Samuel Adams Octoberfest - Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

Vigilante

Nevada

3.43/5  rDev -7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a Pint Glass

A: Copper color with 1 finger foamy head which dissipates quickly leaving light lacing.

S: A faint smell of malt. Not much aroma at all.

T : Malt with nutty tones and a sweet aftertaste of Caramel.

M: Medium bodied with a slightly dry finish. Mouthfeel was a little too watery for my taste.

O: This beer is not bad but it is not great either. The weak aroma and watery mouthfeel was a really big turn off for me. I would still take this over an adjunct American lager and day of the week.

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2012 05:24:46 | More by Vigilante

Kooz

New York

4.1/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Orange with a light tan head in a Sam Adams super-special glass. It is a pretty beer. I especially like how tightly packed the head is.

Smells faintly of hops and of malt. It's all faint, but nice. It smells like it will be smooth.

And boom goes the dynamite. This is a really smooth and mellow beer. Its slightly bitter from the first, but it mellows out as it coats the mouth.

Mouthfeel, as usual for Sam, is excellent. It's creamy and full-bodied with a pleasant aftertaste and nothing harsh. The carbonation is so perfect, it almost feels like a nitro draft.

I'm very happy with this. It may be passe at this point to sing the praises of the Boston Brewing Company, but I'm going to do it anyway: this is one of the beat Oktoberfests I've ever had.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2012 21:20:29 | More by Kooz

Vashtar

Texas

3.1/5  rDev -16%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

The appearance is a vibrant, mid dark, orange. It is clear and maintains its head.

There's a nice, but fairly typical fragrance.

The taste starts out great but finishes bitter. Hoppy at the end.

The mouthfeel is smooth, but lacks depth.

This was in a bottle and poured into a glass.

Serving type: on-tap

10-10-2012 01:46:11 | More by Vashtar

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.48/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Served on tap in a pint glass

Appearance – Served a copper-orange color with a brew with a thick two finger off white head. The head slowly over time to leave a very nice level of lacing.

Smell – The smell is heaviest of roasted malt with a good dose of caramel sweetness. Mixed with this is a light earthy and herbal aroma as well.

Taste – The flavor begins of a biscuit flavor with a good presence of a roasted malt. There is a lighter sweetness of caramel and some brown sugar up front. As the taste advances the sweetness fades and some flavors of a slightly bitter earthy flavor and some nice spicy flavors come to the tongue. Toward the end of the flavor, the roastiness intensifies and when mixed with the rest of the flavors, leaves a roasty and spiced flavor on the tongue.

Mouthfeel- The body of the beer is on the slightly thicker side with a carbonation level that is on the slightly lower than average side. The thicker body was quite nice for the roasty and spicy flavors, although a little bit more carbonation would have made it a bit more refreshing.

Overall - Smooth with some nice roast and malt. While not the very the best Oktoberfest in my opinion, it is quite nice. A good go to for more session style drinking.

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2012 00:44:49 | More by Darkmagus82

DavidS88

Massachusetts

4.23/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

After spending a long hot summer drinking mostly IPAs and APAs with the occasional fruit beer, it's nice to get back to something as malty as Samuel Adams Octoberfest. The first time I had this, it was out of a bottle, but most recently it was on draft at a local eatery. It was a nice dark reddish-orange with a small white head (about a finger) and practically no lacing on the glass. It smells strongly of the many kinds of malts used to make the beer with just a dash of hops in there with maybe even a hint of smokiness to it. None of the scents are competing with each other and combine to make a great smelling beer. The taste is largely the same with a strong taste of malts coming through with some hops thrown in for good measure. But the emphasis of the beer is definitely the "bready" quality of the malts. On the whole, I wouldn't say that Octoberfest tastes all that complex, but it is still a great tasting beer. It's also very smooth and didn't have a lot of carbonation out of the draft, which really allows the drinker to focus on the taste of the beer, letting you really lap it over in your mouth before gulping it down. It nicely complimented the burger I was eating. Overall, this may be one of my favorite fall beers, nice and hearty and filling without sitting in your stomach like some maltier offerings and pumpkin ales can do. Refreshing enough to have a few while tailgating a football game, but still of high enough quality that you can enjoy it with a home-cooked meal.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2012 18:43:58 | More by DavidS88

TheRealBigC

Nevada

3.9/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I like this one. Frankly, I really enjoy most of the Sam Adams seasonal beers. They are distinct, but at the same time not at all busy. Their Octoberfest is a wonderful malty, caramel-tinged beer perfect for transitioning into the colder weather. It goes down smooth and begs to be followed with another. An exemplary Marzen and very easy to find across the nation.

