The German tradition of Oktoberfest has carried on a rich tradition of Bavarian pride and getting shitfaced. It has been called the biggest party in the world and with that moniker you need a beer that can be crushed in huge quantities using giant steins accompanied by giant pretzels, sausages, lederhozen, oompa music, funny hats and the occasional schlagerei.
While there are strict German standards to brew the traditional Marzen Lagers for Oktoberfest I would give this brew from Zero Gravity a pass. But I’m not Bavarian and this beer is brewed in Vermont. But they do use all German hops and malts for this delicious copper colored beverage. The first whiff is malty and bready with a slight fruitiness. It’s the sweetness of the malt that hits you first with honey, plum and a hint of peach and something a bit floral. This is quickly overtaken by a bitter hopiness and a crisp, clean finish. It’s easy to drain a few boots of this fine lager with it’s light body and medium carbonation. I might have to change out the boot for a stein and start taking it by the liter. This is definitely an easy drinking smooth flowing party beer that will have you making out with the nearest tuba player at the fest!
The Sonic Pairing: Although this beer comes from the Green Mountain State it’s got all German ingredients so I went with “Blackout” from Hanover’s proudest sons, Scorpions. By 1982 they had long ago eschewed any evidence of their psychedelic roots and become a hard rockin’, hard partying metal institution. Their songs were about sex, partying, girls, life on the road, sex and partying…well, let’s just say if you were looking for answers to the world’s problems, you were looking in the wrong place. Finely German engineered escapism. With songs like “Dynamite”, “Arizona” and “Can’t Live Without You” they keep the party going. “You Give Me All I Need” and the hit “No One Like You” let them expose their sensitive side while still delivering searing guitar solos and headbanging beats. Perfect for crushing liters of lager and going shirtless just wearing lederhozen while swinging links of greasy sausage in the air.
The Sonic Beer Blog is sponsored by Mass Liquors at 392 Chandler St in Worcester, Mass.
