty rye lager. A mostly clear, darker amber pour, with a small, foamy, white head that sank to a collar and left a few streaks of lacing on the glass. Aroma was sweet with malts, bready, toasty, herbal hops. The taste reflected the scent, sweet malts, bready, toasty rye--not too distinctive, but still apparent--light herbal hops. Crisp, clean mouthfeel, medium body, maybe light-medium, quite drinkable overall. A nice and unexpected treat.

Serving type: can

03-03-2013 13:14:29 | More by Rifugium

starrdogg

District of Columbia

4.33/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Beer pours a reddish-brown with a fluffy white head and lots of bubbles. Smell is caramel malt with hints of spicy rye. It essentially smells like your average marzen with a little something extra. The flavor is where this beer really shines, it has that great caramel malt flavor of a marzen but adds in some awesome spicy rye and a bit of hops. It's incredibly full-flavored but has a nice clean finish. Mouthfeel is light-medium bodied with some heavy carbonation. This is a pretty great beer and one of my favorite lagers ever made. I wish it wasn't just a seasonal, as this would be a fantastic beer to drink year-round.

Serving type: can

11-25-2012 23:17:03 | More by starrdogg

kojevergas

California

3.73/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

475ml aluminum can (by the way, they also claim it's 'one pint' which is quite inaccurate [even in terms of U.S. standards - consult wikipedia]) served into a Dick's Last Resort pilsner glass in me sister's gaff in low altitude Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reviewed live. Expectations are high given the brewery. No best before date.

Served relatively cold and allowed to warm over the course of consumption. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

A: Pours a two finger light khaki colour head of good thickness, nice cream, and good retention. Body colour is a delightfully vibrant amber. One of the better Amber colours I've seen. Transparent. Translucent. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show.

Sm: Toasted amber malts, caramelization, a hint of cherry, and some cream. I don't get rye; call me crazy. A delightful aroma. Vibrant evocative malts abound. Some light spicing; even a vague hint of...ginger? Surprisingly fruity. I'm intrigued. A moderate strength, very pleasant aroma.

T: Toasted amber malts comprise the foundation. Hints of cherry. Some cream. Delightfully subtle caramelization. Malty and layered. The fruity notes blend well with the malty backbone, but it's never overly sweet. Again, I do not detect rye - either it's incredibly subtle or it's just a footnote in the grain bill. Evocative, rich, and delightful. I quite fancy it. Subtle, pleasant, and enjoyable.

Mf: Smooth but coarse enough to bring the flavour out. Good carbonation and thickness.

Dr: Quite drinkable and enjoyable. A solid Oktoberfest bier from Surly - even if they don't want to admit it. So you threw in a touch of rye - whoopty doo. This is a Marzen. Not a traditional one, but nevertheless a Marzen. And one of the better ones I've had, at that. I'd get this again. Dareisay sessionable (for those of us who aren't such nancies that we need our session beer to be 4% or less). Another solid offering from Surly.

B

Serving type: can

11-22-2012 18:39:45 | More by kojevergas

match1112

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

thanks to cofeeguru for this!

a: clear amber body with an inch of off white head.

s: sweet caramel, citrus hops and bread.

t: had no idea this had rye in it from the smell, luckily the rye spice shines thru on the tongue. balanced out pretty well from the hops and caramel malts.

m: medium body with decent carbonation. some of the rye spice dances on the tongue. clean finish.

o: easy drinkin, smooth taste, really solid beer.

Serving type: can

11-11-2012 22:38:06 | More by match1112

andrenaline

Ontario (Canada)

4.2/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A - Pours a nice copper colour, finger of head with some retention and sporadic lacing.

S - Scent is dominated by sweet butter caramel, leafy green and citrus hops, metallic rye and grainy biscuit malts.

T - The grassy and citrus hop flavours dominate, a peppery spice follows with the biscuit and grainy malt notes lingering alongside an earthy bitterness.

M - Lighter bodied, incredibly smooth and finishes with a touch of dryness.

