The Time of the Season

[steveh]

Well, almost anyway...

This past Tuesday was just a little south of enjoyable at work. Deadlines were raining fire like a volcano gone mad, project managers were testing the limits of my congeniality (and then they wonder why I growl the next time they darken my office door).

Heading out, after 10 hours alternating in front of the computer screen or at the drawing table, my head felt full of Jell-O™ pudding. I still had to fill up the gas tank in my car and try to download some odd program on my dad's computer, both daunting tasks in and of themselves - let alone standing in the way of decompressing with a beer on my couch. All tasks completed, I made a bee-line for the local paint store.

Wandering down the short aisle to the cooler of sixers and 12 packs, I saw all of the usual suspects, except Spaten Premium. "You guys not carrying Spaten 12 packs any more?" I queried Big Barry, one of the rotating register captains. "I think I got one there in back of the cooler for ya." He answered, always the jovial type.

Waiting patiently, or maybe just dazedly after the long day, just beyond the entrance to the cooler, I looked up as Barry emerged with the bulky 12 pack, "It's the OK-toberfest..?" He half questioned in his faint southern drawl. I shrugged my shoulders, suddenly feigning nonchalance over the prospect of the first sighting of my favorite all time beer. Remain calm - don't show excitement, they can smell fear... Maybe I was afraid he'd say, "Just joking, we're not supposed to sell that until September, you'll have to settle for Little Kings tonight."

The paint store is short blocks from home, so there was no need to chance a speeding ticket, or jostle the 12, newly imported, Bavarian bottles in the back seat. In the door, glance at the mail, check the answering machine, find the great half-liter Spaten Oktoberfest (2001?) glass - clean? Whew.

Deep, copper bronze color, thick off-white, pillowy head, malty mellanoidin nose with faint hops mingling with caramel. Sweet, smooth, lightly toasty, delicious malt flavor - how fast can I drink this down?

Maybe it was the effects of the day, maybe it was that first taste of an old favorite seasonal? Can't say - but it was downright wonderful. Not as light as the typical Munich Helles, not as heavy and chewy as a Bock, or thick and chocolatey as a Munich Dunkel - or roasty as a Schwartzbier...but just right - right in the comfortable mid-range of satisfying malt in a refreshing glass-full. ESB's Bavarian cousin, without the (sometimes) distracting fruit esters and bitter hop finish. Oktoberfest Märzen, thou art uplifting, thou art renewal, thou art life!

It's too early in the season, as far as I'm concerned, to be expecting Oktoberfest on the shelves. But I'm not going to dicker at the chance at the first crack at the first Oktoberfest of the year! Now the question raises, how good will the rest of the players be? The anticipation is almost overwhelming!

S.

[threecb]

Nice narrative!

I've had a hell-week myself, but 1/2 day Summer Friday is here. I'll be out of work by 11:30, and around noon I'll be at the Harvest Moon for a quick bite and a pint or two to start the weekend.

I'm going to try to be patient and wait a couple weeks before seeking out some O-fest. But then again, it's a bit cool this morning and the weekend calls for breezy 70's temperatures. It might get me in the mood for a hunt!

[hops99]

Didn't Spaten used to brew and distribute their O-Fest year round in the past? For some reason, I think I've heard that somewhere.

In any event, it's still one of my favorites.

[steveh]

Originally posted by hops99
Didn't Spaten used to brew and distribute their O-Fest year round in the past? For some reason, I think I've heard that somewhere.

Not Spaten. Hacker-Pschorr did it for a while here in the U.S., but I don't think it sold. People seem to want their Okto at fest time. Funny thing is, most of those buying the style are pretty clueless. They don't buy from mid-September to early October, when the actual fest takes place. They buy only in Oktober, then stop. Though, it's great because then all of the Okto goes on sale because the stores can't sell it!

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by threecb
Nice narrative!

Thanks. Write what you know, right? ;)

S.

