Victory Festbier

Date October 4, 2010

Sometimes, I forget that lagers can be more than fizzy yellow water!  Two types of lagers that remind me of that fact are the black lager (like the one from Sam Adams) and the Märzen, which are often known as Oktoberfest beers.

Victory FestbierFestbier, from Pennsylvania’s Victory Brewing Company is probably one of the best domestic Oktoberfest beers I’ve ever had the opportunity to try!  Makes sense I guess as it won a gold medal at the 2007 GABF for German-Style Oktoberfest beers!

Generally, there’s a certain similarity to this style of beer, so its in the subtleties that seem to make Victory Festbier stand out a bit from the rest.

See, these Märzen lagers are always a bit more malty than your run-of-the-mill lager.  In addition, they seem to exhibit a bit more of that breadyness and a well-rounded, but not over-done sweetness too.  (I think that my brain thinks its an ale of some kind!)

So what makes Festbier so special?  According to the label, Victory uses imported German malts, which I think lends itself to the authenticity of the beer, but maybe even to the overall flavor and quality?  I say yes.

Festbier gets off to a strong start.  Just looking at it, I’m in the mood for cooler weather and warming, malty beers.  Its a beautiful clear amber color – not much head on it, but that’s just fine.  The aroma is equally enticing (to me) because its dominated by malt and sweet.

Getting to the important bits, Festbier is first off, super, super smooth.  An easy drinker that doesn’t have any kind of unpleasant burn or flavor imbalance.  I found myself really enjoying every malty sip.

Second, those aforementioned malty sips.  Mmmmmm.  Malty.  Festbier isn’t a malt-bomb, but its definitely a sweet malty fellow and I just appreciate that!  Mr. Malt’s supporting flavor-cast includes Mr. Bready, Mr. Nutty, and there’s a cameo by Mr. Hop who shows up at the end of every sip in a supportive role.

Overall, its a great cast, and Victory has really tweaked this 5.7% ABV Oktoberfest recipe into a real winner.

I’ve got no problems giving this seasonal lager 4 stars, and if you’re looking to try an excellent domestic craft Oktoberfest, this one from Victory will not disappoint.
Rating: ★★★★☆

9 Responses to “Victory Festbier”

  1. meile said:

    My cousin last year had this on tap at the brewhouse in Pennsylvania. During the Summer! I think its available year round which must be sweet, I’d love to try this one.

  2. Scott-TheBrewClub said:

    @maeile – thanks again for the comment! I think I read that on their website actually that the Festbier is available year-round at the brewery. I think if they gave it a different name people would have no problem buying it in July, December or in any other month! I thought it was a great beer. I hope you can try it.
    .-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Samuel Adams Octoberfest =-.

  3. Scott-TheBrewClub said:

    Sorry! That should be @meile. 🙂
    .-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Sierra Nevada Tumbler 2010 =-.

  4. Jim said:

    This is one of my favorite domestic Oktoberfest beers as well, Scott, along with Avery’s Kaiser, which is a big boozy treat.

    I wasn’t in the mood for Oktoberfest beers this year, but picked up a six pack of Victory Festbier anyway. I’m glad I did. As the weather has cooled a bit (finally!) this stuff is the perfect complement to a Fall day.

  5. Nate said:

    This also happens to be one of my favorite beers of this style. It really hits the spot.
    .-= Nate´s last blog ..Photography and beer =-.

  6. Big Tex said:

    This is a great domestic example of a German festbier. I love it. Doesn’t take the place of true Bavarian example, but it’s about as close as you can get. I was lucky to get some in WA, as Victory is rarely seen around these parts. In fact, it’s UPC wasn’t encoded into the store’s system when I picked it up.
    .-= Big Tex´s last blog ..Beer Czar =-.

  7. Scott-TheBrewClub said:

    @Jim- Yes, I thought the hot Summer weather would never leave us! Now that it has, I’m glad I found this. Seems everyone likes it!

    @Nate – I’ve had quite a few Domestic and Imported Oktoberfest beers, and this is among the best of them! I’m going to get more while I can!

    @Big Tex – that’s funny, but I’m glad you got to try it. I wonder how it got slipped in?
    .-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Otter Creek Oktoberfest =-.

  8. Sam said:

    If I spot this one I’ll be sure to pick it up (provided it’s not $10+/bottle). That being said, I don’t know if I’m missing something, but I just can’t get excited about anything Marzen (maybe a month of being in Europe drinking Hefeweizen’s and various Belgian brews over the summer spoiled my palate).

    So far this season I’d rate the brew’s I’ve purchased in this style as; Aylinger > Bell’s > Sam Adams (tried the Great Lakes last year, might be better than the Bell’s).

  9. Scott-TheBrewClub said:

    @Sam – I can see how you might be spoiled! I haven’t tried the Bells, but I would agree Ayinger/Victory/Sam Adams in close order. The Sam Adams is all over the place and is very good, but I liked the Victory rendition a little better. It was $8.99 for a six pack in my area – not too bad.
    .-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Sierra Nevada Tumbler 2010 =-.

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