O - Yet another winner from Surly. Incredibly flavourful and delicious. This is a session ale, and everything about it screams easy drinking deliciousness.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 02:29:59 | More by andrenaline

metter98

New York

3.88/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: The beer is relatively clear yellowish amber in color and has a light amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a short beige head that died down but left a large patch of bubbles on the surface and lacing down the sides of the glass.
S: There are light to moderate aromas of herbs and hops in the nose.
T: The taste is similar to the smell but also has some spiciness from the rye and a light to moderate amount of hop bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied and a little smooth on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: The dry-hopping and rye helped lighten up the maltiness that is usually found in Oktoberfest beers. I found this to be very enjoyable and easy to drink.

Serving type: can

11-03-2012 16:41:00 | More by metter98

AndyAvalanche

Massachusetts

4.6/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

16 oz. can poured into a Sam Adams Octoberfest Stein. Awesome looking color. It's a nice dark orange to brown in color. Nice glow when held to the light. Absolutely perfect clarity on this one. Nice orangey creamcicle colored head on it that absolutely erupts after a hard pour. There is good lacing and glass retention on this as well.

Smell is good, but it's not that strong. Not completely traditional for a oktoberfest style here. Plenty of roasted barley, a helping of rye and as the can indicates it's dry hopped. All that combined with a dose of lager yeast to makes it smell a little more traditional. It's all very nice and well blended, one of the better smelling I've had this year for sure, it's just not that strong.

Taste is awesome, it's literally flawless in my opinion. Lots of rye mixed with plenty of roasted barley. Lager yeaste is a little more obvious in the flavor profile than the smell. The hops arn't overpowering by any means (and they shouldn't be in this style) but they are more apparent here than the smell again, which isn't all that common. Basically it has all the great characteristics of the nose just stronger now.

Mouthfeel is also great. Medium bodied with an excellent carbonation level. Smooth, buttery and well balanced with a clean almost crisp finish. Great drinkability on this one, wish I could have been drinking this already all during the fall. Great beer, great representation of the style. Has some unique characteristics while still maintaining the traditional integrity of the style. Well done Surly and thanks to Noah for sending this one out.

Serving type: can

10-19-2012 00:03:27 | More by AndyAvalanche

Etan

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -10%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

16oz can into a pint glass.

A: Pours a maple-brass color with a nice off-white head.

S: Mild citric hoppiness with some faint notes of rye and bready malt.

T: Like the nose, very mild notes of rye, palpable hop bitterness, some orange, a little nutty in the finish.

M: Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.

O: This tastes fine, but instead of choosing a hoppy beer or a traditional festbier they made a hybrid that seems sort of middling to me.

Serving type: can

10-17-2012 18:45:25 | More by Etan

WesM63

Ohio

3.9/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Red from a 16oz can into a tulip.

A: Pours a murky dark copper amber color with a nice 2finger head. Decent retention and tons of lacing.

S: Caramel and rye a faint smell of pine hides in the ack.

T: Sweet caramel with some spicy rye and minimal pine.

M: Medium body and carbonation.

O: Not bad. Very mild and not overpowering.

Serving type: can

10-15-2012 03:59:06 | More by WesM63

dbrauneis

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a crystal clear dark amber in color with some very light amounts of visible carbonation. The beer has a finger tall creamy off-white that reduces to medium sized thick patch, a thick film covering the entire surface of the beer, and a thick ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Light aromas of caramel malts and rye spiciness upfront with some moderate aromas of pine hops.

T: The flavors of this beer start out with some light caramel malt sweetness followed by moderate to strong flavors of pine hops with a light amount of rye spiciness in the finish.

M: Medium bodied with slightly heavier than moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly coats the inside of your mouth.

O: I really enjoyed this hoppier take on an Octoberfest with the addition of rye - it is just enough different than others in the style but in a positive fashion. Easy to drink and sessionable.

Serving type: can

10-14-2012 21:22:57 | More by dbrauneis

jaasen64

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

16oz can courtesy of Biniek13, poured into a '12 Surlyfest stein also courtesy of Biniek13.

A- Pours a translucent slightly reddish copper with about a finger of head that recedes fairly fast to leave a completely flat top with almost no head. Some slight spotty lacing.

S- First thing that striked me about this beer was the presence of light citrus hops (some light pine, lemon, etc.) which was definitely more then I was expecting. These hops were balanced with rye, barley, and malts to provide for a typical Oktoberfest aroma with a little bit more hoppy presence. Slightly above normal aroma strength.

