Sunday Funday with Pops and the Pats

Why not invite the pops over to watch the Pats and have a few beers?  He enjoyed good ol Bud heavy, but I managed to have him sample, AND ENJOY, a Phantom Punch Winter Stout by Baxter.  During this time, I decided to have an Octoberfest show-down.  It's December, I know, but it only just started getting really cold here, so Octoberfests are still fine by me!

Saranac - Octoberfest - a 5.4% ABV Marzen.  Shitty glassware, but a solid chestnut brown pour and medium white head.  Sweet caramel and bready malts, faintly hoppy.. very straightforward.  The taste followed suit.  I'd say it was simple, but any Marzen that tries to be over-the-top ends up coming off very strange.  This has the bready malts, touches of caramel and toffee and some earthy/grassy hops, just like any good Marzen should.  The only complaint here is that everything is very muted, almost watered-down.  It's solid, but just a little weak.

- - 6 Hops

Comparing to the New England staple - Samuel Adams - Octoberfest.  Boston Brewing Company's 5.3% ABV 15 IBU Marzen that we go nuts for when it's released.  Seriously.  We effin LOVE Sam Adams Summer, but this will sell out a hundred times quicker due to the smaller release time.  Slightly richer brown pour but a smaller head.   Typical nutty and caramel notes, brown bread and a very nice subtle spice note.  In terms of comparison, the Sam has a much better body.  Bolder caramel and toffee notes, more pronounced nuttiness, smoother taste overall.  Taking points off for an awkward slick feel that coats the tongue near the finish.. the sweetness and a faint earthy hop can't quite overpower this.  Solid Octoberfest, for sure.

- - 7 Hops