Hinterland Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest style may not be the Oktoberfest you remember. For two decades now, German brewers have exported a historic version of Oktoberfest to the U.S. The bold, rich, malty, amber Oktoberfest you might remember – that I certainly remember – has long been replaced. The modern German Oktoberfests are light gold, not amber, and filled with a toasty character – not a breadcrust character. This lighter more sessionable beer is what both the BJCP and Brewers Association describe in their guidelines for the Oktoberfest. 

Hinterland's interpretation uses these modern guidelines. The aroma and flavor is filled with rich, grainy, toasted breadcrumb notes  and a clean lager character. The body is a dark gold with a dense, persistent, ivory head. Floral and earthy hops, not present in the aroma, balance the malt sweetness just enough to maintain a medium-sweet finish atop the medium-low body with medium carbonation. A little woody hop note peeks out in the finish as well. 

Like all Oktoberfests, this one is easily sessionable and an excellent way to mark the end of summer.