More widely acclaimed for exceptional weissbiers, Paulaner delivers a lineup of fine lagers, including its Oktoberfest Bier. Released annually in late summer, this malty, slightly chewy brew’s easy drinking belies a lurking 6 percent ABV. Leading off with a double shot of grainy, cracker-like malt and piquant Noble hops, this beer’s nose bathes the room in a wash of cinnamon toast aromas. Tom enjoyed the beer’s malt forward aroma, praising the warm toasted bread notes and the underlying hop hints of cassia and allspice. Pete found the maltiness a bit too sweet and candy-like and felt it buried the muted hop spiciness. Overall, the aroma struck Pete as “a little flat and lacking complexity.” Paulaner Oktoberfest tends toward the darker side of Festbiers, pouring a dense coppery orange that falls just short of mahogany, and throws a small, short-lived foam collar. Profoundly malty in the front and laden with notes of French toast and caramel, this beer still evinces firm hop bitterness with multiple layers of spicy hop flavors. The caramel notes struck Tim as “dryish and appetizing,” and he felt the bitterness “keeps the malt from beating the palate into submission.” He had high praise for the crisp, refreshing finish. Perhaps a bit hefty to be quaffed by the liter, Paulaner Oktoberfest is still a mainstay of the annual German celebration.