Samuel Adams Octoberfest - Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

scottblaze

Texas

2.7/5  rDev -26.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

To make it short and sweet, this one passed my test for an enjoyable amber/dark/red lager. I am crossed up on how to rate this beer....quite good as it stands on its own but as it ranks among my favorite Oktoberfests (marzen), it would be near the bottom. After making a cross comparison with Paulaner (one of my personal favorites for the style), SA wasn't close.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2008 13:15:23 | More by scottblaze

CraftBeerTastic

Pennsylvania

2.7/5  rDev -26.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Ba Review #40
Served On: 8/18/2011
Glassware: Pint

Well it's Märzen season already. At least Boston Beer Co thinks so. Saw a 12 pack of their Octoberfest and grabbed it up.

Look: Poured a dark copper. A little darker than the Boston Lager. Initial head was a nice 3 fingers of tan foam. It disappeared quick and left a thin patchy film. Not much for carbonation bubbles.

Smell: Spicy hops with that typical Sam Adams malty twang. Also some breaddy lager yeast. I swear most of their offerings start out with the Boston Lager wort - then they just add flavoring in the finishing tanks. I guess it sort of smells like an Oktoberfest.

Taste: Ok, this was a Boston Lager without the sourness and a little heavier body to it. Maybe even a little more sweetness. Other than that, I fail to see any qualities that would make this beer stand out from all the other exceptional Octoberfests out there. I’m starting to see Boston Beer as a ‘Jack of all trades – master of none’. It just doesn’t seem like much effort was put into this one.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2011 22:03:34 | More by CraftBeerTastic

mooseisloose

Florida

2.73/5  rDev -26%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Ah autumn and the return of the Oktoberfest beers! This Sam's smells quite malty but not of much else. Poured into a glass it has a tremedous head that stands up like a champ. Color is orange-bronze like the turning of the leaves. (but not on the palm trees). Taste is sweet with hints of caramel and fruit. Hopping is very subdued. Carbonation is good. Smooth and sweet but not much of a backbone. A little too sweet for my palate but would go great with spicy shrimp on the barbi.

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2007 00:38:40 | More by mooseisloose

hustlesworth

Ohio

2.73/5  rDev -26%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

A- poured a clear copper amber with 1 1/2in fizzy active off white head that settled quickly to 1/8in soapy ring with minimal lace. tiny bubbles rise from the bottom.

S- smells cloying and artificially sweet like splenda, mellow burnt citrus, woody, toasted malt, grains

T- sweet tart malt, some slight out of place fruitiness, artificial sweetener, roasted caramel malt, diluted coffee, fresh wood, earth, almost no hop presence, watery sweet aftertaste of grass and dead leaves.

MF- like a thin syrup with medium carb, it feels almost too sweet to drink and makes my stomach say "no".

D- refreshing and light feeling if you're very thirsty. if i wanted something this sweet i would drink soda. heavily balanced on the malt side, i'd rather have a great lakes oktoberfest instead.

***2008 edit***
this years batch is considerably better than 2007. malt is toastier and less cloying, earthier more pronounced hops put things in balance. worthy of a new review somewhere near a B+.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2007 07:07:17 | More by hustlesworth

vegantreats

Hawaii

2.73/5  rDev -26%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

This beer conjures images of being at the pumpkin patch on a hayride.Poured with all but a band of bubbly foam left in the glass. Smells like sweet burnt caramel with a sprinkling of brown sugar, looks like watery faux maple syrup. Overly sweet, yet, the beer is quite smooth with a brown sugar hit at the end.

Serving type: bottle

08-30-2009 04:59:36 | More by vegantreats

A380

Manitoba (Canada)

2.73/5  rDev -26%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Pours a very nice dark gold with a good head with ok lacing. nothing special. pretty good i find but it could use some work. tastes like some sweet brown sugar and caramel and some bitter tastes but im not sure what it is. The two flavors definitely conflict. Im not a huge fan and it drinks kinda heavy.
meh. i was definitely expecting better.

