Warsteiner Premium Oktoberfest - Warsteiner Brauerei

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.08/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served in a Lagunitas mason jar.

My Oktoberfest season hasn't ended just yet... This stuff pours a clear sunset brass topped by a finger of lightly off-white foam. The nose comprises biscuit, toffee, grass, a touch of butter, and a few sprinklings of mild greens. The taste brings in more of the same, but ups the grass and greens and adds a touch of orange peel. Still, the dry, buttery biscuit steals the show. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a sorta/kinda drying finish. Overall, a decent O-Fest, but I'd put it in the lower echelon of those from the Fatherland.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 04:03:50 | More by TMoney2591

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.88/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a proper octoberfest i think. darker, like an amber in appearance. with a small and fading off white head. however, the smell is malty but not sweet, which is perfect in this style. the flavor imports a much more dark malt profile into one of these oktobers. roasty and rich, less sugary and filling than some can be. i would drink several liters of this no worries. there is also a sort of essence of fall to this, which is not necessarily explained easily, but it works for me. the feel is good, heavier in body than most, but well carbonated and plenty drinkable. im really into it. great with a smoked ham hock, and one of those seasonals ill go back to again and again. lovely and underrated.

Serving type: on-tap

10-12-2012 05:19:11 | More by StonedTrippin

barczar

Kentucky

3.2/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours a brilliant deep golden caramel color with a foamy 2 inch cream head that quickly dissipates, leaving spotty lacing.

Aroma is fairly grainy, slightly sweet, with nutty, deeply toasted breadcrust forming the finish. There is a subtle caramel undertone.

Flavor reveals cola notes, slightly spicy, with toasted breadcrust forming the backbone, carrying into a moderately sweet finish. The cola notes really dominate. Soy flavor emerges as it warms.

Body is on the full side of moderate, with moderate carbonation, and slight alcohol warmth.

Overall, a very malt-forward brew, as expected. Lacks complexity, and the cola flavor is a bit offputting.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2012 02:39:41 | More by barczar

steveh

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Another Oktoberfest from the North of Germany -- well, I'll try anything once.
Interesting that this beer isn't listed at either US or German Warsteiner web sites. I wonder when Warsteiner decided to brew an Oktoberfest -- and I wonder what the odds are that this is only exported to the U.S?

12 pack blurb reads, "...rich amber color...slightly malty and mild taste..." Hmm.

Good dating on the 11.2 ounce bottle, best by 04 June, 2013. $14 for the 12.

A -- More deep gold than real amber color, with a white head that holds up well.

S -- Mild bready malt with some light, spicy hops present.

T -- The label was right; mildly malty, but a pretty good breadiness from good malt. Lightly spicy hops in the finish. Aftertaste carries some of the spiciness over, but fades dryly.

M -- Mouthfeel is rather crisp for this style with a very dry finish. Body is light medium.

O -- Overall, this is a pretty lackluster Oktoberfest Märzen, though it's far from offensive in character. Maybe a first step into richer beers for a beginner, but not the best example of style.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2012 20:28:45 | More by steveh

twiggamortis420

Texas

3.9/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle pours a crystal clear gold color with a nice cap of creamy white head. Nice retention and spotty lace. This one follows in the more Germanic festival served, lighter-colored oktoberfests...similar to Hofbrau.

Nose is grainy and sweet, light touch of caramel and honey. Hops are faint, but slightly floral...definitely noble. Smells good and fresh, very inviting.

I am surprised at the low score this one has, maybe due to American's ignorant expectations that an oktoberfest has to be dark and toasty. This is a very refreshing beer with a sweet grainy presence that drives the beer but finishes clean with a somewhat crispy hop note. It is kind of like a kicked-up helles lager and is done quite nicely. I really like it and is quite a bargain at 12.99 a 12-pack. I may have found my go-to oktoberfest for 2012 here. Nice stuff.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2012 18:38:13 | More by twiggamortis420

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

3.48/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Kind of light for a marzen (in general). Deep straw color with literally no head after an aggressive pour. The smell was initially a bit skunky, but it faded. Lots of sweet grain with a very light hint of toffee and caramel. Not enough of anything. The taste, is just too bitter and light. Medicinal/earthy hop flavors stand out too much for style. Hint of sweet grains and caramel. Finishes super clean and sweet.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2012 22:43:32 | More by VncentLIFE

thegodfather2701

North Carolina

3.23/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A-Pours a light copper/gold with a dense two finger, off-white head that slowly dissipates. There is a slight amount of lacing, but barely enough to even mention.

