With the great American Labor Day holiday weekend upon us, a few members of the Lunch Gang made a stop at Merchant’s Beer and Wine located in Cube City. Upon entering the store we came upon a display of “Ayinger” imported Octoberfest beer from Aying, Germany. ManCave immediately made the statement “this one of the best Octoberfest’s he has ever drank”. He challenged Coach who is true-blue American to do a side-by-side comparison of my favorite Octoberfest “Samuel Adams” this import. Of course coach is always up for a challenge so he told ManCave game on! After returning home from watching Wayne State kick Urbana’s ass in the 2011 season opener 69-24, coach jumped right into the taste test.
First up was the Ayinger Octoberfest. Appearance is very light amber with thin head and not much retention. Aroma is cidery, light caramel malt, spicy noble hops. Taste is spicy, lightly fruity (OM’s type of stuff), bready, caramelly. Medium Body, average carbonation, with a bit of a spicy finish. Overall, kinda real weak sister beer as far as Octoberfest beers go.
On deck is Samuel Adams Octoberfest. The first thing you notice when pouring a glass of the this American seasonal beer is the color. Samuel Adams Octoberfest has a rich, deep reddish amber color which itself is very reflective of the fall season. Masterfully blended Samuel Adams Octoberfest you can really taste the roasts of malt creating a delicious harmony of sweet flavors including caramel and toffee. The malt is complimented by the elegant bitterness complained by the Bavarian Noble hops. Jumping from the lighter summer beers to the heartier brews of fall, Samuel Adams Octoberfest is the chosen winner in the battle!