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2010 00:28:49 | More by A380

Bills453

Ohio

2.73/5  rDev -26%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Appearance - poured from a bottle into a Duvel tulip glass. 2 finger off white head died off very quickly. Color is an enticing red/orange, just how you would picture a fall leaf.

Smell - no particular smell really pops out at me. Smell alcohol, some earthy smells. Grass, dirt...haha.

Taste - really not that impressed. I enjoyed Great Lakes and Yuenglings offerings far better.

Mouthfeel - a bit watery.

Overall - a pretty average Sam Adams offering as well as a pretty average Octoberfest offering.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2012 22:49:24 | More by Bills453

Rifrafboy

Minnesota

2.75/5  rDev -25.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Got this on clearance in February. This was actually a decent beer. It tastes malty and hoppy, and was a little lighter than regular Samuel Adams. There are floral tones to this, almost lemony? Very spritzy in the carbonation dept. Full bodied and tasty all the way around. From what I understand, SA changes the brew from year to year. I will try it again this winter.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2003 16:04:57 | More by Rifrafboy

rye726

Colorado

2.75/5  rDev -25.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

A nice orange color contrasts well with a light tan head. The nose and flavor and both a bi tlighter than I would like to see in this style. There are some toasty malts with some spicy candy. The body is also fairly light and doesn nothing to help the beer. A decent drinker, bu nothing special.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2008 18:10:44 | More by rye726

Buebie

Minnesota

2.75/5  rDev -25.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Burnt copper color, transparent, about an inch of head. Retention is decent leaving a collar. Lace is thin, not much of it present.
smelling mostly of sweet caramel malt, a larger amount of breadyness and some grassy hops.

Taste is a big sourdough mess with a tinge of metallic flavors. mildly sweet upfront though, increasing in bitters with a sharp cheeder flavor and grassy hops.
Mouthfeel is thin and watery with a strong carbonation presence.

Overal its up there with the least desirable oct fests I've had.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2010 04:33:15 | More by Buebie

kojevergas

California

2.75/5  rDev -25.5%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Served on draught into a Miller Lite glass at the 9-0 Bar in South Central Los Angeles. Reviewed from notes.

A: Pours a half finger head of poor cream, thickness, and retention. Colour is an unappealing dark copper. I recall the head being better in the bottled version.

Sm: Absolutely nothing. Me broken nose can't detect anything. All apologies, lads.

T: Slight bittering hops, an overly commercialized barly/malt foundation, and no real substance. It's decent, but far from exemplary.

Mf: Very sharp, which turns me off from it. A touch too thick. Slightly coarse and wet.

Dr: It's decently easy to drink, but priced rather high. I prefer the bottled version.

Serving type: on-tap

10-08-2011 21:38:58 | More by kojevergas

claminat420

Michigan

2.78/5  rDev -24.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

had this on my bro's boat the other day and just found my notes on it.

A- poured a slight golden /amber color with a thick lacing head.

S- malty with a hint of a orange twist??

T- nothing to special here. tasted a watery malt with just the slightest bit of a caramel taste.

M- light bodied. medium/ high carbonation.

D- i had to rate the drinkability the highest cuz it just reminds me of a light beer flavored water.

Overall- i was expecting alil more from sammy on this one. i remember liking this one when i first started getting into microbrews. tonight i got 4 different oktoberfest's to try. so far if you haven't tried harpoon's i highly recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2009 23:22:49 | More by claminat420

jmdrpi

Pennsylvania

2.78/5  rDev -24.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

served on-tap in a shaker glass.

clear reddish amber in color, no head whatsoever. very little aroma, just a little bit of malt.

taste is of slightly sweet malt, a little bready. but pretty boring. mouthfeel is fine, thin to medium body and a medium to high level of carbonation.

overall it's not bad, just nothing special, and nothing stands out.