S-Noble hops, bready malt, hint of spice. It lacks that traditional Oktoberfest nose.

T-Much like the nose as there are some nice bready malts, a touch of hops, and a little spice. Just as with the nose it doesn't quite have the full malty flavor of other versions of the style. It tastes like a combination of an Oktoberfest mixed with a Dotmunder and a Helles lager. However, it still tastes pretty good and is easy drinking.

M-Kind of thin, but not overly carbonated.

D-Through the roof. I could drink these all day.

Overall, I am glad I tried this beer but it doesn't seem to match up with other versions of the style, be it German or American.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2012 14:38:21 | More by thegodfather2701

Brenden

Ohio

3.5/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This beer may have the least variation from tap to bottle of any I've had. That said...
As stated a light, golden color, lots of clarity. There's a bit of a yellow-tinted off-white head, somewhat consistent, with lacing that is likewise somewhat consistent.
It's a bit light in the aroma; a light malts backbone adds a touch of caramel sweetness and it does evidence a light dose of hops. Grains linger in the back. There's not much transition from aroma to flavor. True, it can be light and no, it doesn't have to be a bruiser, but to the detractors of American craft who favor the German subtlety I will say this: being more flavorful is an improvement, not something to dismiss.
The same goes for the feel. The improvements brewers are making aren't something to shy away from. It's light and has a bit of a crisp nip under a steady carbonation with some smoothness as well. Making a beer more lush and full (not filling) on the palate isn't a bad thing.
This beer sticks with tradition, and that's good. It's not, however, in the same league as some that have taken the style and built upon it.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2012 23:20:34 | More by Brenden

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bronze color. Lipped head holds as a frothy film. Wish I had a real glass versus this plastic cup.

Crisp grain aroma with a good smack of heavy toast. Hops are enjoyably earthy-smelling. Smells otherworldly.

Grains are still heavily toasted, but carry some mild caramel sweetness. Hops aren't quite bold, but they pare back the sugars with a mint tea brightness. Pretty big booze note all over this one making it quite the bold brew.

A little hot. Thick in the body for the style. Lower carb.

Not too shabby. I'm enjoying my first Warsteiner Oktoberfest.

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2012 14:42:20 | More by thecheapies

AnalogReigns

North Carolina

4.63/5  rDev +38.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Definitely an outstanding example of true German-style Oktoberfest beer--NOT the heavy, dark, American micro-brewer copies. Ironic, as Warsteiner cannot sell this style in Germany...since "Oktoberfest" beers there MUST be Munich brewers (kind of an appellation).

According to the Brewers Association, a German-style Oktoberfest/Wiesen beer should be:

"... characterized by a medium body and light, golden color. Sweet maltiness is mild with an equalizing balance of clean, hop bitterness. Hop aroma and flavor should be low but notable."

"Ale-like fruity esters should not be perceived. Diacetyl and chill haze should not be perceived. Similar or equal to Dortmunder/European-Style Export"

This describes Warsteiner's Oktoberfest beer to a TEE!

No, it's not the heavy sweet "O-fest" beer American craft-brewers brew every year--of which you can drink a couple (at most) at a sitting. This is a CLASSIC German session beer, meant to pound down glass after glass in Stammtisch.... talking with friends as long as you can stand being around each other!

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2012 20:17:22 | More by AnalogReigns

FanofHefe

Illinois

3.4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

It's the time of the year to get some fresh Octoberfest brews. Cant recall how long it has been since I last had this so grabbed one for a refresh. Bottle poured into a pint glass, best before date of 6 June 2013. Light yellow/golden body with a nearly two finger head. The head dissipates fairly quickly leaving very little lacing.

Light, grainy aroma, with a hint of lemon. Not much else.

The flavor is fairly typical fare for the style. Bready malt, light caramel, light citrus. Not too exciting, but very drinkable.

Light mouthfeel that is enjoyable overall.

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2012 21:58:50 | More by FanofHefe

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.18/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

First had: on tap at Brauhaus Schmitz, Philly, PA

A lesser alternative to a Spaten, Warsteiner's marzen pours a clear copper color with a small head that displays moderate retention and a bit of lacing. Aroma of toasted grains, sweet malts, pretty standard for the style. More of the same in the taste, toasted grains, caramel malts, cardboard, light hops give a mildly bitter finish. Light-medium body, a bit thin and bland overall, but easily drinkable at least.