[wortchillergoal]

I feel bad for you steveh. I had a bad week too. I was on the beaches of St. Augustine and drinking a well done hefe at A1A.

I was being some what rude I guess. We all have those days you so eloquently brought to life through written words. I am glad that your dfay ended on such a high beer note. I got back to Syr. to find Oct. temps. I think I will start looking for O-fest beers.

I hope the next couple of days are better for you.

[I'mRocketMan]

I'm with you, Steve! That O-fest is great!! I was in Darmstadt a couple of Octobers ago.... The Darmstadter Marzen was excellent!! I'm ready to brew a Marzen!!

Cheers! Rocket

[newportstorm]

I look forward to fall brews every year but don't want to rush them. I just hate seeing Sam Adams OFest on tap in the dog days of mid-August. Not to mention that last year's Sam left a lot to be desired, imo.

Some faves I'll be enjoying come September:
-Newport Storm Regenschauer Ofest - esp. the $5 growler fills - hell yeah!
-Paper City Summit House Ofest
-Lowenbrau Ofest - always had a soft spot for the 5L minikegs, perfect for an afternoon of football
-Smuttynose will forgo their Ofest this year and introduce a new Doppelbock - always look forward to a new Smutty brew
-Any local brewpub marzen is worth a shot

Prost!

[Beaver]

Great review...thanks Steve! :)

[threecb]

Originally posted by newportstorm
-Smuttynose will forgo their Ofest this year and introduce a new Doppelbock - always look forward to a new Smutty brew


Nice to know!

"Make mine a Smutty!"

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by threecb
Nice to know!

"Make mine a Smutty!"

Tentative release dates for the Big Beer Series:

BIG A I.P.A. - 6/15/2004 & 3/1/2005
Scotch Ale - 8/1/2004
Double Bock - 10/1/2004
Barley Wine - 12/1/2004
Wheat wine - 2/1/2005
Begian Style Trippel - 6/1/2005

They said they were going to shuffle the Big Beers around as they have lots of styles they'd like to try out (note: No Impy Stout next winter). Also, the Pumpkin Ale, which was a great fall beer last year, will return as well.

Cheers!

[fretlessman71]

Man, you guys have me wistfully wishing it was fall, now.... nice crisp sunny mornings, sunlight catching the yellowing leaves, the aspen turning in the mountains, watching a good college football game and drinking fantastic beer with nothing else to do all day.... I'm just going to have to play the lottery to be able to afford all the beer drinking I want to do! ;)

[Beaver]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Man, you guys have me wistfully wishing it was fall, now.... nice crisp sunny mornings, sunlight catching the yellowing leaves, the aspen turning in the mountains, watching a good college football game and drinking fantastic beer with nothing else to do all day.... I'm just going to have to play the lottery to be able to afford all the beer drinking I want to do! ;)

Sounds good! College football, cooler weather and good beer!

[studentofbeer]

is this the ur-märzen? if so, just picked up a sixer myself (hope the green bottles don't spoil it).

[threecb]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Also, the Pumpkin Ale, which was a great fall beer last year, will return as well.

Cheers!

Good to know that'll be back. My wife was diggin' it last year.
Also, thanks for the big beer release info. Some interesting stuff. I just picked up the recent Big A (last release i LOVED), but haven't had it yet.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by threecb
Good to know that'll be back. My wife was diggin' it last year.
Also, thanks for the big beer release info. Some interesting stuff. I just picked up the recent Big A (last release i LOVED), but haven't had it yet.

I heard this Big A is even bigger than last year. Although, I haven't seen the brewer's notes posted on the Smutty site (I'm sure they are very busy). I've had one bomber of the new Big A so far - schweeet!

Also, not sure if I posted this already, but if you are a Smutty fan, they might be moving to new/bigger digs in the future. Read about it here:

http://www.smuttynose.com/smutty.html.pages/newmarket.html

Cheers!

