Sammy Adams Octoberfest

I picked this beer up for free off the shelf of the refrigerated at the beach house.

Before I begin, I want to let everyone know that the word is spelled Octoberfest and not Oktoberfest which always seemed weird to me as an American, but I really thought that's the German way to spell it for the longest time.

Sam Adams Octoberfest is a 5.3% ABV Märzen, which is actually a lager that gets its name from the month the brewing process began.  Back in the day before refrigeration, this beer was started in March, which was the last month that beer could be stored (lagered), before ambient temps rose too high to lager beer.  It was left to lager over the spring and summer, and then was ready to go around this time of year, Autumn- Oktoberfest!

So, the märzen has become a traditional favorite for this time of year – and that’s a good thing!  Its one of my favorite styles of lager because it typically has a more malty flavor, and nice sweetness, so I expect to be thoroughly dissappointed by an American version haha.

Overall, Sammy does ok in comparison to the other Oktoberfest beers I’ve tried over the last few years.  Its a beautiful clear amber color – perfect for fall, and it creates a nice, slightly amberish head that compliments the beer nicely.


Aroma is typical I think for the style.  Malt and a biscuty sweetness come forth and there is a little bit of hop that comes through as well.

The taste is also typical of the style.  Malts dominate, but don’t overpower. There’s a sweetness that’s reminiscent of toffee and the hops do well to balance it out by providing a little bitterness and bite toward the finish.

Overall, not bad.  Perhaps the Sam Adams Octoberfest is not the excellent  Ayinger Oktoberfest (the best of the style I’ve ever tried), but its certainly good enough for me to drink for free.  Rathskeller Rating: ok but not great.