Serving type: on-tap

09-04-2012 07:22:23 | More by TheRealBigC

merc7186

New York

3.35/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I had this beer poured on tap at Longhorn Steakhouse in Scranton PA, into a pint glass.

A: Amber Hue, Passes Some Light, White Head Ring, No Lacing

S: Caramel, Sweet Malts

T: Caramel, Bready Malts

M: Mediocre Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Mildly Sweet

Overall, if you are surrounded in a sea BMC beers and this is your only life raft, drowning is still an option.

Serving type: on-tap

08-15-2012 01:50:53 | More by merc7186

The_Hucklebuck

4.9/5  rDev +32.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Possibly my favorite beer! Although as a seasonal beer, I wish they could be a little more consistent! The first year I tried it (3 or 4 years ago) It was by far my favorite beer, but it hasn't been quite as good the last couple seasons. Still a great beer though!

Serving type: on-tap

04-11-2012 21:07:31 | More by The_Hucklebuck

JohnnyChicago

Illinois

4/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served mid-Oct. at some bar in Manattan; presented in a stein.

A: Clear, oily amber with a big, fluffy white head.

S: Rich German malts and spicy German hops are jumping out of the mug. Smells like a Märzen should.

T: Following the nose...Malts provide cracker and toast note. Lots of melanoidin presence. Hops are pretty big for the style and provide an assertive spiciness.

D: Quaffable and thirst-quenching stuff. This is how a Märzen should be - if you can't drink the whole stein...its unbalanced.

Overall: A quality brew from SA. Many of their beers seem a little watered-down for their respective styles. This, meanwhile, seems a little more extreme than many of the traditional offerings.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2012 00:20:53 | More by JohnnyChicago

jb413

Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bar was out of Harpoon. But ended up being a nice fill-in.

A - Fantastic look with a dark amber color, some rising bubbles and a big three finger foamy head with good retention.

S - Nose smelt good but don't recall much beyond the usual malt / hops.

T - Nice toasted and caramel malt flavors and a good finish. Some hints of darker fruit. The right amount of balance. A little richer and of a higher quality than expected. Tasty and above average for me.

MF - Medium through and through with a bit of creamy texture and nicely matched carbonation. A bit less drinkable than others in the style I've had but it works well.

O - Great looking and tasting. A winner from Sam. Surprisingly edged out the Harpoon and left me wanting another.

Serving type: on-tap

11-08-2011 04:57:38 | More by jb413

amightywind

Minnesota

3.25/5  rDev -11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

The only issue I have with Samuel Adams seasonal beers is the
freshness, or often the lack thereof, and its pronounced effect on the product. Time takes the subtile edge off of these mass market/craft beers, particularly the aromatics and finish. I've had very good ones and poor ones. It is Beer O'Clock on Friday and my draft Octoberfest's appearance is deep and rich in its plain 20oz glass. It has a subdued head, as the draft seems well chilled. It has a smooth and pleasant caramel sweetness that turns slightly tannic bitter in the finish that does not linger. It is not dry. I find it a tad over hopped for the style, a tendency with Sam Adams. The taste flourishes at a cool temperature. Like most Sam Adams I find it to be a solid representation of the style and certainly worth drinking.

Serving type: on-tap

11-03-2011 00:06:22 | More by amightywind

PorterLambic

Florida

4/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Arrives beautifully dark, dark orange almost red in color and with a smallish tan head. Drops to a ring that lasts for a long time.
Smell is malty, grassy with a light hops note and caramel.
Taste is of lightly roasted malts, caramel, grass, hops.
Reasonably rich in flavor, medium-full bodied, medium effervescence. A bit sharp up front but fading well. Nice aftertaste of malty caramel. A Decent marzen for a beer that is so widely available.

