Smuttlabs Oktoberfest

Smuttlabs Oktoberfest (marzen) pours with a yellow-orange color and a small amount of white head that sits on the top of the beer. There are hints of grain and wheat discernible from the nose of the beer, while one will be immediately impressed with the eminent drinkability of this beer. Smuttynose has hit the mark here, as the resulting Oktoberfest has a good amount of malt, a small hint of alcohol bite, and a distinct lack of the overly-sugary notes that sink a number of Octoberfest/marzen efforts.  Spice (cinnamon, cayenne pepper) add a further zest to the beer, highlighting the toastiness of the malt and cereal elements. The considerable backbone of the Smuttlabs Oktoberfest makes it easy for an individual to finish the bottle with as much gusto as they initially cracked it; there are enough twists and turns present here that each sip will yield a slightly different constellation of flavors.

Smuttlabs’ latest would work perfectly when paired with sausage, strongly-flavored cuisines (curry and stews would be fantastic), beef, and lamb. The bit of hops that make their way into Oktoberfest at points (tiny as they may be) allows the beer to have considerable depth; this Oktoberfest is one of the best expressions of the style that we have ever experienced. Here’s to hoping Smuttynose makes this into a seasonal for 2016 and beyond.

We’ve covered a few Smuttynose efforts in our beer review section over the last few years, including their Imperial Stout, Hayseed, Rhye IPA, ParadoX, Really Old Dog,Durty, Kindest Find and Bouncy House. The brewery’s website is perfect for anyone that wishes to learn more about their year-round releases, limited-release Smuttlabs efforts, and other highlights from this timeless brewery.

Rating: 8.8/10

Smuttlabs Oktoberfest / 6.2% ABV / 22.9 ounces / https://smuttynose.com / https://www.facebook.com/Smuttynose  / https://twitter.com/smuttynosebeer /