Samuel Adams Octoberfest
September 27, 2010
I picked up the Samuel Adams Octoberfest as part of my yearly ritual of trying different Octoberfest and Pumpkin Ales for the Fall season. This particular beer was part of the Sam Adams Harvest Variety Pack which also included their new Harvest Pumpkin Ale and Dunkelweizen (reviews shortly).
Strangely, the variety pack also has the Irish Red, Black Lager and Boston Lager which I’m not sure of the reasoning behind their inclusion. I’d much prefer it stocked with the limited seasonal beers, but that’s just me.
Anyway…I’m also psyched that the word is spelled Octoberfest and not Oktoberfest which always seemed weird to me as an American.
Sam Adams Octoberfest is a 5.3% ABV Märzen, which is actually a lager that gets its name from the month the brewing process began. Back in the day before refrigeration, this beer was started in March, which was the last month that beer could be stored (lagered). It was left to lager over the spring and summer, and then was ready to go around this time of year. Autumn!
So, the märzen has become a traditional favorite for this time of year – and that’s a good thing! Its one of my favorite styles of lager because it typically has a more malty flavor, and nice sweetness thas makes a good märzen a real treat!
The Sam Adams Octoberfest does well I think in comparison to the other Oktoberfest beers I’ve tried over the last few years. Its a beautiful clear amber color – perfect for fall, and it creates a nice, slightly amberish head that compliments the beer nicely.
Aroma is typical I think for the style. Malt and a biscuty sweetness come forth and there is a little bit of hop that comes through as well.
The taste is also typical of the style. Malts dominate, but don’t overpower. 
There’s a sweetness that’s reminiscent of toffee and the hops do well to balance it out by providing a little bitterness and bite toward the finish.
Overall, not bad. Perhaps the Sam Adams Octoberfest is not the excellent Ayinger Oktoberfest (the best of the style I’ve ever tried), but its certainly good enough for me to buy again this season, or recommend to you to give a try. Pretty good, but not great.
Rating: 
Good thing about Sam Adams beers is they are pretty much all over the place so its easy to find! Have you tried it? What do you think of it compared to other Octoberfest beers?
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Posted in 3 Star Reviews, American Beers, Lager, Seasonal Beers
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September 27th, 2010 at 9:13 am
I too had this for the first time this year and I didn’t think it was bad. I would have it again, but I would have givin it 2 or maybe 2.5 stars though if I were rating it.
September 27th, 2010 at 9:36 am
This is by far my favorite American made version of the style. And since it is pretty easy to find Sam Adams it is a great choice to have around the house for this time of the year.
September 27th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@meile – thanks for the comment!
@Mike- I agree, but last night I tried Festbier from Victory and its my new favorite! Can’t beat Sam Adams availability though, and their Octoberfest is no slouch either.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Otter Creek Oktoberfest =-.
September 27th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Love your website. 4 Stares and 5 thumbs up!!
September 27th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
@Phillip – I’ll assume you meant ’4 stars’ and not ’4 stares’, but any stares in my direction are considered a compliment – so thank you!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Sierra Nevada Tumbler 2010 =-.
September 27th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
I always enjoy this beer. I can remember watching the Phillies get into the post season for the first time in over a decade and sipping on this while watching them. It is just a good, drinkable beer.
.-= Nate´s last blog ..Beer Review 67 Festbier =-.
September 27th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
@Nate – well, any good beer can be made even better when its a part of a memory like that! Cheers!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Do Beer Reviews Influence You =-.
October 3rd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Hi,
Hoping you might be able to help me. I live in the UK and my husband is a massive fan of Sam Adams beers, Octoberfest particularly. However, I’m having huge trouble finding anywhere to buy it either in the UK or in America and have it shipped over. Any advice gratefully received!
October 3rd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
@Sophie – That’s a tough one – I’m not sure if retailers here can ship overseas. Perhaps our own Bob the Brit knows someplace in the UK that stocks it!
I would try Brusin’ Ales http://www.bruisin-ales.com/shipping.php
or Brewforia http://brewforia.com/customer-service/#answer1
which are both great domestic sources. Nothing is mentioned on their websites about international shipping, but I suppose an email to them would get a quick answer.
Let us know how it works out!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Vermont-Two Days- Three Breweries- One Brew Pub! =-.
October 5th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
@Sophie
We do in fact ship internationally, and we also carry Sam Adams Octoberfest. We don’t have it listed on Brewforia.com right now, but if you shot me an email at chrisATbrewforia.com I could figure out what the costs would be.
@Scott
Thanks for the plug!
October 6th, 2010 at 8:05 am
@Chris – No problem!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Victory Festbier =-.
October 7th, 2010 at 8:37 am
I’ve been neglecting your site lately, Scott. Sorry Buddy, but, I’m back and gotta say after a blind tasting last year of a dozen oktoberfest beers, this one scored in the top 3, beating out many German beers. Probably style wise one of the best beers Sam Adams makes.
.-= Peter at Simply Beer´s last blog ..NY Craft Beer Week – Allagash Night at Rattle n Hum =-.
October 7th, 2010 at 9:29 am
@Peter – good to hear from you again! I know you’ve been busy with the Iron Brewer stuff (check it out people) http://ironbrewer.com/ so while we miss you we understand!
I’ve had quite a few Oktoberfest brews as well, import and domestic, and this one from Sam Adams is one of my favorites too. I actually went out an bought another 12-pack of it for myself!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Victory Festbier =-.