This review was imported from my RateBeer ratings.

08/27/2024
I was enjoying one of these on the porch, yesterday, and noticed that I had reviewed it a few years ago. As I was reading through my review, I found that I may have been a little harsh with my scoring, or perhaps the beer actually has improved over the years. Either way, I felt like it was probably appropriate to update my evaluation. Immediately below, are just the categories that I've decided to update for this year's evaluation. If a category isn't listed then that is because it is the same as my original evaluation. In which case, you can just reference my 2020 review, which appears at the bottom.

11.2 oz bottle
5.8% ABV
Enjoy best before: 04.2025
$11.79 6-pk @ Publix

TASTE: The front-end has is slightly sweet with a bit of an alcohol "tinge" that gives it a bit of a crispness. The back-end has a touch of bitterness. Moderate flavors of caramel followed by mild flavors of malt and biscuit. Tasty but the flavors could be amped up a bit more. Although, I will say that the caramel flavor does increase as the beer gets warmer. However, none of the other flavors seem to increase at all.

MOUTHFEEL: Medium-bodied with a slightly rough texture and average carbonation. Finish is medium and slightly bitter with a mild amount of astringency.

OVERALL: The aroma is heavenly and promises big, sweet flavors. However, the flavor doesn't quite own up to that promise, and instead, it falls a little short. In general, this is a perfectly fine beer which I will be happy to partake of in the future. I just wish that there was a tad more sweetness in order to better match the aroma.

NOTE: After a little experimentation, I found that 65F degrees was the perfect temp for getting the maximum amount of flavor out of the beer, while still being a "cool" drink. It also seemed to help to add a little smoothness to the texture.

For comparison purposes, my original review from 09/20/2020 is below, along with the rating I gave it in each category.

11.2 oz. bottle

AROMA (8/10): Very sweet and enticing. Scents of light-brown sugar, caramel, malt and maybe a hint of clove.

APPEARANCE (3/5): Pours a slightly opaque, medium amber-brown with a medium tan head that dissipates quickly with little, to no, lacing.

TASTE (6/10): The front-end has is slightly sweet with a bit of an alcohol "tinge". The back-end has a bit of bitterness. Mild flavors of caramel, malt, and dark fruit. Tasty but subdued.

MOUTHFEEL (3/5): Medium-bodied with a slightly creamy texture and average carbonation. Finish is short and slightly bitter.

OVERALL (12/20): The aroma is heavenly and promises big, sweet flavors. However, the flavor doesn't own up to that promise, and instead, it falls a little flat. In general, this is a perfectly fine beer which I will be happy to partake of in the future. I just wish that the flavors were a little more pronounced to better match the aroma levels.

Bottle sent by Paulaner for my comment, along with the current Oktoberfest for comparison. A nice amber color in the glass, with a slightly off-white head. Smell has some caramel roast malt to it, perhaps a note of sweetness. The taste is malty, of course, with a little grain to it. Not as strong with Noble hops, but general bitterness and spice. I see that alongside of Hallertauer hop, they have a new varietal, Herkules, a probably more bitter offspring of Hallertau. This is the beer to have with hearty German food, whether at an Okotberfest tent or grilling at home.

Copper color with a floral and bready aroma. Taste is sweet caramel, toasted bread, wood, with floral, mild hop finish. Overall well done.

# 1986; 5/2020. Grainy and malty aroma. Yellow-gold body. Fresh, malty, quite sweet, honey. Good Märzen. 0,5 l, plastic bottle, multitap bar, Pilsen (Bohemia, CZ).

Grabbed sixer from grocer surprised never had prior. Bright clear copper coloration. Nose is biscuits and light fruit. Tastes of toast, nutty, caramel, malt, some peppery notes, hint of honey and fruit. Tasty stuff not sure if changes year to year but I like it.

Light golden colour with small white head. Medium carbonation. Aroma is cereal, wheaty bit of creaminess, malty. Taste is slightly sweet, not at all bitter. Crisp finish.

Tap at Drink Baar, Tallinn. Color is clear orange with small white head. Aromas and flavors: Sweetness, biscuits, some grain, some bread and malts. Some honeyish sweetness.