Dead Ringer Oktoberfest is a German-style Märzen Lager brewed by Ballast Point Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the lager was served in a mug from a bottle.
Appearance
Pours a clear, dark amber with an inch-thick head of cream-colored foam that unfortunately has poor retention. As the head collapses around the edges of the glass, it leaves a smattering of residue.
Aroma
Aroma is slight but pleasant with a scent of floral hops, toffee, and nut.
Flavor
Taste exhibits moderate bitterness with notes of floral and herbal hops that transitions to a flavor best described as lemon tea. Finishes somewhat dry with a semisweet flavor of butterscotch. An underlying malt taste of toasty bread ties the palate together.
Mouthfeel
Mouthfeel is crisp with its medium body and ample carbonation. Perhaps a little too peppy in its feel.
Overall
The appearance and feel are slightly askew but this is otherwise a fine representation of an Oktoberfest brew. Palate leans towards the hoppy side at first but the malt becomes more prominent as the beer warms. Regardless, it’s certainly an easy drinker that’s certain to please most tastes.