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

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

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

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

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

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

ummswimmin

New Jersey

3.13/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

I thought this was a pretty good pick with pizza. I was right. This is a very easy to drink beer.

I poured a 12 ounce bottle into a pilsner glass. It was a very golden color with two fingers of head. It was a little light for a marzen.

There wasn't much of a nose on this beer. I got some minimal grain notes, but not much else than that. It was pretty clean.

This is a drinkable beer. There isn't any remarkable notes, but it worked well with the pizza.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2011 22:26:13 | More by ummswimmin

bump8628

Oklahoma

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

Dark gold, clean white film of bubbles. Somewhat hoppier than expected with an earthy spice flavor mingled with damp grain, rather musky as it goes along. Not at all Maerzen like, more like a Dortmunder Export. This is at the bottom of the list of the many Oktoberfests that hit the shelves this time of year.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2011 23:02:19 | More by bump8628

nukem5

Pennsylvania

2.73/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Great looking pour into my tall Warsteiner glass just waching the foam slide down my glass.

S: Not much in the smell department but do detect some light malt and very slight hop notes.

T: Sweet and malty with a little bitter finish.

M: Medium bodied and slightly chewy almost flat.

O: An ok beer not really in my taste range but maybe drink it again on tap to see the difference.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2011 03:18:43 | More by nukem5

chodinheaven

Maryland

2.73/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Clear yellow-gold color that shines nicely under a very healthy and bubbly white head. Lacing is present. The smell of caramel malts is masked by a less pleasant aroma of an adjunct lager and corn.

The taste is subtly sugary from a slight caramel maltiness that tries to become the character of this beer but fails as it is overpowered by the starchy corn additive. Neither flavor really jumps out at you though and the sugary taste is more like Splenda. I'm not very imopressed with this beer overall. Every facet of flavors in an Oktoberfest style beer were underwhelming in this one. I probably won't buy this one again.

Edit: I will buy this one again in the fall just to see if its freshness had anything to do with my negative tasting. I don't have high hopes though

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2011 22:29:59 | More by chodinheaven

tjsdomer2

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev +19.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: This is the palest Oktoberfest beer I've seen. Golden with decent foam and good carbonation. Overall this is a solid appearance.

Smell: Pretty strong in my opinion. Spicy, peppery, floral, citrusy hops all combined. Packs a decent punch.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Good hop combination, like with the smell. Also a pretty decent mouthfeel as well. Well-carbonated and enjoyable, but not amazing. Good thickness in my opinion.

Drinkability: The crispness makes this nice.

Overall: It's actually been a while since I had this so I am doing this largely from memory. Very different from other beers in this style. Maybe this is a more accurate representation of the style?

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2010 02:06:00 | More by tjsdomer2

gestyr

Pennsylvania

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

A: Pours a deep gold into the glass and has about 1 finger of head that fades fast.

S: Very slight aroma of fruit (apple maybe?) slightly malty.

T: Initially sharply bitter followed by a slight sweetness and then clean malt.

M: Medium. Not very heavily carbonated.

D: Would be refreshing on a hot day.

Overall, I was disappointed. This is not what I expected for the style. It isn't bad, just average.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2010 00:53:35 | More by gestyr

curasowa

New York

2.95/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Time to get into the fall spirit with some nice fest beers. This one pours a golden yellow with 1 finger of head that fades to a thin cap with chunky lacing. The aroma is very sharp and crisp, with hints of lemon and a slight yeastiness. The taste starts out thin and bland, with a lot of carbonation and an unpleasant bitterness. Some hints of sweetness in the middle before a fast, fairly clean finish. Nothing too special about this beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2010 00:00:50 | More by curasowa

Yojimbo1941

Wisconsin

3.55/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle into a 10oz glass at Old Chicago.

A - looks nice, dark straw color with nice, white head. Doesn't look like an Oktoberfest beer.

S - golden apples, light malt, pretty light

T - spiced fall apples, some bread and biscuit, not much else

M - medium, not too carbonated

D - it's not bad, I could drink this for a while but it certainly does not fit the profile of beer that I thought I was drinking

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2010 17:35:36 | More by Yojimbo1941

yankiac

Maryland

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

A - Slightly darker than the verum with a copper tone.

S - Earthy with a bit of a malt character

T - Not much different than the Verum. Slightly more malty but with a similar hop character.

M - A light body with light carbonation

D - It wouldn't be hard to throw back a couple

Notes: Really doesn't deviate much from the Verum. It tastes alright, but not a great Oktoberfest.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2010 16:41:14 | More by yankiac