Weihenstephaner Festbier is a German Märzen that’s brewed by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the lager was served in a mug from a 330 ml bottle.

Packaging art for the Weihenstephaner Festbier by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan

What You Need to Know

The Festbier is a German Märzen that’s rich bodied, hoppy, and brewed especially for the Oktoberfest season. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.

Appearance

The lager pours a clear yellow with a thick cap of bubbly white foam that exhibits poor retention. Ample effervescence is apparent in the glass. A smattering of residue clings to the glass while the head disappears.

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Aroma

The aroma is a bit musty with bready grain that’s blended with floral hops.

Flavor

A malty palate delivers lightly toasted bread and then transitions to a mild bite of noble hops before finishing with a touch spicy with pepper.

Label art for the Weihenstephaner Festbier by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan

Mouthfeel

The lager’s mouthfeel is peppy with a medium-light body and less-than-moderate carbonation. Finishes dryly.

Overall

Weihenstephaner Festbier has that classic taste you come to expect when knocking back brews at Oktoberfest. The malt flavor here comes across a bit like a sweetened pilsner but the noble hops lend some nice support. Ein gutes bier!