8.1

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 9.5

Copper orange Color. My friend who works there got this in a keg for a bunch of us. It was fresh off the first vat they produced in 2002. This was my first oktoberfest I had ever tried and was quite a memorable experience. It began with a nice fresh malt taste and then was backed by a wonderfully clean hop flavor that lingered on into the finish. Alcohol did not interfere, only added to the full flavor. Had I not known I would have thought this beer had been cellared due to its balanced even flavor. Upon warming, the beer brought forth some grassy/alcohol notes and the body stood up wonderfully still polishing off with some malty hop goodness with only minimal notes of sweetness to compliment. What kept striking me was how fresh this beer tasted and how much of a difference that makes. I knew this beer was destined for greatness and I told my friend this had to win a medal. Sure enough, as expected, it took gold at the GABF. What an experience.