Serving type: on-tap

11-02-2011 23:30:51 | More by PorterLambic

MsRif

Pennsylvania

2.93/5  rDev -20.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Had on-tap at Casey's in Newtown Square, PA

Poured a golden orange color with a thin head and no lacing. Head pretty much dissipated immediately. Had an aroma of grains, sweet malts, yeast and spices. Tastes of grains, sweet malts, bready-ness and spices. A tiny bit of a metallic taste...not sure if maybe the tap line was messed up or if it was the brew.

I found the mouthfeel to be pretty light. Wouldn't say medium. It's a thin beer for the style. It's a good attempt, but not great. High carbonation. Very drinkable due to how thin it is. Not very complex, and while well-balanced...I found it a bit "watery" I guess. I'll have it if I have to choose between Miller Light, Bud Light and this one...otherwise, I'll probably pass.

Serving type: on-tap

10-30-2011 01:21:33 | More by MsRif

BigMike

Pennsylvania

2.68/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Had on-tap at TGIF

A: Typical Octoberfest appearance. Pretty much a golden,bronzed orange color with a thin off white head. Larger sized bubbles that don't hang around too long.

S: A few different aromas come through. All very light with none outshadowing another. Toasted caramel. A bit nutty and spicy as well. Not overwhelming.

T: Toasty and grainy. An underlying sweetness brings it all together.

M: Pretty much on the thin side. Not watery but not far from it. Carbonation seems fine.

Overall: Oktoberfest lagers aren't typically my cup of tea but there are better offerings out there then this one for sure. My favorite being Victory Festbier.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2011 22:58:23 | More by BigMike

Craibcr

Virginia

3.2/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

First had this in DC off tap, have since had it in the bottle. Better off tap.

A: Pours a rich orange color with very little head.

S: Hint of malts and spice.

T: A weak taste, was pretty disappointed by it. You can taste a hint of malt to it that comes on a bit more strongly towards the end. There's another flavor that I can't identify that picks up at the end as well.
M: Coats the mouth a little bit, but not nearly as much as most beers would. Flows smoothly through the mouth, and the carbonation is noticeable.

O: It's a decent beer, but not one of the best. I was fairly enthusiastic about it at first, but I've begun to enjoy it less and less.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2011 20:51:34 | More by Craibcr

Tschnab

New York

3.55/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- pours a light brown amber color topped with a thin head and light lace notches.

S- aroma is caramel malt and a cereal grain breadiness. Light nutty notes.

T- much like the smell, the taste focuses on the malt bill. There is a very faint salt note to this beer I can't quite put my finger on. The finish is dry.

O- a solid fall classic, no complaints.

Serving type: on-tap

10-22-2011 20:03:31 | More by Tschnab

Cummins9110

Indiana

3.53/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Beer pours a nice clear amber color with a nice and frothy white head. Smells of sweet caramel and toasty malts, also get that crisp lager smell, I take a sip and get a medium bodied mouthfeel with sweet caramel and some slight malts, altho I can realy get a noble hop taste, maybe hallertau or tettnager hops, some noble variety, ends in a long lasting caramel taste which makes me want another drink. To be honest i think this beer needs more malty bready taste and less aroma addition hops. While this is a good october fest Im possitive Sam Adams could do better.

Serving type: on-tap

10-22-2011 05:06:27 | More by Cummins9110

brewskifan55

Mississippi

3.6/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Jacktoberfest in a plastic cup

Appearance: amber with a tan one finger head that lingers; decent lacing

Smell: malty, bready; some spiciness

Taste: Very smooth, malts come through with an almost sweet finish. Light hops

Mouthfeel: medium, really coats the tongue

Overall: I was never too excited about this one from a bottle. But on tap, the freshness really comes through. Smooth, yet robust. A nice fall beer. A really solid seller at the beer garden I was pouring at.

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2011 18:28:47 | More by brewskifan55

langm12

Indiana

4.22/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap.

A - Cloudy copper color with a one finger fizzy head that dissipates quickly. No lacing.

