Samuel Adams Octoberfest - Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

ZAP

Minnesota

3.38/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Geez, I bitched and bitched and bitched until the local store here finally got this in (2 months late I might add which is par for the couse for SA products here), and I have to say I am slightly disappointed.

This has been my favorite 'fest the past two years running, but this year it is simply middle-of-the-road...

Pours an orangish color with the soft white head...nose almost smells light an adjunct was used but I highly doubt it....still it has that smell....the taste is sweet and slick, but not as impressive as past years...finishes with slight hop bite....as sweet as this is, it could pass for a bock in some quarters...It really lacks the toastiness I enjoy in my 'fests...

Still, this is a decent beer..better than some, not as good as others...It is not as good as the Tyranena I just had before this, but considerbly better than Lakefront and others...

Decent...worth getting a sixer of to try, but unlike past years not worth going back to stock up on a case...

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2002 22:03:31 | More by ZAP

jrallen34

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

I drank this from the bottle into a chalice.

It pours a deep amber with a finger head that stays about 30 seconds. There is decent carbonation and for the color it is surprisingly clear.

The aroma is very sweet, you can real smell the malts. There notes of candy, light hops.

The taste is very light and drinkable, there is no taste of hops which is unusual.

The feel is light on the light doesn't hand around much.

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2009 23:40:15 | More by jrallen34

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served in an Imperial Pint at Market Cross Pub and Brewery in Carlisle, PA.
A - A deep amber w/ garnet highlights, a lighter amber when held to the light. A thin tan head which condenses quickly into a thin film of head with a ring of lace.

S - A malty sweet aroma w/ a tinge of light woody hops and a gentle lactic nutty malt scent.

M - Malty w/ slightly above medium body w/ a full toasty texture. Gentle sweetness w/ a clean finish.

T - A fairly rich nutty, dry yet flavorful malt taste gets a good dose of sweet crystal malt flavor. Bready German malt flavor makes itself known as the Imperial ale glass warms. A nice woody hop flavor combines w/ a sweet caramel malt and yeasty lager flavor.

D - A very drinkable lager w/ a definite influence from the masters of the style. Pleasing pint after pint, a worthy fest in the American interpretation. I could see drinking this as a go to beer by the case.

I had this on tap in a pint at TGI Fridays enjoyed before having wings

The color is deep bronze with thin head of tan that revived when swirled.
The smell is reminiscent of almonds with a sweet nutty and light fruity element
The feel is highly carbonated and slightly spicy with yeast dry texture and moderate bitterness. The flavor is good but like the vienna -Boston Lager it is hoppier and cleaner than the European versions I have had with a more dry less noticeable malt character. I enjoyed this but consider it average for the style. It is drinkable which is why I can't knock it too hard overall, but it is certainly catering to an american taste which is a more hop forward lager.

Serving type: on-tap

09-26-2007 14:50:12 | More by Slatetank

dirtylou

Washington

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

12oz single, Woodman's - West, enjoyed on NFL opening night

appearance: pours into a great dane imperial pint glass...big clear amber body, pretty dark, creamy beige-tan head with a lot of retention and very nice lacing

smell: toasted malt, carmamel, earthy leaf aroma, light hop presence behind the scenes, apple, wood. Overall pretty faint

taste: Well, It's not mindblowing but its pretty well made and very enjoyable. Bold toasted malt dominates the flavour, very seasonal feel with a twig/leaf thing going on that works out well, roasted nuts, caramel apple, thick malt backed by noble hops. I like it.

mouthfeel: medium-full body, slick but smooth

drinkability: high, good fall seasonal

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2006 00:26:18 | More by dirtylou

cokes

Wisconsin

2.15/5  rDev -41.7%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Dull amber color. Doesn't seem to sparkle like a nice lager should. Slow but steady carbonation. Foamy off-white head did not retain well.
Odd smelling. Fake malt sweetness. Notes of adjuncts (corn) and some godawful spice I can't seem to place.
Taste is equally uninspired. Onslaught of cloying psuedo-malt sweetness. Toffee coated adjuncts. This is what I'd expect Miller's Oktoberfest to taste like. Corn-filled, fake, cheap and abysmal. An ugly blast of grain alcohol seals the finish on this one.
My least favorite o-fest to date. Actually, one of the least favorite beers I have had in a while.

