OAKTOBERFEST ~ BLACK OAK BREWING CO.

Oaktoberfest is a seasonal märzen and the only lager Black Oak makes. Sampled on draught the beer pours a slightly hazy rich copper topped with a generous frothy beige. As the head slowly receded it left lovely lacing before settling to a ring around the glass. The nose contained lots of lightly roasted malts, along with grains, cereal, orchard fruits, and caramel. More subtle notes of grass and nuts were also evident as the beer warmed. The taste was malt forward, with notes of caramel, with a spicy herbal grassy bitterness at the finish. The carbonation is medium, as is the body. This is a really nice example of the style. I look forward to having a few.
Märzen beers are made for Oktoberfest. The beer brewed for this occasion were traditionally lagers brewed in March and allowed to ferment slowly over the summer months.
5% from Etobicoke, Ontario

FARM TABLE MÄRZEN ~ BEAU’S

Beau’s Farm Table Märzen is another in their series of Farm Table beers.  The Farm Table Series are beers made with traditional recipes and work to stay true to their style. 

Sampled from a 600 ml bottle, the beer pours a clear coppery orange colour with a light beige head.  Bready malts, grain, subtle herbals and spice, and a distant caramel make up the aroma.  The taste is much like the nose.  Bready malts begin, followed by a very light caramel and a light  to medium hop bitterness with a soupçon of spice.  It has medium carbonation, a good depth of flavour and a clear, crisp finish.  Much enjoyed!

Märzen is a traditional Oktoberfest lager.  It takes it name from March, the month in which it was traditionally brewed.  A Bavarian Law from the 1500’s decreed that beer only be brewed between September 29^th and April 23^rd.    Märzen was brewed in March to be cellared until late summer, to last until new beer could be brewed.    The last of the bottles were served at Oktoberfest celebrations.

5.5% from Vankleek Hills, Ontario       IBU 30

 

Awards:

*Third Place, Lagers, as Night•Märzen (2014 National Organic Craft Beer Competition)

*3rd Overall, as Night•Märzen (2009 National Organic Brewing Challenge, California, USA)

Malts: Munich, Pilsner, Vienna, Caramunich, Carafoam (All Organic)

Hops: Organic Perle

Yeast: German lager