Serving type: on-tap

09-08-2011 02:03:51 | More by jmdrpi

mterrence5

Massachusetts

2.8/5  rDev -24.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

What happend to this beer? Im reviewing this in the fall of 08 and im very upset. This was one of my favorite beers for years. Ive had it about 5 times this year and discussed this with other fans and we agree the recipe has changed. As recent as last fall the lable had a comment something about being malty with "hints of caramel and toffee". Well I dont know what happend but those hints but they ar gone from the label and the bottle. This beer is moderatly full tasting in the mouth and very hoppy. This beer leaves a bat taste in my mouth and stomach. The previous version was 4.5's across the board. I cant even drink this anymore. I can only hope next year its better.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2008 21:11:31 | More by mterrence5

unknownlamer

North Carolina

2.83/5  rDev -23.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This is boring. Drinkable, but definitely boring. The smell is kind of weak with just a bit of a malty smell and a slight hint of spicy hops. It really does taste like a bit stronger and more bitter version of the Boston Lager. The hops have a bit of a nice spicy bite, but there isn't really much of a malt backbone (which I thought was part of the Märzen style...). I'd take a Märzhon or an Old Dominion Octoberfest over this any day.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2005 03:47:59 | More by unknownlamer

beachbum1975

Ohio

2.83/5  rDev -23.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

I'm a big fan or fall time spiced beers, but the 2 bottles had last night didn't do alot for me. It poured a gorgeous amber color and had a nice frothy head for a few minutes, but my particular beer had an overwhelming pumpkin scent. I like pumpkin smelling beer, but this smelled a little too pumpkin-earthy for me - it almost smelled like bad pumpkins (after Halloween and stinky).

It was decent, but I won't be running to pick up another six pack. At best, I would consider it "avergage", but I was a little disappointed overall.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2006 17:54:36 | More by beachbum1975

DasBoot91

Ohio

2.83/5  rDev -23.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A- Dark orange-ish/copper look. 2 finger off-white head with some lacing. Average carbonation.

S- Smelling some spices and caramel.

T- Tasting light spices, nothing to up in your face. With a little fruit sweetness. Hops are there just sweet not bitter.

M- Medium light feel. Getting the carbonation but goes down easy.

O- A good beer but not what I think a lot of people make it out to be before I ever had it. The appearance I think is the best part. The taste seems to be lacking for all its hype. But i think if your going to a party in the fall, you can't go wrong with this beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2011 17:37:17 | More by DasBoot91

KoG

Nevada

2.85/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured a copper color with an average head that dissapated quickly leaving good lacing around the glass.

The smell was rather disapointing for an Octoberfest and seemed somewhat bland with slight hops and malt evident with a spicy tinge.

The taste was adequate. Caramely and malty with a hint of alcohol and spice, but a little too sweet. Aftertaste reveals a spicy yet piney taste that lingers for a moment then dies.

The mouth was rather smooth leaving a warm sensation in the throat and on the tip of the tongue, possibly due to the decent amount of carbonation.

As far as drinkability, there are others that I would reccomend first. The spicy nature overwhelms the tastebuds and may need to be toned down before I would drink it regularly.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2004 06:58:55 | More by KoG

Generik420

Indiana

2.85/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

After all the hype surrounding this beer, I was sorely disappointed when I got to try it at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. I found this beer to be a very average beer and was left wondering why there was so many forum posts lauding this as the best Oktoberfest beer. Other then the color of the beer, nothing else about it would make me believe this was an Oktoberfest style beer, and I would be more apt to call it a generic dark beer. Color was a medium to dark brown with a thin head. I found the beer to seem somewhat watery and very light in terms of mouthfeel. Aroma had mild hops, and the flavor was much the same. All in all, a pretty average brew that doesn't live up to the hype. I regret to say, this was the worst beer I had at the Oktoberfest but was the one I was really looking forward to trying. It was 'OK', but nothing I would go out and buy to stock my fridge with.

