12oz bottle poured into a shaker. Pours a clear dark copper with minimal head. Aroma of light herbal hops, a little caramel and some strong vinegar. Taste is light sweet. Caramel and toffee with a little herbal hops. Full nodied with a surprisingly thick texture. Lively carbonation and a decently long finish. Overall, not bad.

Enjoyed at the Blind Robin in Chicago, IL with some friends. The bartender opened this up because we were complaining about the 5 Rabbit beer we purchased, he said he liked this one much more. I didn’t take notes, but from what I remember it was a solid Oktoberfest brew, pretty standard, mostly malty and pretty smooth. Not bad, I may try a bottle again sometime soon.

Draft at Ballydoyle, Downers Grove. Once again, I’m impressed by the quality of the beers Argus makes their first time on tap. Maybe being fresh from a local brewer and served at a place that takes care of their beer has something to do with it, but this is as good as an Oktoberfest can get. Only the RB credo of only giving big ratings to barley wines and impy stouts keeps me from rating this higher. Admittedly, the smell is just middlin’, a nice maltiness with sweet notes, but not much more. In a thistle pint, it’s golden brown, like autumn leaves; very clear, with a good layer of pillowy foam atop. Taste is just what a malty German beer should be. Rich and sweet, but not overly roasted or sugary, just a light caramel touch, Noble hops that just add some balance at the start, then become a bit spicy and peppery further down. Enough carbonation to keep you from swilling it, and to deliver more flavor. Clean, smooth lager finish. Only surprise was a slight estery banana burp five minutes later. I’m admittedly biased because I was first to enter this brewer on RB, but they’ve all been very good.