Pre-vacation Oktoberfests

So I'm leaving for a hop-head's haven (So-Cal) on Wed and should probably finish up my Oktoberfest beers before I do..right?  I mean..it's well into November now..'bout time, kid.

Heavy Seas - Mutiny Fleet PROSIT! Imperial Oktoberfestlager  8.0% ABV and somewhere around 25 IBUs  Never seen an Imperial Oktoberfest.. so like anything else I bought it!  American oktoberfests have definitely been heavier and maltier than their traditional German counterparts so I was expecting a more extreme stretch from tradition.  A great amber pour with a huge frothy head with great toasty, bready aromas, hints of light spice, caramel and alcohol.  The taste was for sure imperial, and for sure huge compared to any other Oktoberfest.  But it missed the mark.  Not sure if it was my bottle or a general taste profile, but there was a metallic, oxided, medicinal taste through and through mixed with a strong alcohol bite, akin to shots of vodka.  Doesn't quite seem right for only an 8.0% ABV beer.  The alcohol lessens as it warms, but I can't the off-putting taste.  Everything else was nice, a great traditional, yet beefy, malt profile that doesn't overpower and a little hop finish.

Stoudt's - Oktoberfest   Haven't been let down by their other beer's I've had and am hoping for a solid offering after the let down with the Heavy Seas.  at 4.5% ABV and 24 IBUs this is much more characteristic of it's German Marzen counterparts.  A bit richer pour and hue to this, but the nose is spot on... super faint bready malts and not much more.  A great light taste with a fairly big, crisp hop bite on the finish.  The malt profile is again, true to style with fairly faint, sweet malts..bready, a bit toasty.  A great American interpretation of a German Oktoberfest that's pretty damn true to style with a nice hop kick to set it apart.