If you’re a fan of fall flavors and classic beer styles, Wiseacre Brewing’s Oktoberfest should definitely be on your radar. It’s a well-crafted Märzen-style lager, hitting most of the right notes you’d expect from a traditional Oktoberfest brew, with a few quirks that make it stand out (for better or worse).
First Impressions
When you pour it out, you get a beautiful amber color with a clear, deep orange hue. It’s like autumn in a glass. The head is light, foamy, and quickly dissipates, which is a little disappointing if you’re into that lingering foam. But that doesn’t detract from its visual appeal. It has solid carbonation, and from the first sip, you get a nice malt-forward aroma that instantly transports you to Munich (or at least a really solid local Oktoberfest party).
Tasting Notes
This is where Wiseacre’s Oktoberfest shines the most. The malt backbone is rich and toasty, with flavors of caramel and bread crust that are balanced beautifully by a subtle sweetness. It’s smooth and easy to drink, which is perfect for the style. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied—enough to give it some heft but not so heavy that you can’t enjoy a couple back to back.
There’s a light hop bitterness toward the finish, which helps to balance out the sweetness and keeps it from feeling too syrupy. However, the hops are more on the subdued side, so if you’re a hophead, this one might leave you wanting more in that department. But honestly, for an Oktoberfest, it’s just the right amount of bitterness.
Positives
- Flavor: The maltiness is spot on. It’s rich without being overwhelming, and that caramel-bread flavor is addictive.
- Drinkability: At 6% ABV, it’s not too heavy, and the smooth finish makes it really easy to drink. Great for a long fall afternoon.
- Balance: The subtle hop bitterness at the end keeps it from being too sweet, which can sometimes be an issue with Märzens.
Minor Downsides
- Aroma: While the taste is great, the aroma is a bit muted. You expect a little more of that malty scent to jump out at you, and here it falls a little flat.
- Head retention: The foam disappears quicker than you’d expect, which makes it look a little less impressive.
- Hop presence: For those who like a bit more complexity in the hop profile, this beer plays it safe. Not a deal breaker, but something to note.
Overall Rating
- Appearance: 7.5/10
- Aroma: 6/10
- Flavor: 8.5/10
- Mouthfeel: 8/10
- Drinkability: 9/10
Final Thoughts
Wiseacre’s Oktoberfest is a solid entry into the fall beer lineup. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it does a great job of sticking to the classic Märzen formula while being super drinkable and satisfying. The maltiness is definitely the star of the show, and while there are some minor points where it could improve (mostly in aroma and head retention), it’s hard not to enjoy this beer when you’re sitting around with friends or at your favorite beer garden.
Grab a couple of these for your next bonfire or football game…they’re easy to enjoy and pair well with hearty fall food. Prost!
If you’ve tried Wiseacre’s Oktoberfest, please let us know how felt about it in the comments below.
Leave a Reply