[Beaver]

Originally posted by newportstorm
I heard this Big A is even bigger than last year. Although, I haven't seen the brewer's notes posted on the Smutty site (I'm sure they are very busy). I've had one bomber of the new Big A so far - schweeet!

Also, not sure if I posted this already, but if you are a Smutty fan, they might be moving to new/bigger digs in the future. Read about it here:

http://www.smuttynose.com/smutty.html.pages/newmarket.html

Cheers!

I've heard good things about their beer and would like to try it sometime. Hopefully they expand their distribution with the brewery expansion.

[steveh]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
is this the ur-märzen? if so, just picked up a sixer myself (hope the green bottles don't spoil it).

Yes - I picked up a 12 pack, at a store that I knew had no leftovers from last year... Got my fingers crossed for you!

S.

[BluesHarp]

...must be the phase of the moon; my week as hell as well, every couple of hours some test system was going "Exorcist"; orders for equipment were getting lost in fax machines, and to top it off, my boss, after giving us a very condescending lecture on "cost versus benefit", "fiscal responsibility",and telling us money will be tighter this year; goes on vacation for two days while he is getting new carpeting installed in his office..aaarrrggghhhhhh!!!!


While I wasn't lucky enough to get to respite Steve found...I am enjoying a SN Summerfest ,which will be followed by a Capital Fest and a New Glarus Hop Hearty IPA (or several...)

I did, however, manage to get a taste of Capital's Oktoberfest beer two weeks ago at a brewfest; it had only been bottled a couple days before...mmmmmmmm!

BTW...any of you Southern WI, Northern IL guys - Great Dane Brewery in Fitchberg is currently serving both a cask IPA and a cask porter from the Firkin...both are outstanding!!

[chazwicke]

I'm sorry some of you had bad days or weeks. It rarely happens to me. But finding an old friend at the paint store usually changes those beat down feelings. While I'm not quite ready for summer to be over ( I still hate those back to school ads even though I've been done with school for 20 something years), I will be ready for the o fests about the middle of next month.

[BluesHarp]

ah, Chaz...the back to school ads are bad enough, but how about the Christmas in July ads??? Those nearly drive me insane!!!

I have such mixed feelings this time of year...as much as I love the fall colors, football, and autumn beers; I feel somewhat saddened by the realization that our all-too-short northern summer is nearing it's end.

It seemed this year it never warmed up (or dried out) until July...and now it is already a week away from mid August; in fact, the last couple mornings had a definite autumn nip to them, upper forties when I left for work.

But enough of this unmanly whimpering, dammit!!!
There are plenty of warm days and beer fests to come! I believe I will have another beer!!! :cool:

[chazwicke]

Me too. I'm popping a Bluebird.

[fretlessman71]

I just finished a schwarzbier with my chili... does that count?

That's all I get tonight; I'm off to a gig, and drunken bassists are about as palatable as an off-key karaoke queen... ;)

[Jinja]

Okay, I may be smoking the crack, but I am pretty sure I can get Spaten Oktoberfest year-round here in the SF Bay Area at Beverages & More (Bevmo).

Jinja Out

[steveh]

Originally posted by Jinja
Okay, I may be smoking the crack, but I am pretty sure I can get Spaten Oktoberfest year-round here in the SF Bay Area at Beverages & More (Bevmo).

I'd check the dates on the 12 packs (not sure what the sixers have for dates), it's been a pretty common tradition to release Oktoberfest (import or micro) annually in September (not sure how my store received it early - since it appears to be the only 12 they've received so far).

As I'd said before, Hacker-Pschorr tried distributing their Okto Märzen year round for a while, but it didn't really go over - just checking availability of Oktos at Beer Advocate and Spaten, Paulaner, Hofbräu, Augustiner, and Löwenbräu are listed as Fall Seasonal, H-P is still listed as Year Round.

Considering that some of the H-P and Paulaner I found last year was past the date on the label, and tasted it, I'd be wary.