Serving type: on-tap

09-06-2002 10:56:57 | More by cokes

Bitterbill

Wyoming

3.38/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from 12oz bottle a clear dark amber with a medium sized head of foam that dissipated fairly slowly leaving a fine layer with lacing.

The smell was pretty delicate but I did note some malt sweetness.

The taste has notes of caramel maltiness, some grain and there's a hoppy bitterness near and through the finish. Not a bad brew at all and worth trying for sure.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2006 23:00:24 | More by Bitterbill

Tone

Missouri

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

Pours a clear, copper color. 3/4 inch head of an off-white color. Great retention and slight lacing. Smells of hops, sweet malt, pale malt, grain, and a hint of yeast. Fits the style of a Marzen / Oktoberfest. Mouth feel is smooth and crisp, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of pale malt, grain, slight hop, hint of yeast, and a hint of sweet malt. Overall, hops and sweet malt are background flavors compared to the pale malt and grain.

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2010 14:51:22 | More by Tone

beertunes

Washington

3.78/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into 10oz glass. Poured an attractive golden caramel with over 1-1/2 inches of just off-white head that had great retention but minimal to no lacing.

A pleasant grainy aroma enters the nose. The taste was a little softer than the scent led me to expect, but still nicely grainy and slightly sweet.

The light and smooth body was a little better than expected. Drinkability is excellent, whether having 1 or several, this brew is a nice companion. A beer worthy of your time.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2009 21:40:06 | More by beertunes

kylehay2004

Florida

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

A: Half finger head. Clear and copper with amber hues.

S: Malts, toast and caramel notes.

T: Grainy and malty. A decent amount of sweet toffee/caramel.

M: Medium bodied and moderate carbonation.

Overall: One of the flagships of this very popular brewery. Oktoberfest isn't a favorite genre of mine but this one is one of my favorites.

Serving type: on-tap

08-13-2011 22:04:38 | More by kylehay2004

TurdFurgison

Ohio

3.3/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had on tap at a seafood restaurant in CT. Dark amber color with kind of minimal head.

The flavor reminded me of Gordon Biersch (spelling?) Marzen. To be honest, it was kind of lame for an Oktoberfest. Not bad with a meal, and better than most other beers available at this restaurant. But nothing special really.

I guess this is OK if nothing else is available. Better than going macro in any case...

Serving type: on-tap

10-25-2005 01:50:31 | More by TurdFurgison

DefenCorps

Oregon

4.38/5  rDev +18.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle into my excuse for a stein. Best by Feb 2009, so this is fresh

A: Copper colored pour with a massive two-finger thick beige head. Tons of visible carbonation

S: Bready and mildly spicy with a hint of hops; mildly citrus like. Solid!

T: Starts off rich and malty with wonderful caramel sweetness to go with the bready character. There's a hint of a pepper-like spice that, while uncommon for style, works really well here. The finish is dry and very tasty

M: Light -to- medium in body with excellent carbonation and a great finish, this one's great

D: This is definitely one of my favorites. Well done, Jim Koch!

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2008 00:32:09 | More by DefenCorps

twiggamortis420

Texas

3.85/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a pilsner glass a crystal clear amber color. Fluffy tan head is pretty nice topping for this 'toberfest.

Sweet malty nose that has some heft to it. Mild floral hop presence is noticeable as well. This brew smells toasty, caramely and earthy.

Not quite as malt dominant as the nose indicates, much more balanced in the flavor. Toastiness throws in a bit more bitterness to help with the balance. Lots of flavor, but maintains a decently light body and feel to it. Not cloyingly sweet, like many American versions...it's pretty tasty and highly drinkable. Every beer drinking American should pick up a sixer of this each September.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2009 17:11:54 | More by twiggamortis420

bark

Sweden

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

The colour is somewhat pale copper. The foam sinks down to a two finger thick, smooth head.

The smell is full of fresh hops, some bread and a burned flavour.

The carbonation is… crispy. Crispy with small bubbles, and it is rather refreshing.

The taste is full of burned malt. The sweetness is moderate for the style. The bitterness is quite soft. The aftertaste got a growing bitterness with tones of citrus.