Serving type: on-tap

05-23-2012 18:56:06 | More by Rifugium

B967ierhunter177

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This beer pours a clear gold with yellow highlights under the light with a 1 finger head and no lace. It's aroma is of caramel with a hint of lemon. The flavor is mainly sweet malt and caramel with notes of bread crust and brown sugar in the background. The mouthfeel is light-medium and the beer is very drinkable. Warsteiner Premium Oktoberfest is a good beer, recommended.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2012 02:56:24 | More by B967ierhunter177

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

2.53/5  rDev -24.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Brown pour, some clarity for a light brown beer, mild head, no retention or lace. Aroma was skunky dishsoap.

Taste of raisin, mild sweetness if you look for it. Light caramel, off flavor metallic bitterness rather than the characteristic smoothness you would hop for, not even nutty depth. Thin body. Not even really easy drinking for me, just kept thinking about the relative rip off price for a beer with hardly any substance to it and a few off flavors. Maybe a little bit of old toffee from grandma's candy dish from like 10 years ago.

Not impressed, wouldn't recommend, especially at close to $10 a 6 pack, I don't know what you're paying for.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2012 23:47:47 | More by Beerandraiderfan

david18

New York

3.35/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This beer was on draft at the Amsterdam Ale House on Manhattan's Upper West side. It was offered in a full liter glass that was ridiculously large. You could also get the half liter. Overall not a great beer. A little thin on all fronts.

Appearance was a light straw with a low amount of carbonation.

Aroma was a bit light, somewhat refreshing with the typical german lager characteristics.

Flavor was pretty good. Again, nothing outstanding. Pretty much what you'd expect form an unremarkable lager. Nothing wrong with it but nothing memorable.

I think the thing I remember most about this beer was the glass.

Serving type: on-tap

11-14-2011 20:59:39 | More by david18

olimpia84

Florida

2.95/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On-tap at Tampa's Oktoberfest 2011.

A: pours a fairly translucent golden body with copper tones. Small head that dissipated quickly. Almost no lacing present.

S: very mute, but some toasted malts and corn notes present from what I could tell.

T: a very light hops presence at the beginning that slowly present a sweet malty character.

M: very drinkable and very suited for Oktoberfest. Light feel with balanced carbonation.

O: this beer is a good option for celebrating Oktoberfest because it has a very drinkable character and light presence, although it could be a bit on the bland side for some people.

Serving type: on-tap

10-24-2011 05:33:28 | More by olimpia84

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.48/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours a watery copper color. Nearly any head. Light off-white layer instead of a head. Leaves minimal lacing.

S-Light nose. Sweet and malty. Very Marzen-esque. Toasty and a tiny noble hop scent.

T-Flavor is more intense than the nose. The taste is almost stinging. Crisp and slightly bitter. I prefer the more intense flavor here than most Marzens.

M-Medium body. Sharp carbonation. Lightly creamy on the tongue.

O/D-Don't love Marzens. This one is more intense than others I have tried. Sharper and less smooth than others. I enjoy the brashness. Do I like this more than Hacker-Pschorr's Marzen is the question. Both came cheap for a twelve pack. Not bad.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2011 22:59:54 | More by VelvetExtract

KajII

North Carolina

2.9/5  rDev -13.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

[Best served in a Lager glass]

The pour was a medium crystal clear amber/orange with an average sized (1-2 finger) rocky head that dissipated quickly and had poor lacing.

The aroma was kind of sweet with a strong grain malt, a mild floral hop and a sweet moldy scented yeast that had a very mild hint of caramel.
[Best served in a Lager glass]

The taste was malty sweet and mildly acidic in the beginning and finished slightly bitter with a sweet caramel malt flavor and had a mild alcohol tinge at the end, The flavor stuck around for a decent amount of time after the swallow allowing for further enjoyment of the malty sweetness.

Mouthfeel was light in body and mildly dry in texture with a prickly carbonation.

Overall a brew that somewhat is in alignment with the style, although it was a little light in flavor for a typical Märzen.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2011 23:15:33 | More by KajII

Vashtar

Texas

3.53/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer glows.

It smells pretty average. In the bottle, it was almost half as unpleasant as a skunky beer. Out of the bottle the aroma was much better. It smells malty.