S.

[studentofbeer]

my notes on the spaten o-fest beer i bought recently:

The beer poured a wonderfully clear copper color with a slightly off-white head. The nose was full of grain and sweet malt, with a touch of toastiness and a hint of nutmeg spice.

The beer itself has a very crisp, clean and rather straightforward flavor. The beer hints at being sweet, but leaves off more bready. There's a toastyness that reminds me of the nutmeg. I found a slight note of alcohol in the slightly bitter, crisp finish. The beer has a medium-bodied, tight mouthfeel with a healthy dose of carbonation, both of which add to the pinpoint focus of the beer.

I'm still not as well versed in lagers as I think I am in ales, but this was an excellent beer. I need to get some new words because lagers always make me think round, like the flavors sort of all swirl around and combine to a very subtle, full flavor.

[steveh]

Once again, I've been duped and made a dope (hey, it's only the second time...this week) - I finally got to talk with the owner of my corner paint store to ask what was up with only one 12 pack of Spaten coming in (I couldn't decypher the dating code on the carton)?

Well, it appears that 12 had been buried in the cooler since last Oktoberfest season! Yow!

A few lessons here; First, never get overly excited that the season may be being rushed. It probably isn't. Second, the freshness of the beer in that 12 is a damn fine testiment to both the sealed carton on green bottles, and the practice of keeping beer cold. 6% ABV didn't hurt either, but this beer ain't no Doppelbock.

And lastly, and I don't know what sort of minor miracle to place this under, but why was I the one chosen by the fickel finger of fate to walk in and ask about Spaten - nearly a year later - just after that 12 had been unearthed from its dark corner (probably buried under Bud and Miller cases, I'm sure) - on a day when I so sorely needed just that sort of pick-me-up? Beer gods smiling on me?

I will say that I drank and shared that 12 pack with gusto, something I probably wouldn't have done had I known it was a one-of-a-kind, at least for a little while longer. Lesson there is that this stuff is brewed to drink, just like a sports car is made to drive. Jump in with both feet, no hesitation.

And now, without further interruption, we return to our regularly scheduled season, still in progress. September is closer than it looks!

S.

[MeridianFC]

I love Oktoberfest bier. I anxiously await it every season. I have to say I prefer the Paulaner to the Spaten, but that's just me. I used to love the Hacker-Pschorr as it was the first Festbier I ever had. IIRC Paulaner owns H-P and they share the same brewmaster, though they are made in separate facilities with unique recipes.

Ayinger makes a Fest Marzen, to cover both the spring and fall seasonal category. I'm pretty sure it's a year round thing.

There's something about the malty goodness of a good Oktoberfest that just says "fall".

[steveh]

Originally posted by MeridianFC
I love Oktoberfest bier. I anxiously await it every season. I have to say I prefer the Paulaner to the Spaten, but that's just me.

Yeah, I bet you like Fords too.. ;)

I've noticed that all of the Munich Oktos are subtly different each year from the last - at least it seems that way. Could be the result of a year away from the style.

I used to love the Hacker-Pschorr as it was the first Festbier I ever had. IIRC Paulaner owns H-P and they share the same brewmaster, though they are made in separate facilities with unique recipes.

Yes, Paulaner owns H-P now, just as Spaten owns Löwenbräu. Takeovers, even within the takeovers. I hadn't heard about Paulaner and H-P sharing the same brewmaster, however.

Ayinger makes a Fest Marzen, to cover both the spring and fall seasonal category. I'm pretty sure it's a year round thing.

I wasn't terribly thrilled with their offering last year, it didn't seem much like an Okto, or even like the light Festbiers being served at the Wies'n these days (Löwenbräu and Hofbräu sell examples of this style in the U.S. as their Oktos - I've seen both styles available from Paulaner in bottles and cans in Munich).

There's something about the malty goodness of a good Oktoberfest that just says "fall".

