Spaten Oktoberfest

Although made under a license from the Brewed in Munich every year since 1872, Spaten’s Oktoberfest is considered the world’s oldest version of this style. Balancing spicy floral hops and a rounded toasty malt character, the aroma is at once soothing yet beguiling, inviting the drinker to delve deeper. Tim found the lavender and verbena hop notes a bit higher than expected but felt they were adequately balanced by a hint of sweet, almost candied malt. Digging below the initial aromas, Tim commented on a faintly woody character, adding yet another dimension to the nose. Lee also commented on “an eye opening zap of floral hops” and opined the aroma would benefit from a dash more Munich malt to add some spicy, sweet complexity. Sparklingly clear and lustrous golden amber, this beer is crowned by a magnificent, creamy white head that refuses to recede. As with the nose, this beer displays a masterful balance of hop and malt in the flavor, sporting just enough bitterness to keep the toasty, slightly caramel malt at bay. Rick admired the way the big toasty malt and delicate lemon thyme, verbena hop notes worked together to “provide a superbly balanced whole,” and he especially enjoyed the crisp, drying finish. Whether you celebrate Oktoberfest on the Theresenweise or in the comfort of your own home, Spaten Oktoberfest is not to be missed.