Beer Review: 11 Below Brewing Oktoberfest
Ronnie Risner
#HoustonBeerMonth Guest Submission from Ronnie Risner
When I started my craft beer journey I was lucky enough to start when märzens were in season. One of my favorites for the last three years has been 11 Below’s Oktoberfest and I have bought each years stein to hoist in the air filler with their beautiful golden brown almost copper colored lager. Oktoberfest looks beautiful in this year’s steins which holds two cans or pints! You will want to slap on a lederhosen or dirndl and throw down a few liters of Oktoberfest while polka plays when you first sip Oktoberfest!
The first smell is sweet, wheaty, and reminds you of fall! When I took my first sip it provides a malty mouth feel along with a hint of caramel but what really makes the beer stand out in a crowded beer style is the bite of hops to shine in between the time you finish your sip and taking your next. I let Oktoberfest breath for ten minutes which enables the hops to be a bit more prevalent. Some how Oktoberfest manages to go down even smoother after ten minutes than it does when ice cold! The hops really stand out when you allow it to breathe Oktoberfest and really wakes your mouth up for a party that only polka, this märzen, and bratwurst will cure.
I cannot wait until 11 Below Brewing has a chance to hold their Oktoberfest event as I will be there downing liters amongst friends and the friendly staff! I look forward to holding out a full stein until my arm feels like falling off or racing without spilling a drop of this precious beer.
Prost!
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