Sure makes saying good bye to the Summer a little easier!

S.

[Beaver]

We had a block party this weekend and I was surprised to see some people with Paulaner O-fest. Is that a year round (or year old - sorry, Steve!)

[steveh]

No need to be sorry for me - that Spaten was kept pretty fresh!

Unless the Paulaner is out in your area already...(haven't seen it around N. IL) I'd say your neighbors had some old stuff. Last year Paulaner and H-P had pretty easily-read expiration dates on the labels. You didn't happen to look, did you?

I was picking up both old and new Paulaner Okto last year, unaware. I'd open one bottle and take a drink, then another and it would be completely different. Hmm.

S.

[steveh]

Hey Beaver, I just remembered that Paulaner's U.S. offices are based in (or near) Denver - could be that the Rocky Mountains have an early jump on the Oktoberfest.

S.

[steveh]

Hacker-Pschorr's web site lists their Oktoberfest Märzen as a Seasonal Special. And I'm not too sure why paulaner.com doesn't go through any more. Their German site has an English thread, but the site's pretty buggy - the link to the "Large Variety of Paulaner Beer Specialties" doesn't work at all. :/ I hope this isn't some bad sign for Paulaner.

S.

[Beaver]

Originally posted by steveh
No need to be sorry for me - that Spaten was kept pretty fresh!

Unless the Paulaner is out in your area already...(haven't seen it around N. IL) I'd say your neighbors had some old stuff. Last year Paulaner and H-P had pretty easily-read expiration dates on the labels. You didn't happen to look, did you?

I was picking up both old and new Paulaner Okto last year, unaware. I'd open one bottle and take a drink, then another and it would be completely different. Hmm.

S.

Nope, I didn't have a chance to take a peek.

[Beaver]

Originally posted by steveh
Hey Beaver, I just remembered that Paulaner's U.S. offices are based in (or near) Denver - could be that the Rocky Mountains have an early jump on the Oktoberfest.

S.


Very interesting!

[BluesHarp]

...OK...

tonight at my paint store -

Capital Oktoberfest
Lakefront Oktoberfest
New Glarus Staghorn Oktoberfest

...it is that time...

[Beaver]

Here's Avery's newest brew:

Avery's Latest Creation!

His Reign Begins August 16th! The Kaiser - Imperial Oktoberfest is the latest offering by Avery Brewing Co. We took all that is good in a traditional oktoberfest - big malty backbone, gorgeous copper sheen and spicy, floral noble hops - then intensified each into this....an Imperial Oktoberfest. 9.3% a.b.v.

Stricly limited edition, get it while you can!

[steveh]

Originally posted by Beaver
Avery's Latest Creation!

The Kaiser - Imperial Oktoberfest

Oh, no, no, no...

This really is getting way out of hand. 9.3 puts it in Doppelbock range, and it's the same ingredients - and Oktoberfest isn't supposed to have any hop aroma - 0 x 2 = 0.

So, this is a dry-hopped Doppelbock? Please.

S.

[Beaver]

Originally posted by steveh
Oh, no, no, no...

This really is getting way out of hand. 9.3 puts it in Doppelbock range, and it's the same ingredients - and Oktoberfest isn't supposed to have any hop aroma - 0 x 2 = 0.

So, this is a dry-hopped Doppelbock? Please.

S.

I figured you would like that one, Steve. :D

[steveh]

Originally posted by Beaver
I figured you would like that one, Steve.

Or not. :/

S.

[Beaver]

Originally posted by steveh
Or not. :/

S.

You just need to expand your horizons, like you are imploring others to do with lagers. :p

[fretlessman71]

And if that one isn't good enough for you, how about......

North Coast's Young Rasputin - a light imperial stout! :D

[steveh]

Originally posted by Beaver
You just need to expand your horizons, like you are imploring others to do with lagers.

It's a Doppelbock - I've had my share (and probably yours) of Doppelbock.

