A taste of… Stoudts Oktober FEST

Stoudts Brewing Co.
Route 272, PO Box 880
Adamstown, Pennsylvania, 19501
United States
(717) 484-4387

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Stoudts Oktober FEST was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is no “Best by…” information posted on either the bottle or the label. This is a seasonal brew for sale in the fall. This tasting is taking place in late January.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Amber honey color and a very active carbonation combine to make a smooth dense head of light brown tiny to small bubbles. The lace is noticeable but not ostentatious.

Aroma: The first aromas are floral with only a hint of grain. The second visit brings out more of the grain aromas but the overall impression is only slightly stimulating. The final nose-dive reveals some light caramel and then…

Mouth feel: Not a Bavarian sized blond but handsome nevertheless.

Flavor: The first flavor is sugar candy sweet with a brown sugar undertone. (A rather shy brew…)The second visit brings a refreshing sensation of cool and grain sweetness. The third sip and I am able to call up memories of the beers of the Schottenhamel tent of the Munich1988 Oktoberfest. However there seems to be a bit less alcohol in this brew.

Finish: Quick and refreshing.

Comments: This bottle has stood well the passage of the last few months… And, finally an Oktoberfest brew without tons of hops. As noted above, I was at the Munich celebration in 1988 and found almost all the festival brews to be slightly sweet and fairly low in alcohol. Then again, just before the Triple-Loop took me for a spin, I am told my last words were “Oh, s*#t!”

Food & Beer: Bratwursts – either steamed or grilled!

The Brewery: http://www.stoudtsbeer.com/brewery.html

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/394/25382

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/stoudts-oktoberfest/6248/