Berkshire Oktoberfest Lager - Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.

MasterSki

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle courtesy of Reagan1984. Served in a Struise cervoise.

A - A finger of white foam settles to a thin cap and thicker collar, leaving negligible lacework. Transparent dark orange-brown body.

S - Slightly buttery biscuits, toasted malts, some fruity notes that come out as the beer warms up. Clean lager taste, and on point for the style.

T - Taste is better, with stronger malt, biscuit, and toffee flavors, mingling with fruity notes and a bit of hop character in the finish. A nice solid Oktoberfest.

M - Smooth texture, lightly sticky medium body, medium-low carbonation, and no obvious alcohol. Pretty much what I want from this style.

D - One of the better offerings I've had from Berkshire, and competitive with the better local Oktoberfests I've had. Still, it'd be hard to pick out of a lineup.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2011 05:22:43 | More by MasterSki

mdfb79

New York

4.03/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From 10/31/11 notes. Shared a bottle of this with my girlfriend, poured from a 22 oz. bottle into my Bell's tulip.

a - Pours a hazy amber-orange color with one and a half fingers of off white head and moderate carbonation evident. Some nice head retention and light lacing left on the glass, looks great.

s - Smells of bready malts, toasted malts, caramel malts, light spice, and light fruity. Heavy on the malts but very nice.

t - Tastes of toasted malts, caramel malts, bready malts, roasted malts, light spices, and a hint of fruit. Again, very malty and enjoyable.

m - Medium body and moderate carbonation, smooth and creamy and pretty easy to drink.

o - Overall I thought this was a very good lager and a really enjoyable marzen. Lots of malts and could have drank the whoel bomber by myself. Would certainly have it again.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2011 17:52:46 | More by mdfb79

womencantsail

California

3.68/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: The beer pours amber in color with a couple fingers of khaki colored head.

S: Aromas of toffee and bread with a subtle toasted malt character. There is a fair bit of yeast as well as some fruity esters such as apples. A touch of caramel in there, too.

T: A bit of a popcorn type flavor, maybe caramel corn when combined with the caramel sweetness. Toffee and toasted bread malts are also present. Some yeast and fruity, sweet esters.

M: Medium bodied and medium carbonation.

O: A bit one note, but not a bad Oktoberfest.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2011 13:54:05 | More by womencantsail

MoreThanWine

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured a 2" off-white head. Hazy burnt sienna color with a hint of red when held to the light. Smells pretty malty. Taste is a very mild malt and has cocoa butter highlights. Texture is velvety and the short finish fades but leaves a pleasant aftertaste of malt.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2011 08:43:54 | More by MoreThanWine

InebriatedJoker

Ohio

4.33/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from bottle into Duvel tulip.

A: Poured a translucent brown with one finger head that descended into a thin frothy lacing, decent carbonation.

S: Roasted malts, barley, spice , toffee.

T: Spices , clove, nutmeg, roasted barley and malt, slight lactose taste, slight nuttiness, toffee , caramel.

O: Very well done Oktoberfest lager, very creamy feel with a good medium body, just enough carbonation to make the feel perfect.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2011 12:44:34 | More by InebriatedJoker

BranfordBound

Connecticut

3.65/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a bottle marked as best before March, 2012.

Nice pour here, great voluminous head with nice lacing and a deep, amber body.

Smells of rich german malts mostly, some caramel lingers and gives off some lager undertones.

Really potent stuff here, very malty with a touch of earthy hops at the end. A bit of alcohol heat makes for a touch of spice sensation.

Heavy with some burn.

Overall very tasting, although this one seems to be much stronger and heavier than the ones coming from Germany.

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2011 22:25:12 | More by BranfordBound

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

3.98/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I got this beer from tzieser. Thanks Tom!

22oz bottle served in a glass beer mug.

L - clear amber color with a off-white head that thinned out to a ring.

S - roasty caramel malt aroma.

T - sweet and roasted malt flavors most of the way through with just a hint of bittering on the finish.

F - medium bodied with a smooth feel.

O - a good example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2011 21:41:05 | More by JoeyBeerBelly

tzieser

Arizona

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

poured from a 22oz bottle into a Lowenbrau dimple stein.

a: pours a clear amber color (when properly decanted....didn't expect to see an unfiltered lager) with a thick off white head that never really settles.

s: huge malty nose. notes of caramel, bread and other delicious malt-like aromas.

t: incredibly malty yet still expertly balanced. sweet notes of caramel and breadyness quickly subdued by a subtle grassy hop character that gives the brew a nice crisp and refreshing character.

m: good mouthfeel.

what a great (albeit strong) Octoberfest lager. well done. recommended.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2011 22:13:45 | More by tzieser

eclipse54

Idaho

3.95/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A 22 ounce bottle I received from rowingbrewer for winning his "Guess My Stats" LIF. A hearty "thank you" to him for including this in the box. Into an unlabeled nonic...

