Oktoberfest season isn’t here quite yet, but breweries are releasing seasonal beers sooner than expected; a trend that is many years old and shows no signs of abating. One of the most anticipated Oktoberfest seasonal beers is brewed by our friends at Sierra Nevada Brewing and this year’s version begins distribution today, July 26, 2021.
What can you expect with Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest? This year’s version is an Amber Marzen and it’s a malty herbal combo that is certain to please in the way that most every Sierra Nevada beer is known to do. Sierra Nevada Innovation Brewmaster Scott Jennings says it’s a little more complex than other Oktoberfest beers, but it’s still highly quaffable.
“The beer has a malty sweetness with a little bit of herbal, floral hop presence, and the bitterness levels are just right to balance the malt character for drinkability,” says Jennings. “it’s a substantial beer but it’s really, really drinkable.”
The 2021 Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest is different from past editions. As fans know, the brewery alters its recipe each year and this time around, the goal was to create a darker, more malt- forward Oktoberfest that wasn’t too sweet. Amber Marzen is the result of this goal to brew the type of Oktoberfest that was once common at the Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, Germany in the not- too- distant past, before lighter beers gained a foothold.
Sierra Nevada’s 2021 Oktoberfest has a pleasant amber color and features aromas of bread and graham cracker. It is malt- forward, but with a balancing hop bitterness and medium body. It contains 5.5 percent alcohol by volume. Look for it in places where Sierra Nevada beers are sold (which means most anyplace!) and get an early start to the Oktoberfest season.
How fun! My husband would love to attend! I wonder if we have something local that is similar.
This sounds like a great beer. I love the sweetness in it. I’d definitely love to give this one a try.
I love the interplay of flavors in this beer. It’s definitely one that I’d love to try. I enjoy beers that have complex flavor profiles.
I have never tasted beer for a long time. This Octoberfest is a welcome treat if ever we have this in my country
A festival that I wouldn’t miss for anything in the world considering how much I love beer.
Wow….it’s that time already? Thanks for sharing this reminder!
I miss this kind of beer event, we had it here in my country but it stopped a few years ago. With the pandemic though, I don’t think it will happen again soon.
So fun! I can’t wait till Oktoberfest here. We didn’t go last year!
I’m sure a lot of people will be excited for this Octoberfest and that looks like a great product to check out.
In South Florida October Fest is a big deal and there is a large even thrown each year. Great music, eats and of course beer. Just have fun but be smart and stay safe during October Fest!
That looks like so much fun! It’ll be nice to get back out there and have some fun.
Thanks for giving us a heads up on this beer! made me feel ready for this octoberfest!