I think that this is a very, very good dark lager beer, as one could have expected from Samuel Adams. But is it an oktober bier? I must say: Probably not.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2004 22:47:08 | More by bark

francisweizen

Australia

3.85/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

2003 version: on-tap at an applebees in Newtown. This is a nice dark amber colour with a small tan head of foam. The aromas are all malts with only slight hops to be found. The taste is *malty*, and very one-dimensional. The mouthfeel is much better on tap and is decent, the drinkability also benefits.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2003 17:38:35 | More by francisweizen

BeerFMAndy

Wisconsin

4.05/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle poured into a Sierra Nevada imperial pint.
5.3% ABV, Enjoy before Feb notched on label.

A - Autumn in a glass, this clear lager shines with is a robust rusted amber color which is capped by an off-white head of tiny bubbles. Spotty lacing collects around the pint above the thin, left over skim.

S - Fall is captured upon first whiff. Light Vienna malts provide an excellent base of faint toast and biscuit notes while the Munich malts offer quite a bit of mild sweetness which swirls throughout. A touch of earthiness suggests some hops but they're generally absent. A touch of mineral harshness trails off but this beer is generally very clean.

T - Maltiness continues to develop with it's Vienna base, once again pushing toasted qualities along with an overall sense of breadiness. The Munich malt's sweetness drops back from what the aroma suggests for something a little easier drinking while the finish opens up to hops just a hair more. Herbal notes and grassy earthiness are timid to say the least, but offer balance. Again, the beer's light mineral harshness becomes just a bit intrusive.

M - Medium-bodied and smooth, Samuel Adams Octoberfest has a delightfully malty but refreshing feel that really works well as a sessionable oktoberfestbier. Just a little dry earthiness on the finish goes a long way to keep the beer balanced and inviting.

O - Embodying the essence of fall, the malty aroma encourages the mentality to shift from light, crisp beers to maltier lagers before turning to full, rich stouts and the like. If there wasn't the pesky mineral finish that's almost metallic at points, I'd really, really love this beer. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good Oktoberfest; one I can drink quite a bit of in season, it's just held back from greatness.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 21:17:18 | More by BeerFMAndy

tpd975

Florida

3.38/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Nice golden copper hue with a nice tall head when poured from the tap. Good retention and lots of bubbles. A smattering of lace is left behind. A touch of alcohol could be detected.

S: Big malty aroma with hints of caramel.

T: Nice big biscuity malty taste with a hint of caramel sweetness. There is a dash of bittering hops as well to provide nice balance.

M: Medium in body, fairly smooth.

D: A nice change of pace Octoberfest brew.

Serving type: on-tap

09-16-2008 19:52:13 | More by tpd975

smakawhat

Maryland

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

Poured from the bottle into a nonic pint glass.

A nice simple three finger soapy head is produced, but not with much retention. Body is a classic dark amber red, crystal clear and looks very much like a marzen. Head seems to lose some staying power and looks a bit weak.

Bouquet is a sweet candy like malt and small fizz pop soda. Kind of odd but alright.

Taste is kind of lacking but has all the right ideas. Simple malt and light, some carbonation that is noticeable but has a medium sized body with a hint of thickness. After taste on the swallow is kind of tongue and palate numbing, almost novocaine territory.

Overall a slightly above average marzen. Will do in a pinch.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2011 02:56:23 | More by smakawhat

FosterJM

California

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

28th review on BA
Bottle to Pint glass.

I was at a family party last night and they happened to have Sam Adams and Blue moon as the go to beer. So not being a fan of either one decided to skip the bottle drinking and be that guy to review at a party and ask for a glass.

App-Medium Amber colored with a single finger head that was very carbonated.

Smell- It smelled like a giant malt bomb to me. I did detect a slight spicy scent with maybe a touch of caramel.

Taste- Not what I remembered this to be at all. It didn't jump out at me like the normal Sam Adams does which I think are pretty decent. It was a bit sweet and didn't retain a lot of flavor.

Mouth- It's on the thin side but I didn't think it would be a big beer by any means.

