The Bottom Line
I make it no secret that Oktoberfest is one of my favorite styles. For the first time this year, Beck's Oktoberfest style is available nationwide in the US.
Pros
- Very nice, hoppy brew
- Dangerously drinkable
Cons
- Almost too hoppy for the style but not at all unpleasently so
- Poor head retention
Description
- Rich, roasted malt flavor
- Hoppier than usual version of Oktoberfest
- Seasonal release; only available in September and October
Guide Review - Tasting Notes and Review of Beck's Oktoberfest
Beck's Oktoberfest is clear and bronze colored. The light brown head is thick and rocky but it doesn't last long. Its aroma is malty sweet with hints of apple and roasted nuts. From the nose I was afraid that this beer would be too sweet but it is certainly not. In fact, though the overall flavor profile is subdued, hops is definitely the defining characteristic of this beer. There is some nice malty character to the flavor with some of the roasted notes characteristic to the style. But these quickly give way to the hops which leave a lingering bitterness on the tongue.Fans of the style will recognize that Beck's is almost too hoppy. Oktoberfest is usually delicately balanced but this one leans heavily towards hops. But that doesn't mean it's an unpleasant beer. Quite the contrary. Other interpretations of Oktoberfest that lean in the other direction quickly become cloying whereas Beck's remains delightfully drinkable.
