Craft Beer Review for Samuel Adams OctoberFest by Boston Beer Company

Samuel Adams OctoberFest is a German-style Märzen by the Boston Beer Company that blends caramel, noble hops, and subtle roast.

Samuel Adams OctoberFest is a German-style Märzen that’s brewed by the Boston Beer Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the lager was served in a pilsner glass from a 12 oz. bottle.

Packaging art for the Samuel Adams OctoberFest by Boston Beer Company

What You Need to Know

The Samuel Adams OctoberFest is the Boston Beer Company’s version of the classic brew that was served during the German festival of the same name more than two centuries ago. So how was their take on the Märzen? Let’s get to the review.

Appearance

The Märzen pours a clear copper hue and is topped by an thick cap of densely-packed cream-colored foam. The head shows excellent retention and its reduction leaves behind a smattering of residue and a thin band of foam of around the collar.

Aroma

The aromatics are sweet with caramel and blended with a little baked bread. A little floral hops appears as the beer warms.

Flavor

The palate is led with bready malt and is followed by a mild dose of floral hops and orange marmalade. The tasting then takes a sweet dive into caramel. Underneath it all is a complementary layer of roast malt flavor.

Label art for the Samuel Adams OctoberFest by Boston Beer Company

Mouthfeel

The feel is very smooth with a tangy finish. The body is medium with matching carbonation.

Overall

The beer looks absolutely lovely in the glass. Its aroma isn’t particularly strong but it is pleasant and inviting. The feel is perfect. And the flavor is on point with its malt character and subtle hop balance. Overall, the Samuel Adams OctoberFest is just so easy to drink and about as fine an example of Märzen as you’ll find on this side of the pond.

Recommended Pairings

The Boston Beer Company recommends the following food pairings with their Samuel Adams OctoberFest: appetizers of French onion soup, crab cakes, mac ‘n cheese; mains of sausage, roasted chicken, pot roast; and sweets of crème brûlé, coconut flan, and apple pie.

This craft beer review was posted on November 3, 2019 by David Keith.

Tags: American, Boston Beer Company, Bottled, Central Europe Styles, Malty

Have You Tried the Samuel Adams OctoberFest?

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One thought on “Samuel Adams OctoberFest”

gary says:
October 4, 2021 at 5:14 pm
This beer is not the same as the last few years I have had it ,it don’t have the refreshing hints of pumpkin anymore. and the jack o taste like a pie.It sucks for 2021.
had to throw it out. change it back to old recipe or people wont buy it anymore. you screwed up a good thing!
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