Drink- I'm pretty thankful I didn't buy a case of this year. It wasn't bad. Just not my cup of tea I guess.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2010 16:14:10 | More by FosterJM

LilBeerDoctor

New York

3.15/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Reviewed on 8/23/08. 2008 bottle. Pours a dark orange with a thick light light tan head. Aroma of sweet malt, caramel, and molasses. Flavor of burnt and sweet toasted malts. A little bit sweet but otherwise tasty.
Aroma: 7/10
Appearance: 4/5
Flavor: 6/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 13/20
(3.3/5)

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2008 19:10:47 | More by LilBeerDoctor

bluejacket74

Ohio

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

22 ounce bottle, label says best enjoyed by January 2012. Served in a mug, the beer pours a clear reddish/amber color with about an inch off-white head. Head retention is good, and there's a decent amount of lacing left on the glass. The brew smells like toasted and caramel malt, toffee, and a bit of hops. It tastes like toasted, caramel and bready malt, and a bit of dried fruit (apples?). Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's a bit slick, is well carbonated and easy enough to drink. I think it's a solid Oktoberfest brew that I'd buy again. Not bad for $2.59 a bomber.

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2011 22:39:51 | More by bluejacket74

AgentZero

Illinois

3.38/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Over at a buddy's place and elected to pull this out of the fridge in favor of the Bud and Miller Lite there. Poured into a pint glass.

A - Clear, orange/amber color. Bubbly one inch head on it. Quick dissipation, sides o the glas left clean.

S - Smooth, sweet malts. A little bit toasty, not a whole lot of hops or citris in this one.

T - Toasty malts, a lot of caramel. Little bit of hops, more than I was able to pick up on the nose. Fairly sweet.

M - Medium bodied, a little more full than I was expecting. Leaves the mouth quickly.

D - Easy to get down, and can do more of these. Nothing fantastic, but a solid offering from the folks at Boston Beer. Like almost all Sam Adams brews, can always drink with no complaint.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2009 17:15:26 | More by AgentZero

StonedTrippin

Colorado

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

this is a great octoberfest. looks pretty standard, autumn orange color with a lacey off white head that lasts awhile. smells like big german caramel malts and bready yeast. flavor is complex and not nearly as sweet as so many octoberfests are. i pick up so many fall flavors in this, like pumpkins, squash, and brown sugar, but that may just be a product of the season. mouthfeel is right on for the style, its lighter in body but not thin, just really drinkable. carbonation is pretty relaxed in this. its one of those beers that demands a huge glass. letting a one liter draft get a little warm as it drinks is how i always wish i was having it.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2012 15:57:09 | More by StonedTrippin

wordemupg

Alberta (Canada)

3.65/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured into the perfect pint glass 28/9/11

A clear copper body with lots of big bubbles that feed a very short lived finger of head that leaves no lace

S dry cereal with some hard toffee, not much really what is there is pretty faint

T some fruity sweet malt is much stronger the smell and adds too it, a little bread and honey poke out as it warms

M light bodied with enough carbonation to give it some life, earthy aftertaste lingers for a little while

O decent but fairly plain, not much for smell and it looks pretty basic

I was told this is the largest craft brewery in the world, it that a better oxymoron then Military Intelligence?

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2011 02:12:39 | More by wordemupg

Brent

Kentucky

3.55/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A solid American take on the style. Moderately sweet with a little less malt backbone than average for the style, but smooth and good natured.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2001 10:48:41 | More by Brent

blackie

Virginia

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

appearance: The pour produces a 0.5" khaki head that recedes to the standard ring and thin layer. The beer is a rich medium amber in color, reminiscent of the reds and oranges of fall.

smell: Notes of toasted caramel on the nose with a nice, malty sweetness bringing aromas of red apples and dried dates. The light touch of ethanol is quite nice. Low hop aroma.

mouthfeel: The carbonation rides the border between medium and high, and is smooth. The body is medium. Instead of being slick after the swallow, the finish is nice and clean, which I appreciate.

taste: Nice blend of malts give subtle notes of caramel and some woody earthiness. Not as malty as the "Malt Lover's Dream" reverse label would have me believe, though. Not too much depth of flavor here. Light noble hop flavor and a nice, drying bitterness in the finish.

drinkability: An easy drinking, good beer. It's got some characters that bring to mind the fallen leaves associated with fall.

Single bottle purchased at Whole Foods...notched as best by February, which I assume means 2007.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2006 02:12:18 | More by blackie