With just a slight dusting of snow on the ground, a fire crackling in the fireplace and a Sunday afternoon full of NFL football, it felt more like the middle of October than January. Picking up a create-your-own six pack on my way back from Minnesota a few weeks ago, this Octoberfest from New Glarus intrigued me enough to make it into my sixer.
The color was a rich orange brown, forcing me to reminisce about those beautiful fall afternoon drives down the tree-lined highways of western Wisconsin. A head that burst and fizzed and popped to a two finger puffy vanilla, snuck quickly away, dissolving into the bulk of the brew. A straight-forward, but pleasant, smell, it was mostly yeast and bits of citrus. A malty undertone was most definitely present as well. The taste was a caramel pop, like no beer I have had. It was sweet, but not candied, malty, but sprightly and refreshing. It literally made me long for an autumn evening, gathered with friends around a bonfire, rather than my family room fireplace. There are toasted grain undertones throughout, and a great mouthfeel, smooth and lingering, without being heavy or dry.
A surprisingly enjoyable beer and a great Octoberfest brew. I can’t wait to get my hands on this next September, instead of three weeks deep into January.