Festbier - Victory Brewing Company

longdivision

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass.
A - A really rich red amber/copper color. It does stand out in being a little dark than most lagers.
S - A very "signature" smell. I think it's the hops or yeast they use. Not being a big fan of hoppy stuff, I was fine with this, and even liked it.
M - Not too heavy on the tongue. Has some good bite of carbonation.
T - Really tasty. The balance of hops and malt is great. It seems at first you get the sharpness of the hops, but it smooths out nicely with malts after that.
D - I could enjoy a few of these easily. Very pleasant to drink.

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2007 01:08:19 | More by longdivision

constahoogan

California

3.33/5  rDev -10.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The color is of copper orange very translucent body the provides a cramy 2 finger head the slowly diminishes with little stringy lace.

The nose doesn't really deliver but from what I can extract is sweet caramel malts followed by a very subtle hop scent. The taste is very similar to the smel but a bit more straight forward.

mouthfeel is crisp just how a lager should be. It is a very enjoyable brew with very high drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2009 09:06:54 | More by constahoogan

DownDaHatch

Illinois

2.55/5  rDev -31.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

I have loved the Victory label, so I was excited to give this beer a whirl. The best I can say of this beer is that it is unremarkable. It certainly lacks complexity. I am certain it's intent is a munich-like style Octoberfest, but falls a bit flat. It looks wonderful, pours great, but generally stops there. The slightly malty nose is also a nice compliment. The taste seems hopless with some floral and fruit (Pear/apples?) undertones. It is medium bodied and copper colored and has a bit of a dry finish. I love Octoberfest beers, but this one left me a bit flat.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2008 16:40:44 | More by DownDaHatch

jimsimply

Georgia

2.7/5  rDev -27.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Well past its Enjoy by date, this poured a hazy amber into a pint glass with thin head. Not much aroma at all, a faint yeasty smell is all I can discern.

Taste is not much better. I generally like Victory's beers, but this isn't fantastic. Fairly sweet, but lighter in the mouth than I like, almost watery consistency. Carbonation there, but it doesn't add much.

All in all, not my favorite Oktoberfest by any stretch. I had to force myself to finish it.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2009 21:08:39 | More by jimsimply

AnswerInQuestion

California

3.98/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Rich orange/red/copper with very slight visible carbonation.

S: Crisp and malty with a hint of pumpkin or sweet potato.

T: Sweeter than it smells, with that familiar Oktoberfest spicy malt flavor. Crisp and clean, with that familiar victory lightly hopped finish. A little sour aftertaste.

M: Pleasantly carbonated, a little too strong of a bite on the tip of the tongue.

D: Though I'm sipping now, I could definitely see this as a beer to gulp, as in during Oktoberfest. When the harvest is good, you have to celebrate somehow, right?

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2010 08:35:04 | More by AnswerInQuestion

kruthar

Indiana

3.23/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Extra in a great box i got last week.

A - a perfect amber color, very little head though only about half a finger that diminishes to a thin layer quickly.

S - interestingly not much smell, being an oktoberfest its a very familiar smell, sadly it kind of smells a littel like a cheap lager.

T - Can't say i taste anyting outstanding here. Its realy just a watery oktoberfest beerslightly hoppy witha full malt background.

M - initial cold bight with a small rough leave

D - as normal as any other off the shelf beer i would say.

Don't get me wrong i dont hate this ber, its just not a stand out brew that I can rave about.

Serving type: bottle

10-17-2010 03:12:47 | More by kruthar

ExMachina1

Tennessee

4.13/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This has got to be one of the better October/Marzen beers I've had. The aromas and flavors are appropriately complex--bready and nutty with a smooth malty sweetness-- but overall, the beer is subdued enough that your palate never gets fried. This beer would pair great with a lot of foods. Beyond that, Octoberfest beer is supposed to be eminently drinkable and this one has got drinkability in SPADES. This beer is so clean that it exudes quality by its subtlety. I'm gonna go broke this fall!

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2009 19:12:55 | More by ExMachina1

xcrunner78

Ohio

2.58/5  rDev -30.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Presentation: 12 oz brown bottle

Appearance: Orange-Copper in pour, with a good size head. Good amount of carbonation in the glass.

