Brews and Blues Beer and Smokin’ Blues

Bell’s Oktoberfest

I have bee to Gail's Hops and Grapes twice in the last week to pick up several sixers of seasonal samplers. Fall seasonals, especially Oktoberfests, are some of my favorite beers. As you may be able to tell from my writings here, I love the malty beers. The girls at Gail's have been really clamoring over the Bell's offering this year.  They say it's their most popular seasonal at the moment, so of course I had to give it a try.  I am a fan of Bell's Brewery's products, and it's really hard to go wrong with one of their beers.

This Oktoberfest poured with a nice golden-orange color that isn't as deep as some I have experienced in the past.  The thick head also looked appealing and it held on for the duration of this drink.  The body of this drink is rather rich, and I would classify it as medium to slightly higher than medium with a beautiful caramel flavor with hints of toasted notes floating around.  It has an excellent mouth feel and it isn't too crisp.  From the website:

A coppery amber lager that showcases a full-bodied, malty flavor that is balanced by a refreshing bitterness derived from fine noble hops...

Oh well... the body level and character of a beer to a homebrewer is significantly different that to most beer drinkers.  Let's just say that this beer does have a nice body overall.  This style of beer is not known for any particular presence of hop character, so I'm not even really interested in discussing the hop value.  These beers are defined by their maltiness. 

It's good stuff... I'm just not ready to put it at the very top of my Oktoberfest favorites list yet.  I have three more on hand to sample and I might pick up a few more during the season as well...