The question is not one of trying something new, it's a question of trying to reinvent the wheel, for the sake of silly marketing! :rolleyes:

S.

Sorry, I'm not really as vehement about this as I may seem, I just think it's stupid. The beer style is already out there, call it what it is.

[Beaver]

Originally posted by steveh
It's a Doppelbock - I've had my share (and probably yours) of Doppelbock.

The question is not one of trying something new, it's a question of trying to reinvent the wheel, for the sake of silly marketing! :rolleyes:

S.

Sorry, I'm not really as vehement about this as I may seem, I just think it's stupid. The beer style is already out there, call it what it is.

I'm just joshing with ya Steve. I think the whole imperial thing is pretty funny as well. But it and barrel aging seem to be the new IN things.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Beaver
I'm just joshing with ya Steve. I think the whole imperial thing is pretty funny as well. But it and barrel aging seem to be the new IN things.

Oh, I know you are - and I'm not shooting the messenger either. The IIPAs are interesting, but enough is enough when it comes to "imperial-for-imperial's sake."

Now, the barrel aging stuff is nice. However, a chardonnay barrel? Hmm.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Maybe I'll send you one so you can judge for yourself, eh? :)

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Maybe I'll send you one so you can judge for yourself, eh?

I'd love to rip it to...uh, I mean - evaluate this "new" progression in the brewing world! ;)

S.

Okay guys, before anyone can swipe the idea...I think an Imperial Kölsch is next in line! Wonder what an Imperial Lite might taste like? Blech.

[fretlessman71]

Did you see my post above regarding North Coast? ;)

[Stodbrew]

It's funny you mention that. I just brewed and Imperial low-carb light lager for the pub. :D

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Did you see my post above regarding North Coast?

Yeah, but wouldn't that just be a dry stout? :P

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Stodbrew
It's funny you mention that. I just brewed and Imperial low-carb light lager for the pub. :D

Oh, you did not! What would make it Imperial? Twice the water? :/

S.

[threecb]

Originally posted by steveh
Oh, you did not! What would make it Imperial? Twice the water? :/

S.

ROTFLMAO!

[Stodbrew]

Originally posted by steveh
Oh, you did not! What would make it Imperial? Twice the water? :/

S.


Oh, I most certainly did! It's selling like crazy! Actually, it's just a 20 oz. glass of water. :p

[fretlessman71]

How long did you lager it? ;)

[steveh]

Originally posted by Stodbrew
Oh, I most certainly did! It's selling like crazy! Actually, it's just a 20 oz. glass of water. :p

SEE! I knew it! Twice the water, all of the flavor. Of Miller (or Coors, or Bud) Lite.

Probably with a lemon too. :/

S.

[Stodbrew]

But its got me thinking....









ok, maybe not.

[Stodbrew]

Originally posted by steveh
SEE! I knew it! Twice the water, all of the flavor. Of Miller (or Coors, or Bud) Lite.

Probably with a lemon too. :/

S.


It actually has more flavor!

[fretlessman71]

It's the only brew I'D toss a lemon into, that's for sure! :D

[steveh]

Originally posted by Stodbrew
It actually has more flavor!

Yeah, with the lemon! Otherwise it's identical. ;)

S.

[danno]

When I ever get out to Stoddard's I'm ordering an Imperial Diet Coke...

[fretlessman71]

....in an Imperial Pint glass to boot? :D

[Stodbrew]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
....in an Imperial Pint glass to boot? :D


Naturally!

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by steveh
It's a Doppelbock - I've had my share (and probably yours) of Doppelbock.

The question is not one of trying something new, it's a question of trying to reinvent the wheel, for the sake of silly marketing!
S.

Sorry, I'm not really as vehement about this as I may seem, I just think it's stupid. The beer style is already out there, call it what it is.

...easy there, big guy!!! :D

Having tried all of Avery's beers, and found few that I didn't enjoy thoroughly, I know I will try to score some of this.