S - Bready and Carmal malts. A touch of spice.

T - Very similar to the nose. Bready malts dominate. Spices and a touch of hops.

M - Light to medium. Good carbonation. This is an easy drinker.

Great session beer. this one is very enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

10-20-2011 01:18:01 | More by langm12

rudzud

Massachusetts

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

Served in a large Stein.

A - Pours a crystal clear copper with a light, fizzy off white head that fades to leave a very thin halo and no side lacing.

S - Light sweet malts, carmel, and good fall/Marzen spices.

T - More of the same, though a bit lighter. Good carmel malts, some very light hop bitterness. In the middle is a fair typical oktoberfest spice.

M - Mouthfeel was a little thin and watery. Super drinkable though.

O - This is a good beer from sam adams. Just, there are better versons out there. Still, a good cheap buy.

Serving type: on-tap

10-20-2011 00:45:34 | More by rudzud

claspada

New Jersey

2.9/5  rDev -21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Pours a nice caramel/amber color with adequate head and lacing.

Aromas are of some sweet bready malts but not much else. It's a pretty weak-smelling brew and left me wanting more. Maybe a faint hint of earthy hops but I could be making that up as well

The taste is about the same, some mild malt and a little undefined spicing, presumably from the yeast. It is a little sweet and bready in the front with a slighty hopped end

The mouthfeel is medium bodied with medium to high carbonation. It drinks easily enough but the carbonation left me feeling more full than a beer with such little body and flavor warranted.

Overall I am not a big fan of this style but I find this beer to be pleasant enough to have one here an there. I will never purchase this beer but it was offered to me for free so I said why not. Plenty of better examples of the style but you can definitely do worse I suppose.

Serving type: on-tap

10-17-2011 00:38:33 | More by claspada

eonbluekarma

Maryland

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

Dark reddish brown color and a nice head. Mouth feel is a hit of carbonation, but a little thin. A hint of caramel malt and yeast, but not a great smell. The taste is a little sweet and bready in the front with a slighty hopped end. A decent Octoberfest. One of Sam's best beers.

Serving type: on-tap

10-16-2011 23:22:50 | More by eonbluekarma

DoktorZee

Alberta (Canada)

3.3/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On tap in early October; must be fresh!

A - deep clear copper, lots of carbonation, little to no head.

S - hint of malt and spiciness.

T - very mellow with only moderate caramel malt and a hint of sweetness. Finishes with some nuttiness.

M - medium bodied with only mild carbonation. It has a hint of oilyness and coats the mouth.

D - definitely goes down easy but also lacks a bit of character.

So-so; decent Okt, but well behind most of the Germans.

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2011 20:24:17 | More by DoktorZee

DM1293

California

3.13/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance - Its a rich reddish brown mix. No head.

Smell - Smells like any other Marzen/Oktoberfest beer I've had. It is decidedly less strong though...

Taste - ...I usually liken these to a mix of red ale and pale ale...this one...this is more like a red ale and a brown ale to me. Less hoppy, more nutty, ontop a malty palate. Finishes fine enough I suppose, not much on bitterness.

Mouthfeel - Like before, leaves a finish of a malty/nuttiness/hoppiness that doesn't last very long.

Overall - This is a bit different of an Oktoberfest for me. I'd think it'd appeal more to people who like brown ales than red or pale ale drinkers. It doesn't hit the right notes for me. Its not bad, but I don't think its that good. Still, for the price, its good enough for a fall evening refreshment.

Serving type: on-tap

10-13-2011 22:08:43 | More by DM1293

zoolzoo

Connecticut

3.68/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a muddy brown, amber hues.Two finger off white head.

S: A bit blank...toasted malt, touch of spice. Faint nuttiness.

T: Nutty malt accented by spice. Mid palate is sweet caramel, rolling into a sour mash type of finish. One of the spicier Oktoberfest beers. Lots of breadiness, not as clean or crisp as some examples. Still, good.

M: Medium body, high carbonation.

O: Still a good beer after all this time (and after trying so many other examples of the style). Easily accessible too, which counts for more than a little something.

Serving type: on-tap

10-10-2011 22:10:50 | More by zoolzoo