Beer Man: Genesse, Bell’s offer tasty Octoberfest beers
Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.
This week: Genesee Oktoberfest
Genesee Brewing Co., Rochester, N.Y.
I’ve been coming across a good number of Octoberfest beers the past few weeks; this column takes a look at a couple of the best.
Octoberfest (or Oktoberfest) beers are technically a German lager style called marzen that is generally an amber-copper color and highlights the taste of Vienna malt, which has a flavor distinguishable from pale and caramel malts.
Genesee has impressed me in the past with its authentic German-style pilsner and doppelbock beers. Its Oktoberfest carries on this tradition.
It poured a clear amber color with a healthy head and ample lacing on the sides of the glass. The malts and floral hops were clear in the aroma.
The flavor was a nice balance between the pale, caramel and Vienna malts, with a slight tartness and kiss of bitterness at the end. What struck me most, however, was the creamy body that still maintained a good level of carbonation in the 5.5% ABV beer.
Beer Man: Genesee Pilsner reflects true German style
Genesee beers are available in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It has a Beer Finder link at the top of its home page.
I chanced upon Bell’sOctoberfest (5.5% ABV, Bell’s Brewery Inc., Comstock, Mich., www.bellsbeer.com) during a visit to a local tavern, Little Norway, in Scandinavia, Wis. Owner JoJo Mork does not carry many craft beers, but she has been offering Bell’s Porter and Double Cream Stout, both excellent.
When the supply of those ran out, she ordered the seasonal Octoberfest from the brewery. It also is an authentic version of the style, starting with its amber color and light tan head, noticeable Vienna malt and a kiss of grassy-floral hops.
It was similar in flavor and looks to Genesee and differed mostly in being a bit drier and having a touch more bitterness. The hop aroma was a bit more subdued in the Bell’s version.
The brewery's beers are available in 30 states; its Beer Finder link is here.
Many beers are available only regionally. Check the brewer's website, which often contains information on product availability by mail. Contact Todd Haefer at beerman@postcrescent.com. To read previous Beer Man columns, click here.