Beer Review: Widmer Brothers Okto
Overall Score: 90 (out of 100)
Note: Widmer calls Okto a "Munich Style Ale", which is essentially their creation. Märzenbier/Oktoberfest beers are lagers (brewed using bottom fermenting yeast and then aged at cold temperatures). Generally speaking, ales are brewed using top-fermenting yeast (ale yeast) at warmer temperatures, with shorter periods of time required to finish brewing. Technically speaking, this is an Amber Ale, not a Märzenbier/Oktoberfest. However, Widmer markets this as an Oktoberfest and releases it as their fall seasonal. The grist bill is effectively the same as a Märzenbier/Oktoberfest; it's just brewed with ale yeast. For purposes of this review, I will be considering this a Märzenbier/Oktoberfest.
I sampled a 12 oz. bottle of Okto stamped with a freshness date of August 04, 2008 (the bottling date, I presume) and poured it into a standard pint glass. This is a beautiful light garnet color with good clarity and a white head upon it.
Smell is sweet, of ripe fruits (plum?) and of course, malt.
As expected per the style, this is malt forward, but perhaps not as clean or simple as it would be if it were brewed with lager yeast. Toffee and ripe fruit intermingle with the expected toasted grain. This is certainly rich but is by no means overly sweet. Bright citrus and melon rind acidity are apparent in the hopping, which remains low in the profile but is evident, providing an effective counterbalance to the hearty malt backbone.
This certainly is a viscous beer, but for all of its syrupy richness, it sure does go down easily. Widmer recommends pairing it with brats, burgers, and "other hearty fall fare". I had mine with apple streusel and I've got to tell you...it's wonderful. Why should imperial stouts have all of the dessert fun?
Is Okto traditional? No. Is Okto delicious? You bet 'cha. In the eyes of this beer holder, this is Widmer's finest brew. Highly recommended.
Okto is brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing Company. It is made with Pale, Caramel Munich 60L, Extra Special, and Carapils malts and is hopped with Alchemy, Mt. Hood, and Tettnanger hops. It is available from August to October.
Beer: Okto
Brewery: Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
Style: Märzenbier/Oktoberfest (ale hybrid)
ABV: 5.5%
Score: 90 (out of 100)
Published by Brandon Myers
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- Fermented with an ale yest.
- Rich, but highly drinkable.
- Goes great with apple streusel!