Arts & Crafts Beer Review: Sam Adams Octoberfest

What other beer could we have chosen for the October episode other than an Octoberfest? Not any Oktoberfest, mind you, but the Samuel Adams Octoberfest. While I know there are many strong Oktoberfest/Märzen style beers available, I think this beer hits all the right notes while also being widely available, which is a big bonus as we want our listeners to also be able to experience the beers we have on the show. 

Sam Adams Octoberfest is a Märzen style lager, one of their seasonal brews that comes out in the fall alongside their Pumpkin Ale. This brew sits at 5.3% ABV with just 16 IBU, just below the average 18-25 IBU for other beers in this category. Amber in color, hearty with just a touch of sweetness in taste, this beer does not disappoint, and can be enjoyed by all beer drinkers. 

Right on the bottle it says “Hearty & Smooth”, which are the first flavor notes that your taste buds will catch. It comes with the signature toasted biscuit-like malty aroma, but finishes just a bit sweeter. Compared to other Märzen styles, this one is quite a bit lighter, while still maintaining a certain level of sweetness, which I believe this comes from the touch of caramel added in; not enough to taint the hearty texture, but just the right amount to make it go down smooth. 

We quickly realized just how easily these go down, as we were reaching for our second bottle seemingly right after popping the cap off the first. I ended up pouring the second bottle into a glass to see if the flavors changed or if other flavors stepped forwarded, and I do have to say that any amount of bitterness this beer packs is much more prominent in a glass rather than in a bottle. Personally I think this pairs perfectly with the caramel aftertaste to create a very pleasant experience. While I do love this beer in a bottle, it is best enjoyed either poured into a glass or straight from a tap. 

This beer has always been one of my favorites and it is something I look forward to every fall. If you find yourself in the beer aisle and come across a 6 pack, or if you are looking for something new to try at your favorite sports bar, I promise you this won’t disappoint!

Check out episode 9 of Arts & Crafts, in which we discuss photography and its effect on staying present in the moment. The podcast is available on your favorite streaming services. New episodes drop the first Friday of each month!