Shiner Marzen-Style Oktoberfest

Shiner beers are from the Spoetzel Brewery in Shiner,Texas.  "Nothing Finer Than a Shiner."  "So Fine in a Stein!"  Shiner, Texas, according to the bottle, has a population of 2,070. 

This beer pours a light copper color and has a malty aroma, with a lot of fresh grain and light sweet potato.  There is a bit of a sharp note, and a tang of hops.  The taste is brightly bitter, tangy hops, solid malt, sweet potato, with just a hint of burnt caramel.  The finish is dry and lightly bitter, enough hops to overcome the sweetness of the malt. I don't know if I would call this a great "Oktoberfest" beer, but it does make for a pretty tasty American take on the style that is easy to drink.

Drinking it again in 2017: The beer pours a shining amber in color. There is a half-inch of off-white head that fizzles away quickly. The aroma is malty, caramel, toasted, light toffee. The taste follows the aroma malty and toasted. The finish is dry, with a light, grassy bitterness. The beer drinks smooth and easy with moderate carbonation. I see no discernible change to the bottle art.