Victory Festbier

It is that time of year again when Oktoberfest and pumpkin seasonal come forth from all the breweries.  So over the next few weeks, you will see quite a few of these beers reviewed.  Hopefully at the end I will be left with some clear ideas of which ones were tops this year out of the ones I can try.

This is a "rich amber lager in the tradition of Oktoberfest" from the Victory Brewing Company of Dowington, Pennsylvania.  It is 5.6% ABV.

The beer pours a dark copper, dark amber, and burnt orange in color.  It is well carbonated.  There is nearly an inch of off-white head, somewhat creamy.  The aroma is malty, nutty, fruity, dark toast with plum jam.  The taste is deep roasted malt, caramel, with a fruity tang.  There is the occasional flash of "beer essence" (I don't know what else to call it).  The finish is dry and fairly bitter, it puts a refreshing and abrupt stop to the maltiness.  The aftertaste is pleasant and recalls the original flavors.  A good solid take on the Oktoberfest style.