It pours a gorgeous, hazy, copper/amber color with about an inch of fluffy, off-white head that lingers for some time. Patches of wet lacing are left in its wake.

The smell is of floral hops, some spice, a pile of leaves, and doughy bread. A bit of a yeast scent and some slight caramel malt pull it all together nicely. It smells of a fall, which is quite welcoming.

The taste begins with a rush of hops; not overly bitter ones, but a combination of earthy and spicy hops that pack a characteristic ""fall season"" punch. These give way to a great biscuity, bread-like essence in the middle that is rounded out nicely by the faint yeast and caramel flavors. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a misplaced alcohol burn on the finish, that quickly takes one's attention away from the otherwise spectacular taste. It stands out a bit more than I'd prefer, and seems to throw off an otherwise exceptionally balanced brew.

Mouthfeel is also great, with the wondrous combination of being light on the tongue yet smooth going down. A slightly dry finish is left in the mouth.

Overall, a very good oktoberfest. I really wanted to rate this one a bit higher, but that damn alcohol kick in the taste just wouldn't let me do it. Who decided to put alcohol in this stuff anyway? Perhaps another month of storage would've helped this guy mellow out a touch more; regardless, I still enjoyed this one very much, and would not hesitate to give it another shot.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2011 03:19:34 | More by eclipse54

silentjay

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

pours a bit darker than many of the american Oktoberfests with a huge billowy off-white head that lasts and laces impeccably.

very toasty, with caramel, bread dough, some slight herbal hops.

very, very smooth flavor. toasty malts with plenty of caramel sweetness and some hops just for balance. one of the best marzens I have had. I could drink this all day. so smooth.

medium bodied with a carbonation thats not quite as soft and velvety as ones from Germany.

I'm gonna revisit this one for sure! Another quality brew from Berkshire. one of the best domestic examples of the style that I've encountered, though different enough from the traditional Marzen.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2011 01:23:46 | More by silentjay

perrymarcus

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottler served in a SA "perfect pint" glass.

pours a clear, deep amber / copper shade while yielding a beautiful 2" creamy head. very strong retention and some patches of lacing. just a real nice looking beer.

rich, toasted maltiness leads the way in the nose, followed by some secondary hoppy and caramel notes.

flavor follows, even exceeds the aroma. bold toasted malt, caramel, and a touch of hops in the background. very nice. medium bodied mouthfeel with average carbonation.

overall, a great octoberfest. not quite sensational, but one of the better ones i've come across - a fantastic local brew.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 01:21:02 | More by perrymarcus

Thads324

Connecticut

4.43/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a lovely copper with a thin tan head. Big aromas of earthy malt, sweet caramel, butterscotch and some yeasty scents. All the aromas are big and bold, billowing from the glass. A bit of fruits as the beer warms. Taste starts a bit thin, with some smooth and sweet bready malt. A hint of caramel and some nice mellow spices, possible allspice? Only a hint of hop bitterness towards the beginning of the second half of the beer. A subtle yeast flavor towards the end compared to the usual Marzens. Mouthfeel is creamy and easy to drink. A bit thin, but pleasant.
An excellent beer, and although a bit lighter on the body than most others, it's drinkability is great. I'll need a few more bombers, and may let a few mellow in the back of the ol' fridge. Great stuff

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2011 02:57:42 | More by Thads324

Pahn

New York

4.18/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle into Duvel tulip. Best by 1/28/12 printed on the bottle neck.

Appearance: Free pour yields a 2 inch frothy offwhite head that dissipates quickly and fizzily, leaving no lacing. Pours an almost translucent copper and leaves no lacing.

Smell: Spicy noble hops with some bread and cake underneath. As with the flavor, the hop and malt aromas blend together seamlessly. Not overly complex, but not simple either. Nice and seasonal as well.

Taste: Follows the nose, with spicy hops up front resolving to just baked-bread. Malt tastes occasionally doughy, like the less cooked spots on fresh bread. The abundant spicy hops have almost a peppermint quality, but they're reined in by the smooth mouthfeel and bready malt. Some lagery tanginess, and an occasionally herbal hop dominated finish.

The interplay of malt and hop flavors is very nice; a typical sip goes from spicy German hops to fresh country bread to yeasty tang to herbal hops to dark bread complexity. There's a lot going on, but it blends so well that it doesn't immediately strike you as "complex". Despite the apparent smoothness and simplicity, there's brown sugar notes, caramel, various Autumn-appropriate spices (tasting much like fresh noble hops smell), different bread flavors--more than enough is happening here to keep me interested, and it all tastes good.

