Upland Brewing Company – Oktoberfest

Upland Brewing Company – Oktoberfest

Bavarian Style Lager
BJCP Style: Oktoberfest/Märzen
ABV: 6.7%
IBU: 20
Bottled
Best By Date: December 2014
Tasting on: 9/19/14

Aroma: German yeast combines with a medium sweetness and slight maltiness along with hints of black pepper. 8/10

Appearance: Clean and transparent with a honey to almost amber color.  Good head retention. 9/10

Flavor:  The beer begins with some slight bitterness before moving into a distinctly German flavor likely due to a combination of yeast, water quality, and brewing process. The finish is moderately sweet and a bit malty, as promised in the aroma, while even providing some notes of caramel.  The spiciness of the hops dominate the aftertaste. 18/20

Mouthfeel: Medium with proper carbonation. 8/10

Overall Impression: A good American made Oktoberfest that almost tastes like it could have been brewed in Germany.  This beer is slightly sweeter than a traditional German Oktoberfest, but not to the point of hurting the beer as is the case with many Oktoberfest style lagers made in the USA. 47/50

Final Score: 90%