Serving type: on-tap

09-18-2006 19:54:59 | More by Generik420

mobud

Delaware

2.85/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

A friend gave me a six of this beer. Used a shaker glass to sample.

A: Nice dark copper color witha light head that disappers quickly. The beer was very clear and clean.

S: A malty sweet smell is the main note with a slight burn element behind it.

T: I felt a heavy malt flavor in line with the style.

M: Very light with the malt taste lingering afterwards. Some carbonation is noted, but the lightness of the body leaves almost instantly.

D: I did not mind this beer. It seems to be a good starting point for someone who can not handle the complex nature of real fest beers. If I gave my friend a Hacker Octoberfest, I don't think they would like it as much. With so many fest beer out there, this should not be your first purchase.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2006 20:32:30 | More by mobud

sisuspeed

New Hampshire

2.85/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Reviewed this along with Left Hand's, Harpoon's and Otter Creek's Oktoberfest beers.

Poured this into a pint glass. The color is a red amber, slightly darker and clearer than the others I tried. Lots of bubbles clinging to the sides of the glass, but absolutely no head, and I gave this a generous pour.

The aroma is almost untraceable. But what I do pick up is some sweet malt smell, but that is about it.

The taste is malty and a bit fruity with some spice thrown in. I also taste something that seems like a cross between pumpkin or squash, and sour milk. It's not unpleasant, but different. A little bit of hops dancing around in the background, but mostly unnoticeable.

The mouthfeel is definitely the most watery of the four Oktoberfests I had this afternoon. Overall though, the drinkability is decent. When I try to summarize this beer the image/flavor that comes to mind is sweet malty, slightly sour pumpkin. It is odd. I wouldn't say it is bad, but definitely different. Maybe this bottle hasn't been stored properly, or maybe this is what Sam Adams Oktoberfest is like. Either way, I would only want one of these in a sitting and overall, I'm not very impressed by this beer. There are much better Oktoberfest options.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2009 23:29:09 | More by sisuspeed

majesticsock

New York

2.85/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

A: Carmel colour. Nothing special.

S: Hint of pumpkin.

T: Honestly, kinda bland compared to other Octoberfests.

MF: Average mouthfeel with a bitter aftertaste.

D: I love most of Sam's brews, but I couldn't see myself drinking this all night, even in cool weather.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2009 02:27:42 | More by majesticsock

TheSevenDuffs

Ontario (Canada)

2.85/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On tap at the Hyatt in Buffalo. Served in a pint glass.

A - Pale brown/orange colour. Translucent. Small amount of white head.

S - Light nose. Toasted grains with some sweetness.

T - Toasted malts, caramel. Sweet overall with a somewhat dry, sweet finish. Somewhat bland.

M - Light body. Light carbonation.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2011 18:57:51 | More by TheSevenDuffs

morimech

Minnesota

2.88/5  rDev -22%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a clear copper that is not very deep. Kind of thin looking. The head is unimpressive and quickly disappears. Leaves some lacing.

It smells of sweet malt. That is all I got.

The taste is a traditional Marzen. Sweet malt with little hop bitterness and with some very mild autumn spices. Finishes clean and crisp. Nothing spectacular and rather unimpressive as a whole. It seemed a bit watery to me and the carbonation seemed flat. I have been accustomed to solid Sam Adams offerings and this seemed to have missed the mark. Definately not my favorite Marzen or SA beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2007 00:06:12 | More by morimech

drinkiusmaximus

New York

2.88/5  rDev -22%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A- pours a clear amber with a small head which recedes quickly.

S-slightly malty and cidery like liquid candy apple.

T-sweet malts, crisp apple and a caramel notes linger.

M-light to medium nice carbonation which makes it crisp.

D-drinkability is nice could have more than a few of these.

Prost!!!

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2010 01:16:33 | More by drinkiusmaximus