The overall impression of the flavor remains balanced and satisfying. It's bold but harmonious. One of my very few complaints is the alcohol heat, which, while mild, is a bit much for the other flavors. It may be stylistically appropriate, but it clashes a little. Also, while the hops and malt are in great balance, the malt flavors could stand to be more prominent.

Mouthfeel: Medium to full bodied; unexpected and welcomely full and creamy. Light but slightly prickly carbonation. Notably good feel--good enough to make it harder to enjoy, for example, Sam Adams Octoberfest.

Overall: Great take on the style. Despite some very trifling flaws, the whole is very much greater than the sum of its parts with this beer. In other words, its many elements work in exceptional harmony, from the beautiful mouthfeel to the strongly prominent spicy hops to the bready backbone.

As well made a Märzen as you'd expect from the consistently thoughtful and talented brewers at Berkshire.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2011 23:26:22 | More by Pahn

bbeerman

Massachusetts

3.55/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A.. A nice dark golden amber/brown color.

S.. Slightly sweet, but would have liked a stronger smell of malt.

T.. Certainly less malt than I would have expected from this style. Surprised to taste so much hops in this brew. A little disappointed from the lack of strong malt, but still an above average Oktoberfest beer.

M.. Some carbonation, but didn't seem like too much. Felt about right for this style.

O.. An above average Oktoberfest, but definitely not a top five candidate.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2011 10:08:08 | More by bbeerman

abriggs1

Connecticut

4.65/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is a one of a kind beer. It's right on the border of being an imperial Oktoberfest. I realize this is a strong statement, but I've never had a better one; domestic or German.

Appearance is as beautiful as any Oktoberfest. Warm and inviting.

The smell is extremely toasty, and a bit intimidating. It's unique, but a bit overbearing in it's weirdness.

Taste is extremely roasty and bready. Maltiness up the ass with some smooth hop backbone. it's got a lot of that lager funk that I love mixed in with a heavy flavor profile that's not typical of most lagers.

Mouthfeel is thick and warm. Sharp and smooth at the same time.

This beer is really a grand slam for the style. Germans be warned, you've got some stiff competition from America.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2011 04:00:33 | More by abriggs1

Homebrew35

Connecticut

4.65/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a fingers worth of creamy white head. Slightly hazy deep amber body. Better than average look.

Smells quite nice overall. Sweet sugary Carmel, toffee, molasses, Munich malt.

Tastes very sugary sweet, Carmel, pumpkin pie spices come to mind, maybe vanilla, clove and nutmeg. The typical Octoberfest like flavors come through but in a subtle way. The sweetness is quite pronounced, just the way I like it. If you don't like a sweet beer this is not for you.

Mouthfeel is medium full, medium carbonation. A bit of hop bitterness on the finish tries to keep this one in check.

Overall I'm a fan of this beer. Some have mentioned the year to year variation and that is true but I've liked them all. This one seems sweeter but that may be my palate only. I'll be picking mone more of these up before there gone.
$4 a bomber.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2011 01:55:21 | More by Homebrew35

mikel5489

Connecticut

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

BBC Oktoberfest Lager pours a rusty, copper color with an off-white, almost tan head. As the beer settles the head dissipated quickly. The beer is very clear as expected, with only carbonation bubbles from the bottom obstructing my view of the other side of the glass.

The smell, while not overpowering, gives off rich malt notes. Caramel and brown sugar being the biggest contributors. There is also a doughy quality to the smell.

The taste mimics the smell with caramel and brown sugar notes. It is a very sweet taste and very rich. The doughy quality in the nose is present in the taste as well. The taste also expands further than the nose as there is a nutty quality and a little spice that work nicely with the other flavors. There is also a little bitterness on the back end that gives this beer a little balance.

The mouthfeel is where I think the beer really separates itself from other Oktoberfests I have had. The malt profile of this beer gives it a medium body which is more on the fuller side of medium than most beers I have had from the style. The carbonation is just right in this beer as it adds to the flavors of the beer nicely.

Berkshire Brewing Co. Oktoberfest, while not the most traditional example of the style, is just a lot more bold than other Oktoberfest beers. It is my favorite Oktoberfest and I plan on enjoying this all season.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2011 23:46:13 | More by mikel5489

davey101

Connecticut

3.78/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Best by: 01/28/12. 22 oz bomber into a pint glass.

A - Clear dark brown/copper body. A mocha head formed and stuck around for a few minutes.

S - Lots of bready malts and spices. Little bit of alcohol.

T - Lots of great malt flavor; bread, toffee, caramel, and yeast. The spice note is smooth and well balanced. Alcohol can be noticeable as it warms up. Nice carbonation and a medium mouth feel.

