Day 228, August 16 / Samuel Adams Octoberfest

Day 228, August 16, 2011

Samuel Adams Octoberfest

Boston Beer Company / Boston, MA

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Augtoberfest?

Is it just me, or does it seem like seasonal beers are showing up earlier each year, kinda like Christmas merchandise shows up at Target just after St. Patrick’s Day?

Sam Adam’s seasonal brew is starting to switch from Summer Ale to Octoberfest at fine restaurants, and Ruby Tuesday’s, around here.  And how’s this for coincidence?  I went with the family last night (Tuesday) to Ruby Tuesday’s in a red (ruby) car, and while we were there The Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday” played over the PA system.  You’d think that would at least get us a free order of chicken wings or something, right?

I asked the waitress (trainee) what the most unique beer they had was.  She giggled and told me it was a Sam Adams seasonal – Octoberfest.  I hadn’t tried that yet this year, and I didn’t want to make her recite the full list, so I said OK.  It came served in an extra-large 22 ounce Sam Adams perfect pint glass.

Märzen or Octoberfest beers are one of my favorite styles – just enough flavor, but not overpowering.  Expect an O’fest Beer Run later this year. 

Sam Adam’s Octoberfest is a serviceable Octoberfest – it does the job, not much more, not much less.  An attractive copper color, it’s got slight tastes of malt, hops, and just a little sweetnees.  Actually, I enjoy this more than Sam Adams Boston Lager.

serv·ice·a·ble/ˈsərvəsəbəl/Adjective

1. Fulfilling its function adequately; usable.

2. Functional and durable rather than attractive