When you buy an Oktoberfest beer, you’re actually buying a marzen. It’s a lager, which means it’s stored in colder temperatures while it ages, generally from March (marzen means “March beer”) until it’s ready in September.
We gathered some beer drinkers together to try out two marzens being served at Oktoberfest, Hofbrau Oktoberfest and Leinenkugel Oktoberfest, as well as Iowa-made Oktoberfests from Millstream and Raccoon River Brewing Company.
Overall Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest was the favorite with the panel, but surprisingly Hofbrau, Millstream and Raccoon River all tied for second place.
The Tasters
Andrew Steele, 29
Brooke Nowadzky, 29
Cory McHale, 28
Derek Ban, 26
Joey Patino, 27
Adam Falk, 26
Chris Carotta, 28
Leinenkugel Oktoberfest (winner)
Carotta: Non-descript for a marzen of Oktoberfest. Goes down easy, with just enough flavor to keep my interest.
Steele: Not much of an aroma, hint of biscuit on the nose. Very well balanced with a slight sweetness on the back end. Very good finish.
McHale: Crisp, a little nutty. Light bodied.
Patino: Reminds me of Blonde Fatale. A little hoppy.
Ban: Creamy, with a full flavor. Nice color.
Hofbrau Oktoberfest
Steele: Nose is slightly malty, with a hint of skunk. Slightly earthy with a hint of citrus in the after taste. Light body. Nothing spectacular, very lackluster.
Nowadzky: Skunky. The smell is not appealing. The first drink is good; the rest not so much.
Ban: Bitter, sweet and crisp. Stella-ish.
Falk: Very smooth, without a lot of after taste. Not super malty, almost a little bitter. Easiest to drink, but not a lot to savor.
Millstream Oktoberfest
Nowadzky: A nice fall nutty taste. Good smell. I think we have a winner.
Steele: Poorly balanced and medium bodied. The flavors just kind of hit singly instead of blending well together.
Carotta: Smells a little like dog food. Tastes similar. This was my least favorite from the minute I tried it.
Falk: Pretty hoppy compared to the others. Tastes kind of like a red or amber. My favorite of the four.
Raccoon River Oktoberfest
Carotta: Tastes like a traditional marzen. Nice balance between caramel and noble hops.
Ban: Nice finish with a good after taste. Not too crisp.
Falk: Most malty of the four. A little bit of shock at first that fades. Kind of a dry after taste. A very good beer.
Patino: A green taste/flavor with light caramel. Kind of sweet and sour.