I can tell it's made really well. It has a nice balance and a slightly bitter aftertaste.

It has that special Warsteiner grain that floats to the roof of your mouth.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2011 22:26:24 | More by Vashtar

welldigger888

South Carolina

3.03/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured a golden helles type honey golden hue with a nice fluffy white head and descent lacing.

Crisp is what I think of when I bury my nose in the stein. Crisp grainy quality and maltiness, The hops are crisp as well but just not quite what I would prefer. A touch of bitterness, aroma & flavor hopping. Sadly I think that this crystal clear brew cry's for a bit more hopping.

Pleasingly grainy that lay down a nice maltiness that I find enjoyable. Fresh grassy hopping with a touch of bittering.

Medium mouthfeel that is carbonated well.

Well, given it is Oct. 1 this brew fits the bill well. Tis a good example of the clasic style I am sure, but give me the Highland Brewing Octoberfest any day.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2011 21:13:36 | More by welldigger888

biboergosum

Alberta (Canada)

3.15/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A pint from the Oktoberfest line-up at the Old Chicago in Southgate, Michigan, during the twin sensory attack of Tigers and Lions games being played (and rapturously followed) at the same time.

This beer appears a crystal clear medium golden colour, with one finger of soapy, creamy off-white head, which renders a wall of pocked painted lace around the glass in its wake. It smells of bready cracker malt, a bit of yeast, and mild citrusy, earthy hops. The taste is warm bready, grainy malt, mild edgy yeast, leafy, earthy hops, and some metallic alcohol. The carbonation is moderate, the body somehow vibrating, and not quite smooth. It finishes warm and grainy, some weak earthy hops fishing about.

Not crisp enough to engender any desire for more - and too much German lager diesel character to boot...

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2011 22:49:14 | More by biboergosum

xnicknj

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

on tap at brauhaus schmitz in philly during the oktoberfest party

Pours a slightly hazed burnt caramel color with a frothy white head. Retains really nicely, leaving patchy lacing on the glass with plenty of film.

Pretty muted nose, but scents of toasted malts with caramel and toffee are present. Very light hops and sweetness as well.

Toasted malts up front with light layering. Decent pilsner style flavor with some soft citrus. Toffee and bread crust with a light touch of caramel and spice. Finishes clean.

Medium body, higher carbonation, thinner and clean on the tongue. Honestly, this was a pretty boring take on the Marzen, and I struggled to pull the flavors and scents out.

Serving type: on-tap

09-25-2011 00:15:40 | More by xnicknj

jlindros

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +22.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

had on tap at Max's Taphouse Baltimore.

Light fizzy head, crystal clear golden pale color.

Nose light straw malts, toasty malts, hint of creamy malts and light noble hops

Taste nice toasty malts, cracked straw, light sweet malts, light creamy, light noble hop bitterness, nice decoction flavor, light sweet and fruity malt. Finishes dry and crisp, light lager fruit, light noble hop.

Mouth is lighter bodied, decent carb, clean and crisp.

Overall great. Nice malts, straw, toast, dry, clean and crisp, noble hops, just delicious.

Serving type: on-tap

09-23-2011 00:58:49 | More by jlindros

rsdaugherty

Colorado

3.38/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

On-tap into pint glass at Yard House downtown Denver
A - Off-white head settles to a thin layer, clear light brown golden color with moderate to full carbonation, nice caramel color 4
S - mild citrus, caramel malts, florals 3
T - Toasted caramel malt, slightly sweet, orange, moderately bitter finish, lighter than most Oktoberfest brews I've had 3.5
M - Light mouthfeel and body, a bit over carbonated IMO 3
O - A lighter more drinkable Oktoberfest than I'm accustomed to. Moving on to other Oktoberfest brews. 3.5

Serving type: on-tap

09-22-2011 23:00:00 | More by rsdaugherty

IronLover

Pennsylvania

3.43/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Sampled from a bottle - best before May 25, 2012. Golden yellow in color with excellent clarity. Poured with a bubbly, foamy white head that reduced to a sturdy white cap. Light grainy aroma, a bit musty, with an herbal hoppiness. Wet and tangy feel. Bread-like, grain flavors throughout with a hoppy tang in the middle that introduces an herbal hoppiness to the finish. Finishes clean and mellow. This was pretty good, but after tasting quite a few marzens this season, there's a lot more to offer out there.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 23:21:24 | More by IronLover