Samuel Adams Octoberfest
This was on tap at Sportsmans Irish Pub in Ludington, MI. There's something wonderfully absurd in ordering an American interpretation of a German lager at a faux-Irish pub. This Sam Adam's Octoberfest came served in an imperial pint glass and looks incredible. There is very little head, actually just a ring of bubbles around the top of the glass. The color is a deep appealing copper hue and this lager is amazingly clean looking. Gazing through an imperial pint glass, this looked very impressive. The scent was just as inviting. Aromas of spice and tropical fruits persist, but there's a lot going on here, so much so that it's difficult to pinpoint specifics. Unfortunately the taste of this brew didn't live up to the complex aroma that it was giving off. I should mention that lager-style beers really aren't my thing. However, the look and smell of this really gave off the impression that it was going to be something special. What I got was an above average but unremarkable tasting lager. It seems to be pretty good for the style, but it isn't making a believer out of me. Carbonation was moderate, though it was still a bit more than I care for. As such, the mouth-feel was a turnoff. It was a pretty crisp beer, and the flavor was strong enough to overcome the carbonation, but ultimately this really just isn't my cup of tea.