Summit Oktoberfest

The Summit Brewing Company is in Saint Paul, Minnesota and they have been brewing since 1986, definitely making them a grand daddy of the craft beer movement. While they don't really do any "whales", they are solid across all styles and make really drinkable beers. I think of them as the Sierra Nevada of the Midwest.

This marzen style beer is 6.6% ABV and pours a gleaming copper in color.  There is a tall off-white head of thick foam that leaves medium lacing down the glass.  The aroma is malty, caramel, toffee and yam, biscuity, somewhat fruity, like a floury scone with red plum jam, followed by a bright and grassy finish.  The taste follows the aromas, malted grain, light sweetness like caramel and yam, a touch of nuttiness, with a brassy finish. Drinkable as always, pretty good, but could use just a slightly drier finish.

Tried this again in 2014, although the website lists the ABV at 6.7% ABV, my bottle says 7.1% ABV. The beer pours a clear copper and amber in color. There is over an inch of foamy light tan head. The aroma is toasted grains, a bit nutty, a bit of caramel. The taste follows the aromas, adding in some berry-like fruitiness. Malts are forward, but not overly sweet, very light grassiness on the finish. The beer drinks smooth, with ample, refreshing carbonation.

2013 bottle:

2014 bottle:

2017: The bottle does not appear to have changed, but my pictures came out better.  The beer pours a gleaming copper and gem like amber in color. There is nearly an inch of off-white foam. The aroma is malty, caramel, toffee, touch of sweet potato, and a bit nutty. The taste follows the aromas, mostly malty, but with a grassy bitter finish that makes for a nice contrast. The beer drinks easy, with pleasant, just-stinging carbonation.