From Bryce Eddings,
Your Guide to Beer.
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What did About's beer tasters think of Paulaner's Oktoberfest?
(Want to join the panel? Check out beer tasting panel information and FAQs.)

Kyle Sanders - 4 out of 5

This is a clear copper-colored beer with a short-lived foamy head, moderate carbonation and a faint aroma of caramel.

The malt flavor of this Octoberfest is much bigger than that with either the Sam Adams or the Spaten and reminds me of caramel. The body is smooth and the hop balance is perfect, leaving a decently long clean finish, but never overpowering or overly bitter. It is thoroughly enjoyable. To me, it has that special something that sets it apart from the others mentioned above and I would recommend it to anyone as a very good example of this style.

I also tried this on tap a few nights ago (and lost my notes), but I do recall it being served too cold and exhibiting off flavors of grape and bubble gum. As it warmed, it improved, but I believe there was a problem with the lines. Out of the bottle, I detected no off flavors or aromas.

James Estes - 3.5 out of 5

On-Tap tasting (experienced at The Yardhouse Kansas City):
Rating = (3 yard glasses)
Aroma: “Grapey” with malt overtones.
Color: Amber / dark copper in color

Paulaner’s Oktoberfest was malty smooth when fresh off the tap and still chilled below its ideal serving temp. of 46 F. The initial aroma (which I like to describe as “grapey”) made me hesitant to taste, but dissipates significantly as the beer warmed. Once a warmer temp., this aroma becomes much more tolerable, and significantly more caramel like, although I’d say it adds nothing to the overall tasting experience of this beer (warm or cold). Paulaner’s Oktoberfest had very little hop character and even lower carbonation levels and head retention. As a result, this beer was quite the opposite of bitter. It should be noted these are not negatives for this style of beer. Additionally, I wouldn’t suggest having this beer to keep warm on a cool fall day, as the alcohol content is low and barely noticeable. Once the beer warms the caramel / malt overtones become very noticeable and you’ll experience a whole new beer, so if you don’t like it at first, let it sit for a bit and give it another shot (after-all, you’ve already paid for it).

Overall this beer seemed slightly above average but nothing I would go out of my way to find / try (fortunately this won’t be an issue, as you will likely be able to find it anywhere good beers are served or sold). Paulaner’s Oktoberfest was Marzen like (which is fine, since they’re in the same category) and it’s that time of year, so look into trying something from this category even if it’s not a Paulaner Oktoberfest.