Beer of the Week

The beer: Autumn Awaits

The brewery: Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "This true-to-style Märzen is brewed with several heirloom varieties of barley, carefully hopped with Saaz and lagered over 3 months for that intense classic maltiness associated with Märzen. We smell & taste: rich malt, freshly baked black bread, sun-dried raisins & subtle caramel."

Would I buy it again? Elder Pine has gained a reputation for being one of the best breweries in Maryland. Despite being well liked and fairly close, I've never been there, nor have I had one of their beers. They don't have a large circle of distribution outside the DC area. But, here we are with one of their fall seasonal beers, and I can safely say this is one of the best Märzens I've had. Maybe the best. It's just very tasty and malty, with no hint of bitterness. It was a little pricy, but I'd definitely buy this again, and I really do need to get down to the brewery to get a more thorough assessment of their beer.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Fest Bier

Brewed by: Brothers Craft Brewing, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Description (from the website): "Fest Bier perfectly captures the transition into autumn, shifting from the crisp light Lagers of summer to a slightly darker, heartier Lager that is perfect for the changing seasons.  Traditionally brewed to be enjoyed during the long, hard working German harvest season, Fest Bier is the perfect fit for our local community and easily enjoyed by drinkers of all walks of life.  Whether you are hanging on to every last bit of summer or welcoming fall, Fest Bier is the perfect way to celebrate."

Would I buy it again?: It's not bad, but it's way too hoppy for an Oktoberfest-style beer. I prefer a more malty flavor, so I'll pass on looking for this beer again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Festie Oktoberfest Lager

Brewed by: Starr Hill Brewery, Charlottesville, Virginia

Description (from the bottle): "Smooth and malty with a clean finish, this is our tribute to the German tradition of Märzen lagers."

Would I buy it again?: It's that time of year. Fall is upon us, and with it comes fall beers, with all two varieties. Pumpkin beer and Oktoberfest Märzens. We start off with a beer in the Oktoberfest style from Starr Hill. I've enjoyed their beer in the past, and I enjoy Oktoberfest beer. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I enjoyed this. It's pleasantly malty and perfect for a fall afternoon. If I wasn't filled up on fall beer already, I'd definitely consider getting this again.  

Beer of the Week

The beer: Rhino Fest Märzen Lager

Brewed by: Lost Rhino Brewing Company, Ashburn, Virginia

Description (from the website): "A beer designed for the funfair of traditional German culture (which wouldn’t be complete without beer). Our Märzen is an excellent companion to Autumn’s first chill with its full body, malty flavors and a clean, dry finish."

Would I buy it again?: Yeah, I think I would. This particular Märzen is thicker and fuller than most, which is interesting. And the taste is pretty good as well.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Creekfestbier Lager

Brewed by: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, Croydon, Pennsylvania

Description (from the website): "Traditionally brewed in March just before brewing was banned for the Summer, Märzenbiers are malty, smooth, clean, and rich lagers that have a distinctive malt backbone and complexity for a style that can be so understated. Brewed with German Munich and Pilsen malts as well as German Hallertau and Tettnanger hops, this distinctive brew is conditioned at cold lagering temperatures for five months; some things you just can’t rush. This is a true Oktoberfest offering, one that is prominently featured during our Oktoberfest celebration at the brewery, and at 5.2% ABV it’s a crisp, smooth, and easy to drink beer perfect for the chilly Fall nights ahead."

Would I buy it again?: Yes, I would. As I've mentioned, I enjoy Märzen beers a lot. And it's fall, so they're everywhere. It's extremely drinkable and more importantly, it doesn't taste like a pumpkin just punched me in the face. I know pumpkin beers are popular at this time of year, but I appreciate a fall seasonal beer that isn't pumpkin flavored. Also, this was a pint instead of 12 oz, so that's another extremely good reason to buy this one again

Beer of the Week

The beer: 1888 Octoberfest Lager

Brewed by: Saranac Brewery, Utica, New York

Description (from the website): "A medium bodied Copper colored Lager. It’s rich, malty taste is subtly balanced by Saphir and Mt. Hood hops. The beer is aged slowly in the Munich tradition."

Would I buy it again?: Yes, I would. And not just during the fall too, I really like the Märzen/Oktoberfest style of beer, so you don't have to do too much convincing to get me to drink one. Frankly, you'd have to do it very wrong for me not to enjoy it, and they did not.