T- Nice balance of citrus hops, barley, rye, and malts with a typical oktoberfest taste that is slightly more hoppy then typical. Slightly hoppy barley malt finish with a very light bitterness and lingering aftertaste.

M- Smooth, very drinkable, lightly carbonated.

O- This was a very good Oktoberfest beer, definitely better then most that I've tried. The style isn't my favorite, but I definitely enjoyed this beer. This beer definitely makes for a nice autumn beer. I would drink it again and I definitely recommend it if you like the style.

Serving type: can

10-13-2012 23:04:03 | More by jaasen64

mobius387

Florida

3.83/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

havent reviewed a beer in awhile, so...

appearance: dark almond gold, inch thick white head with bubbles. i love the look of this oktober. most others look softer and lighter, this one sets the tone for a darker fuller beer

aroma: not much going on, but what O-fest does have big nose?

palate: very hoppy for an O-fest, mild body, bit boozier than other fest beers, a like it

taste: got a nice malty base with some piney hoppy kick, but finishes clean for that classic oktober taste.

overall: not your average oktober, much darker/bigger and hoppier, and i give surly credit for that. its got less of that classic clean, spicy taste and more of a hoppy kick than i expected. most importantly, surly's finger print is all over this one. its got that same finish i get from a furious, cynic, bitter brewer that we've all grown to love. i'd still take a furious or abrasive over this one any day, but a very good oktober from a top notch brewery

Serving type: can

10-13-2012 22:13:26 | More by mobius387

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 16 oz can into imperial pint.

A- pours a clear copper with a 2 finger light tan head. Big trails and blotches remain all over the glass.

S- wow! Big citrus aromas, caramel, and spices.

T- sweet caramel and spicy rye, nic amount of citrus and some pine bitterness.

M- medium body and carbonation. Really smooth and creamy.

O- first of all I didn't know this was a rye beer, thought it was just another Oktoberfest beer. Boy was I wrong. Very good rye beer with big citrus notes and nice amount of bitterness.

Serving type: can

10-12-2012 00:11:23 | More by kawilliams81

deebo

Minnesota

4.05/5  rDev -1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I hosted a beer tasting focused on marzens last year and included this one amongst the others as a change of pace. Perhaps because it was different from the others or just that it's a well made brew but this one was high on most of the beer lovers list at the end of the tasting.

A-Poured from a can into a tall glass this brew is very heady. The tan foam laces the glass and remains until the last drop. Clear with an attractive copper amber color. A beautiful brew.

S-Rye and toasty barley malt with a nice tropical citrus hop aroma with a fair amount of spiciness.

T-Plenty of rye malty goodness alongside the Vienna malt but there is also a fair amount of hoppiness (same taste as the aroma) here too.

M-Moderate bodied, moderate to high in carbonation. A bit of a bitter spicy lingering finish but definitely not overwhelming and cleans up nicely inviting the next drink. Vapory alcohol bite is also detected.

O-I've really been enjoying this beer on cool fall days the past couple years. Like all Surly beers this beer will wake up your taste buds. I haven't been a huge fan of rye beers but this one is quite nice. I really like the combination of rye flavor and the generous flavor of Sterling hops. Biggest defect is the alcohol bite in the finish.

Serving type: can

10-06-2012 22:46:46 | More by deebo

irrgalaxy

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Drank from the can (as I love to do with Surly beers), but bits at the top are a lovely golden color. Graphic design for this brew is a big departure from Surly's classic logo, but it does stand out on the shelf.

S: Dry aroma

T: Bitter flavors at the back, and very malty.

M: Very smooth, with a strong finish at the back of the tongue. Just what a 6% beer should be.

O: Not a traditional Oktoberfest style beer, but one that's perfect for fall days.

Serving type: can

10-05-2012 00:30:30 | More by irrgalaxy

VaTechHopHead

California

3.83/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Typical amber brown for a marzen/oktoberfest style beer. Nice white head and very clear.

S - Soft sweet grains, a little roasted nuttiness and a faint whiff of noble hops.

T - After having several of these (not in one night) it started to grow on me. Initially I thought it was a little bland and thin but as I warmed up to it the nuttiness and roast level are spot on. The traditional flavors can be tasted and were appreciated.