Smell: A bit of dough and very malty. Cannot smell any hop addition.

Taste: Definitely a lager. Malts are toasted, a little carmel and a grassy hop on the palate. Finishes dry and would have been good with some bready food.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2009 15:44:20 | More by xcrunner78

TonyVic

New York

2.83/5  rDev -24.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Good pour, copper red with a a good head, although it dissipated quickly. Caramel and malty notes on the nose. The mouthfeel has a medium body. I was not a fan of the taste though as the balance between the malt and hops was out of wack and left a slightly astringent finish.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2010 22:30:59 | More by TonyVic

jmshulk

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Aroma: Really nice fall, grassy type of smell with some malts and maybe a hint of lemon.

Appearance: Awesome looking deep dark orange/redish color. Light Tan head the falls slowly and gently.

Taste: Nice bold toasted malt flavors with a little grass, some subtle lemon flavor. Not much bitterness.

Feel: Nice and smooth, medium plus body, with medium carbonation.

Overall: Really nice, refreshing fall beer. I've picked this up the past two falls and like sitting back and enjoying it once the weather starts to take a turn and feel more Fallish. It's got a really nice earthy flavor that goes down all too easy.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2011 01:22:29 | More by jmshulk

theotherone87

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I purchased a case of this for my pittsburgh friends..

A-Pours a nice caramel color, with a frothy head with a strong pour.. It is easily seen thru

s- Not a strong hoppy beer, as it is a marzen, smells of some breads maybe ,and maybe some german hops

t- the taste is the best part, it is a nice easily drinkable beer for october and or a nice nite slash tailgating beer.

m-nice light carbonation,

o- I enjoy many of victories beers, and this one does fail.. I bought a case for my friends and I know they will enjoy this victory

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2011 00:24:57 | More by theotherone87

TapTitan

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I was going to grab a keg of Sam's Octoberfest but they were out and this is I was recommended, good choice! Copper color with an amazing head, extremely flavorful October beer that had a wonderful malty finish, bravo to Victory on this amazing October beer which made me come back for multiple rounds!

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2010 12:47:37 | More by TapTitan

lindenboy

Indiana

3.15/5  rDev -15.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

German malts do come through to me on this. Pilsener as a major part of the base. Vienna possibly? Munich for sure.

Clean beer, smooth, with slight bitterness. I'm just looking for more in an Octoberfest. I can't pinpoint what "festbier" style IS exactly, but I certainly expected this to be maltier. Period. It's got good flavor and complexity, but all in all it's a bit on the thin side. I'm more the fan for maltier, sweet Oktoberfests style beers. I would keep that simple distinction in mind.

Drinkable for a few pints, sure, but Sessionable? At 5.6% I'm not so sure that is the right description.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2008 04:28:02 | More by lindenboy

BrewMasterG

Rhode Island

4.13/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Crystal clear orange-gold. Nice whiteish cream-colored head from a gentlish pour. Nearly disappears after 3-4 minutes, but leaves the beer covered a bit longer.

Smell: Soft, sweet-bread notes with hints of Nilla Wafer. Just mild enough to know something good is coming.

Taste: Very slight, pleasant toastiness with a nice mild malty presence. Mild sweetness with well-balanced hop bitterness (for the American version). Slightly overhopped from a classic German perspective - but not at all aggressive. No hop flavor or aroma.

Mouthfeel: Moderate carbonation and an excellent balance between dry and sweet. Just about right for the style.

Serving type: 12oz bottle purchased non-refrigerated on 12/7/2009

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2009 22:42:50 | More by BrewMasterG

rdacey

Connecticut

3.85/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Aroma: sweet, toasty malts, slightly vegetal in aroma which fades to a complex malt/medicinal, solvently aroma

Appearance: Amber/red color; thin/off-white head dissipates quickly,

Flavor: complex, but balanced more towards bitterness than malts for the style. Tastes slightly woody/toasty with german noble hop presence

Mouthfeel: Smooth, medium bodied, medium to low carbonation. Although a decotion mash is used, I don't pick up on the rich complex malt character, but finish is slightly sweet

Overall: very smooth and drinkable, but for a decotion mash being used would have liked to see a more assertive malt background and less bitterness

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2012 03:02:44 | More by rdacey

Fredk24

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev -8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

I snagged a forlorn bottle of this beer from my local package store's shelf a week ago, and I'm just getting to it. Sadly there is no production or freshness date on the bottle.