I will agree with your analysis, but if it holds true to the quality of their other offerings, I don't care if they call it Thelma!

As long as they never utter "light" (or lite) or "low carb"...it's all good!

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by steveh
Wonder what an Imperial Lite might taste like? Blech.

...it's called Highlife...and, yes, blech...;)

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
....in an Imperial Pint glass to boot?

Wait, a pint glass - or a boot? And if the boot, .3, .5, 1.0, or 2.0 liter?

I don't think I'd like Coke out of a boot, especially when you get that last wave from the toe, could get awfully sticky awfully fast! ;)

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by BluesHarp
...if it holds true to the quality of their other offerings, I don't care if they call it Thelma!

Oh, they can name it whatever they want (i.e. The Kaiser), just don't false categorize it just for the sake of sales - especially when all you're promoting is the ABV.

I just feel like Jon Lovitz has taken over as marketing guru for micros anymore, "Yeh - that's right, it's an imperial beer, yeh - it's new, and high octane, you have to have it!" Whooah, dude - cool! :rolleyes:

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by BluesHarp
...it's called Highlife...and, yes, blech...;)

Hah. But, it's the Champagne of Bottled Beer!

S.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh

but enough is enough when it comes to "imperial-for-imperial's sake."

S.

Here Here!!! I concur.

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by steveh
Hah. But, it's the Champagne of Bottled Beer!

S.

...champagne and beer have a lot in common; people throw a bottle of Andre dry or Cold Duck at you and tell it's damn fine stuff!

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by steveh
Oh, they can name it whatever they want (i.e. The Kaiser), just don't false categorize it just for the sake of sales - especially when all you're promoting is the ABV.

I just feel like Jon Lovitz has taken over as marketing guru for micros anymore, "Yeh - that's right, it's an imperial beer, yeh - it's new, and high octane, you have to have it!" Whooah, dude - cool!

S.

I understand your point; and what's funny is this is the kind of thing that usually sets me off as well, but for some reason, it doesn't.

I guess I'm just burned out at ranting about low-carb this and low-carb that and boycotting McDonald's ( no, I'm not "lovin' it"); I just don't have any fight left in me.

So if I see this stuff at my paint store, I will most likely try a bottle...and I hope it is the most flavorful dopplebock I've ever tasted! ;)

BTW...I'm having a Capital Oktoberfest as I type, and will follow with a Lakefront O'fest.....mmmmmmmmmm!!!

[steveh]

Originally posted by BluesHarp
BTW...I'm having a Capital Oktoberfest as I type

My local had Capital Okto on the shelf Saturday. Hmm, I have to say I'm a little less than impressed this year, the smooth maltiness seems a bit lackluster. I hope the distributor didn't sell him old stock. I'll try to give it the full eval tonight.

S.

[MeridianFC]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Here Here!!! I concur.

I second the emotion.

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by steveh
My local had Capital Okto on the shelf Saturday. Hmm, I have to say I'm a little less than impressed this year, the smooth maltiness seems a bit lackluster. I hope the distributor didn't sell him old stock. I'll try to give it the full eval tonight.

S.

I actually prefer the Lakefront this year; I know the Capital O'fest was just bottled three weeks ago, so if you have any doubts on the freshness, there shouldn't be any gray area...it's old or it's NOT.

[steveh]

I understand, unfortunately Capital doesn't date its sixers or bottles - and our local distributor is notoriously inept. There's no telling whether he may have found a case of last year's on the floor when my paint store purveyor ordered up for this season.

I'm off to sample it now!

S.

[fretlessman71]

...and for the record, steveh went off to sample that beer FIVE HOURS AGO and hasn't been heard from since. Could it have been that bad......? ;)

[steveh]

No, I just don't have a computer at home! ;)

S.

[chazwicke]

You are probably fortunate not to have one at home. I have my office computer, My home computer and a wireless laptop for the beach. Call me an addict.