Left Hand Oktoberfest Beer
October 5, 2009
This Left Hand Oktoberfest is the first ‘domestic Marzen’ that I’m trying for The Brew Club. Purists may note that there are really only six brewers that make ‘real’ Oktoberfest beers and they are all German. Some we’ve already reviewed here like Paulaner, Spaten and Hacker-Pschorr.
Others, like Beck’s Oktoberfest are also German, but for some reason are not part of the ‘big six’ club of Bavarian beer masters that brew this style. Technically, there is a geographical restriction that determines where the ‘true’ Oktoberfests come from. Breweries in Munich, Germany. Das ist alles.
Regardless, we’re trying a domestic marzen by the Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont, Colorado and I don’t care what the Bavarians say about it!
This 6% ABV Oktoberfest pours a perfectly clear coppery or amber color, and it created a decently sized foamy had that had good retention and nice lacing as well. The head remained actually, in a lesser form of course to the very end!
Taking a good whiff of the Left Hand Oktoberfest, I picked up a rich malty smell that also had some of that bready kind of aroma as well. This seems to be fairly common with this style – it reminded me a lot of how the Beck’s Oktoberfest smelled. Nothing surprising here I guess, but so far so good.
Getting on to the taste, I actually stopped after the first sip with an audible ‘huh!’. I know you’re thinking, ‘calm down Scott!’ but I don’t usually do that. I just liked how this beer tasted right off the bat.
Its on the sweet side in the beginning which was nice and there was a nice maltyness to it as well. Left Hand Oktoberfest finishes a touch dry and overall I’d say is makes for a nicely balanced beer. Mouthfeel is good, its not watery or too thick, nice medium body and even a really enjoyable aftertaste. I’m thinking ‘yum’ as I drink this beer!
So, what do I think. Well, I really liked this particular interpretation of the Marzen style of beer quite a bit and I would definitely have this beer again. I think it was more flavorful than its German Oktoberfest counterparts, even though the website says its made with German ‘Magnum’ and ‘Vanguard’ hops and German Munich and Pilsner Malts.
Maybe it the water then, but this sucker is three and a half stars good! That means only the Paulaner was better – to me. I thought Left Hand Brewing Company did a really nice job on this beer.
Rating: 
What do you think? Do you think domestic Marzen’s are as good as the German beers? What about Left Hand Brewing? Like their stuff? For the record this is the second beer I’ve tried from them that I was really impressed with. The other was their Milk Stout which we reviewed over at our friend’s place, Dr. Beer Love.
Posted in 3 Star Reviews, All Brews Reviewed, American Beers, Lager, Seasonal Beers
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October 5th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I’ve managed to get my hands on this year’s Spaten and Lowenbrau Oktoberfest brews… they’ve had a few days to chill down and settle. so I plan to review them in the next day or two.
Bob the Brit´s last blog ..One For The Road
October 5th, 2009 at 11:39 am
This sounds good, Scott. I haven’t started my Oktober Fest(ivities) yet, so I’ll be sure to look for this one when I do. I’ve never tried anything from Left Hand, either, so that’s an added bonus for me.
I guess this can’t be a true Oktober Fest beer if it’s brewed in Colorado, but c’mon people, this is beer! If it tastes good, it’s all good.
Jim´s last blog ..Exotic, Mysterious and…Ordinary?
October 5th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
@Jim – Yeah, the Left Hand Oktoberfest is my favorite so far this year – but I still have a few to try so who knows!
@Bob – Looking forward to both reviews, especially the Lowenbrau Oktoberfest. That’s one I haven’t tried yet!
Thanks for the comments!
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Dogfish Head Punkin Ale – Beer Review
October 5th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Lowenbrau Oktoberfest has been a disappointment in recent years. 40 years ago it was a big favorite of mine when it was actually a Maerzen style beer.
As of a few years ago, after a long absence, Munich brewed Lowenbrau Oktoberfest is back in the US but it is unfortunately a different brew than it was; it is now merely a stronger version of their standard pale lager (unless they’ve changed something back in the last 2 years). The deep flavor of the old brew as well as the beautiful dark amber/copper color is gone.
Looking forward to trying LEFT HAND…thus far, I haven’t found a domestic US brewed O’Fest that does it for me (most seem to be a bit overhopped).
October 6th, 2009 at 11:38 am
I fall in agreement with The Professor’s 3rd statement. Most domestic Oktoberfest brews don’t do much for me. I did have left hands a few weeks ago on a whim and it just wasn’t the one for me. As far as domestics, the best I’ve had in recent weeks was by Bells.
nate´s last blog ..Beer and Blues
October 6th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I’ve always been a fan of Spaten’s Oktoberfest, but recently I can’t put the Sam Adams Oktoberfest down. I’m new around here and don’t know if that’s a bad word, so if I’ve committed a faux pas I’m really sorry, but I just think that they’ve come up with a darn nice brew in their version.
Seriously, I can’t stop drinking it! Maybe it’s laced with something!
October 6th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Justin – no faux pas at all! Nothing wrong with Sam Adams beers, their Oktoberfest just isn’t one we’ve reviewed yet! I think there are a few other Sam Adams reviews on here – check the tags over on the right side of the page. Cheers!
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Beck’s Oktoberfest Beer Review
October 7th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Looking forward to this one on Friday, my final oktoberfest beer brawl, which will put up to 16 Oktoberfest beers this year… whew! Time to start drinking something else, looks like spiced beers are right around the corner. Ok, so Pumpkin and fest beers came out in august, where are the spiced/holiday beers?
Simply Beer´s last blog ..New Glarus Stone Soup