Upon pouring, the beer has a nice copper color to it, with a decent, quickly dissipating head.

The smell is unobtrusive, if anything there is a smell of slightly sour bread.

Decent maltiness, thin-to-medium body. Finishes clean.

I prefer Harpoon Octoberfest to this one because it has a deeper malt flavor. I'll probably give this another try next October.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2009 23:37:04 | More by Fredk24

rushpatrick

Virginia

2.13/5  rDev -42.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

having enjoyed many victory beers in the past and many more oktoberfests, this beer proved to be a great dissapointment. The taste reminds me of a skunky cheap domestic lager. i would recomend not drinking this beer. I wrote the manufacturer an email as i was so offended by the taste and quality of this product.
it contained very to little head in a pour from bottle to tulip glass, color was a slight copper-amber tone. little to no taste but that of skunk. not much aftertaste, allowing for the posibilty to finish a glass; give a six-pack a few days. not recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2008 03:13:43 | More by rushpatrick

Joker2008

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

a: Copper in Color, typical thin Octoberfest head

s: Malts

t: Malty but not too sweet. A Little spice on the back end. mmm!.

m: medium carbonation, very smooth nicee finish

d: very drinkable. Nice balance of flavors and body

Overall:
This one of my favorites in style. A very tasty drinkable beer.

Everything I expect from an Octoberfest

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2008 02:46:22 | More by Joker2008

MrSoto

Puerto Rico

3.58/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The head is a bit off-white it is thin and dissipates very quickly leaving just a tiny layer of bubbles on top. The color was an amber/dark orange color with lighter orange hues. The mouth-feel was medium, you can taste the sweet and bready maltiness. Inside the mouth it feels kind of like a shortbread cookie. The aroma and the taste is quite alike. You can feel a bit of earthy hops, not citrusy of piney.
I haven’t had a lot of Oktoberfest style beers but it’s pretty good. Not really something I would drink a lot of.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2011 00:41:16 | More by MrSoto

Hansford

Pennsylvania

4.51/5  rDev +20.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle into a Guiness glass.

A: Beautiful shade of brownish red/copper. Not very dark, but you know that you are going to get a full taste. Thin head, off-white.

S: Malts, malts, malts. Faint scent of hops, but this thing is all malts on the nose.

T: You get a ton of sweet malts. As Victory always does, the malt is very well-balanced with a touch of hops. Perhaps a little dried fruit as well. Fantastic flavor here.

M: Unlike a lot of "Oktoberfest" beers, this is pretty crisp.

Overall, this is definitely one of my top 3 favorite beers out there, if not my favorite. I found this bottle in the basement, thinking that all of them from the case bought in September's case were gone. What a surprise! But it's always available at the brewery, thank god.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 22:33:42 | More by Hansford

imabluehen

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +34%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is by far one of my favorite brews. I am partial to PA microbrews since I grew up in the Philly metro area. However, now that I live in New England I patiently wait until I can make a trip home so I can have Victory Festbier on tap at the brewery.

It's a very malty brew, but has great flavor to it. It pairs well with Victory's signature Bavarian style pretzel, if you are lucky enough to be enjoying it at the brewery.

I stumbled upon a random 6-pack of this beer in April, against my better judgement (knowing it had probably been sitting on the shelf since the fall) I bought it anyway. Good surprise is that it was still good!!

I will stock up on the beer every fall, as Oktoberfests tend to be my favorite style!

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2011 02:56:37 | More by imabluehen

jdlivezey

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

This is a very drinkable Octoberfest. Very smooth, with a clean finish. From a lager perspective, I really like it. I was expecting a different finish, thinking there would be more bite at the end. Nothing like that at all...very smooth. This is a beer that should be available all year long.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2009 12:48:11 | More by jdlivezey