Despite what retailers across the city may have you believe, it is still Summer, which is by no means a suitable time of the year to sit back and enjoy a pumpkin beer. However, those bright and refreshing brews of Summer just don’t seem to fit any longer, especially as the night air arrives with a slight chill and the leaves continue to flutter and lose their verdant hues. What is a person to do in such a time? Is is proper to drink for the Summer, or for the Fall?
Fear not, for there is a beer perfectly suited to guide us all through this yearly transitional phase – the Oktoberfest (also known as Märzen). As the name says, this style of beer is typically served during the celebration of Oktoberfest (held at the end of September). And wouldn’t you know, this happens to fall right in the middle of the Summer beer/Autumn beer crossroads. This year, our friends over at Buckeye Lake Brewery have delivered their Oktoberfest, to guide us through these times of confusion.
Buckeye Lake’s Oktoberfest begins with an aroma that consists of mild breads, specifically wet biscuits and bread crust. Hints of toast arrive next, followed by a gentle touch of brown sugar and caramel sweetness that fades beneath the bread notes. Faint floral notes arise soon after, alongside autumn leaves and light notes of tea. Each breath ends with a touch of crackers, followed by the slightest instance of earth that arises from a slight hop ending. The bouquet is quite crisp, and avoids much in the way of complexity, instead sticking to the roots and delivering a cloud of malt freshness.
On the tongue, bread malts arrive at the first drop, once more consisting of toast, biscuits, and even a slight hint of Grape Nuts. Caramel sweetness seeps in from beneath, as bread crust moves in from the sides, creating a full-bodied maltiness that flows over the palate. In the back, a mild hop spice contributes a touch of earth and a hint of freshness, countering the sweetness of the malts. As the drink continues, raisins (and later apples) arrive beneath the malts, adding the smallest amounts of fruit freshness, and effortlessly sliding in beside the malts. Though each drink does fill the entire mouth, it can feel a bit stretched at times, becoming slightly watered near the end of each drink, especially when it’s at its coldest. But, once it warms a few degrees, all of the flavors slide into perfect position to create a lovely malt-forward herald of Fall.
Buckeye Lake’s Oktoberfest is a tasty transition from the bright zest and shine of Summer brews. An array of malt characteristics creates the feeling of Autumn upon your tongue, while bringing plenty of refreshing flavor. Situated between the huge hops of Summer and the spiced pumpkin of Fall, this Oktoberfest is more than worthy for the passing of the seasons.
