Date: January 12, 2009
Name: Paulaner Oktoberfest
Draft/Bottle: Bottle
Tasted At: Spinnerstown Hotel
Category #3 Subcategory (a-f): b
Category: European Amber Lager
Subcategory: Oktoberfest/Marzen
Special Ingredients: None Noted
Aroma (as appropriate for style) 9/12
Comment on malt, hops, esters, and other aromatics
In the nose there is a small hint of molasses and most definitely toast from the malt and the hops come across as a faint smell of grass. There are no other aromas such as esters or aromatics that would be misplaced in this style.
Appearance (as appropriate for style) 3/3
Comment on color, clarity, and head (retention, color, and texture)
It pours a small pale white head that dissipates quickly in the center but clings to the cup. The color is an amber/golden hue and is quite clear. The carbonation is active but not overly so.
Flavor (as appropriate for style) 17/20
Comment on malt, hops, fermentation characteristics, balance, finish/aftertaste, and other flavor characteristics
The overwhelming flavor is the sweetness of the malt which is followed by the hops bitterness in each sip. The carbonic action on the tongue is present but not at all distracting or out of place. There is a bit of ethanol sweetness in this beer but not so much as to be a detriment. The finish is clean, dry and relatively quick with little or no aftertaste.
Mouthfeel (as appropriate for style) 5/5
Comment on body, carbonation, warmth, creaminess, astringency, and other palate sensations
This beer is balanced in the mouth, a slight warmth from the alcohol combined with the added creaminess from this style/region. As noted in flavor the carbonation is good adding to the character only. Overall a medium body beer brewed to style.
Overall Impression 7/10
Comment on overall drinking pleasure associated with entry, give suggestions for improvement
This is a wonderful Oktoberfest, from the appearance in the glass , the aroma was not unpleasant but the style normally does not exhibit hop characteristics or caramel overtones. The flavor again was quite pleasant but seemed to be totally balanced, again this style should lean more toward the malt and the toasted malt
Total 41/50
Outstanding (45 - 50): World-class example of style
Excellent (38 - 44): Exemplifies style well, requires minor fine-tuning
Very Good (30 - 37): Generally within style parameters, some minor flaws
Good (21 - 29): Misses the mark on style and/or minor flaws
Fair (14 - 20): Off flavors, aromas or major style deficiencies
Problematic (0 - 13): Major off flavors and aromas dominate
Based on the BJCP judging criteria
This beer was tasted at BJCP training class.