O - A very well done Oktoberfest. Props to BBC for making some really solid brews.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2011 22:31:41 | More by davey101

Shumania

Virginia

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

Bomber poured into a tumbler. Back in New England for the weekend and ready for Fall. This seem to fit the bill to try.

a: A dark amber leaning towards brown. Large head that disappears quickly. Little lacing sticking to the glass.

s: Sweet malts with brown and candied sugar.

t: Matches the smell exactly at the beginning. There is a slight roasted malt and breadiness in there and it finishes with a grassy hop so there is some balance.

m: It is a little overly sweet, but it is definitely a bomber I can happily drink by myself.

This is a solid local Oktoberfest. Berkshire consistently puts out quality beers and the price point makes it even better.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2011 22:28:58 | More by Shumania

SABERG

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle to a modified pilsner glass.

A - Nice amber color,initial head is short lived.
Lacing is miniscule.

S - Sweet malt, some caramel and brown sugar. Very robust in the nose.

T - To start sweet, then a snap that lingers. I like the maltiness, shines through brightly. The finish is lasting and again malty sweet.

M - Linger on the palate, quite balanced. Brown sugar, hints of late fruit. The feel is dessert like.

O - The fine folks at Berkshire have this offering dialed in. Year after year it is balanced and hits the mark at a bullseye.
Keep up the fine work.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2011 20:52:37 | More by SABERG

jlindros

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours a light fizzy head that fades fairly quickly over clear maple brown auburn colored beer.

Nose has sweet malts, toasty malts, some reddish and brown malts, caramel, very light lager fruits, hint of darker toasted malt, and hint of syrups and brown sugar. Nose is more of a brown ale with lager yeast.

Taste is sweet, not quite as sweet as their maibock but sweet, some toasty malts, plenty of caramel and toffee, nutty, light brown toasty malts, hint of very dark almost chocolate malt, sweet syrups with hints of brown sugar, molasses, and candy syrup, just a hint of bitterness on the finish with a sticky sweet finish, caramel and toffee as well as brown malts finish.

Mouth is med bodied, lower but decent enough carb.

Overall not bad, this is a lot sweeter than I remember, almost cloyingly sweet, a nice malt presence, but no hops either. Either my tastes have changed or this batch is much worse than I remember their Oktoberfest being. I hope it's just this batch.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2011 01:17:33 | More by jlindros

cpetrone84

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A-pours a dark reddish color with a bubbly pure white head.

S-pale malts, lightly toasted grain, caramel, hay like hops with a touch of citrus.

T-light pale malts with a touch of grain and lots of malt sweetness. notes of caramel and apple with a bit of cinnamon and brown sugar. light herbal hops and citrus with a fair bit of bitterenss.

M-medium body very clean and crisp.

D-very sweet and tasty, well balanced and easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2011 18:26:54 | More by cpetrone84

goldsackb2

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Doing business in the Northern MA area introduced me to this wonderful beer. I had it on tap from a hotel I was staying at, no more than 10 miles away from the Berkshire Brewery. At first I had no idea I was drinking a BB product, I actually thought the bartender poured me a Sam Adams Winter Lager.

Upon tasting it I was astonished by its well rounded malty and sweet characteristics. In my opinion, it struct the perfect balance between the toasty/caramel flavors brought about by it's malted barley, while being just sweet enough to evoke the experience of its intended purpose, namely, the freshness of the fall.

In terms of drinkability; it was certainly an incredibly enjoyable experience, but it would certainly be difficult to drink more than two or three, that is, without feeling like you ate six slices of pumpkin pie (or any other typical fall pastry).

Serving type: on-tap

02-18-2011 19:42:56 | More by goldsackb2

Kkottonmouthkngz

Massachusetts

3.15/5  rDev -20.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

ive been just about worn out from octoberfest beers at this point but we'll give it a lackluster whirl. appearance is nice and clean with about as much head as expected on the initial pour. it smells nice and sweet, and if i hadnt been so worn out on the style id be attracted to it. i guess what it really has going for it is the orange label that screams OCTOBER and the stereotypical flavors i assosciate with it. yum, but im ready for spiced winter beers. i know this review blows but it is what it is.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2010 03:40:16 | More by Kkottonmouthkngz

tigg924

Massachusetts

3/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance: 1/2 inch head, brownish red in color, hazy, high carbonation

Smell: toasted malt, faint spices, and grain

Taste: toasted malt, grain, some cinnamon

Mouthfeel: sweet with a tad bit of bitterness, high carbonation, light bodied

Drinkability: This to me is an average Octoberfest in every sense. I like the maltiness but am not sure if I would get this again. I like several of Berkshire's offerings a lot better.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2010 02:10:08 | More by tigg924