Save the World Brewing – Oktoberfest Review
‘Tis the season for drinking malty and rich lagers after a summer of fruity, light, and hoppy ales. And it gives me the same tingling feeling in my tummy that Christmas does, though that’s likely the rich and quaffable lager more than anything else. That’s right, it’s Oktoberfest.
One thing I admire about Texas is how all-in the breweries go on Oktoberfest. It has a lot to do with Texas’ rich German culture, and rich cultures rarely die. And thank goodness for that, because Oktoberfest really is great, and to see Oktoberfest beers from foreign and local brewers stacked high in store gives us a little post-summer cheer.
Enough sycophancy, let’s talk about Save the World (STW) Brewing’s Oktoberfest Marzen. It’s a true lager (many American brewers opt for the quicker ale option—check before you buy if you’re a purist) coming in at 5.9% ABV and 20 IBU, and it’s only here for fall. So, let’s not waste anymore time.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Golden-amber in color (more gold than amber), clear, and topped with a cream-colored head.
On the Nose--Clean and crisp with a distinct caramel aroma. There’s a slight spice alluding to some characteristic noble hops. So far, so good, but we’re big fans of Marzen lagers and that makes the standard high.
On the Palate--A roasted malt flavor from the use of Munich malt gives this beer the distinct Marzen flavor that gives way to a mild caramel sweetness also common (and wonderful!) to the style. It has a full body and a full mouthfeel, both qualities that bring us back to the style over and over. A floral bitterness calms the caramel flavor as the beer heads into a dry finish with only a mild lingering bitterness.
Food Pairings: Some of our Oktoberfest favorites are Pretzels and mustard, brats, roasted chicken, and pork schnitzel and spaetzle. Think salt, starchy, and rich and you’re on the right path!
Final Thoughts:
The Marzen lager is the style that was served at the first Oktoberfest years and years ago, and while it has been (mostly) replaced in Europe by the lighter, hoppier Festbier, it has remained the popular choice for Americans, with one large German company (Paulaner) serving it in America year-round.
We like to think we know our Marzens quite well, and we’ve tasted both the European and American, the good and the bad. And our final verdict on STW’s Oktoberfest Marzen is that it is good! Phew!
Many things can go awry with this simple, ancient beer, but we always look for a few things: amber color, malty aroma, roasted and caramel flavors, spicy and floral noble hop character, full mouthfeel, and a dry finish. STW has all these things but, I believe, it is a touch hoppier than you might find in a European Marzen, but you won’t hear many Americans complain about that.
This beer was pricey ($12.50/4-pack) but I think it’s a worthy try for Texans looking for a stateside Marzen. Better yet, go to Marble Falls, Texas, and get a fresh pour. We’ve yet to go to Save the World’s taproom, but Marble Falls is worth the trip all by itself.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew
Here are a few more great Texas Beers you might not know about: Brazos Valley Brewing’s Mama Tried and Lone Pint’s Yellow Rose IPA. And some Oktoberfest beers to go with them: Paulaner’s Marzen and Festbier and Hacker-Pschorr Marzen.