M - Medium body with a nice carbonation level with a biscuit like chewiness. Light nutty aftertaste but fades quickly and is easy to drink.

O - I expected more since it was a Surly beer but once I realized what this beer was and is supposed to be I appreciated it much more. A great traditional done very well.

Serving type: can

10-03-2012 17:23:18 | More by VaTechHopHead

WillCarrera

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

16-oz can, canned on 09/14/12, poured into a seidel.

A- Pours a clear amber color. A vigorous pour produces a thin off-white head that recedes to a collar, leaves little lacing.

S- Very noticeable rye aroma, as well as a floral, slightly herbal hop character, just a bit of pine and citrus. Smells very nice.

T- Sweet bready malt with a bit of rye spiciness, the malty sweetness is dominant until near the finish, lending a bit of fruitiness, until leafy, moderately bitter hops take over.

M- Medium-bodied, smooth, alcohol is totally invisible, extremely drinkable.

O- A very good beer, drinkability is through the roof, this is the kind of beer you can pound several of without much trouble.

Serving type: can

10-02-2012 08:50:23 | More by WillCarrera

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A shout out to cpolking for the hook up with this beer. Poured from a 16 oz. can. Has a bronze color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is hoppy, some pine. Taste is smooth, hops, rye, flavorful and so easy drinking. Feels full bodied in the mouth and overall another winner from Surly, damn I wish they would distribute here.

Serving type: can

09-28-2012 22:13:12 | More by tone77

JamesMN

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Translucent caramel brown with visible carbonation. Very thin off-white head.

Aroma: Similar to their Bitter Brewer (maybe the same yeast strain?). Hops in the form of citrus and orange peel. Also some peppery notes from the rye malt.

Taste: Robust. There are a lot of malt profiles in here: Caramel, rye, pilsen, you name it. About halfway through you start to get the hops which add a bit of bitterness that transitions into pepper from the rye. The finish is smooth and you are left with rye malt flavor reverberating on your palate.

Mouthfeel: Upper end of medium bodied and effervescent. Although it's a viscous beer, it still attains above average drinkability.

Final Thoughts: I knew going into this one that it wouldn't be the standard Octoberfest. Instead, Surly has taken the style in a whole new direction (by adding hops, lots of hops. Oh, and rye) and the result is a great beer. If you are able to get your hands on it, you won't be disappointed.

Serving type: can

09-26-2012 04:42:23 | More by JamesMN

pmiller1184

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Really nice rich amber color. Not much foam, no lacing left on glass
Smell: I don't get much of a strong aroma from this beer - a slight biscuity scent.
Taste: The rye is really strong, finishes just slightly bitter, but doesn't linger long.
Mouthfeel: Not much carbonation as you can see when you pour into a glass. Straightforward, but nicely complex feel as the flavors transition from a very strong rye presence to a bitter carmel on the finish.
Overall- I really enjoyed this beer and feel that while it's in line with the myriad of other fall seasonal beers, it breaks out of the mold a little. I would buy it again.

Serving type: can

09-22-2012 22:20:50 | More by pmiller1184

sonata2008

Minnesota

4.13/5  rDev +1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Not much foam, hardly any at all. Nice clear copper color. No lacing.
Smell: A malty biscuit aroma. Holy cow! There is rye in this beer. It has a very definite rye bread smell. Not much in the way of hops.
Taste: Lots of rye bread, and some bitterness at the finish, but not a lot. The bitterness actually sneaks up on you. There's also a bit of sourness. Also a slight taste of caramel or toffee.
Mouthfeel: Light carbonation. Slightly chewy mouthfeel.
Overall: A very satisfying beer. A nice blend of ryes. It's very drinkable. I certainly would like another one.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2012 23:59:17 | More by sonata2008

yamar68

Minnesota

4.08/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

4 day old can - score.

Still burnt copper body with a few fingers of off-white head that laces perfectly.

Loads of fresh rye on the nose... oats, subtle hop bitterness, rich red malts, toasted grains, cereal... nice.

More rye emerges... more oats, lots of hop character, fresh bread, faint brown sugar, finishes very clean. Super smooth, thirst-quenching.

Shit's good.

Serving type: can

09-20-2012 00:00:49 | More by yamar68