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  • Writer's pictureThomas J. Miller

O' Zapft is!!

Tapped my 2020 Oktoberfest homebrew. Extremely happy with the outcome!


My malt bill was 57% Vienna Malt, 29% Munich Malt, and 14% Pilsner Malt. Hallertauer Hops additions for 70 and 40 minutes for 24 IBUs. Imperial Global Yeast, pitched at 55F and fermented at 48F.


Here at the BJCP style guidelines:


3B. Oktoberfest/Märzen

Aroma: Rich German malt aroma (of Vienna and/or Munich malt). A light to moderate toasted malt aroma is often present. Clean lager aroma with no fruity esters or diacetyl. No hop aroma. Caramel aroma is inappropriate.


Appearance: Dark gold to deep orange-red color. Bright clarity, with solid foam stand.


Flavor: Initial malty sweetness, but finish is moderately dry. Distinctive and complex maltiness often includes a toasted aspect. Hop bitterness is moderate, and noble hop flavor is low to none. Balance is toward malt, though the finish is not sweet. Noticeable caramel or roasted flavors are inappropriate. Clean lager character with no diacetyl or fruity esters


Mouthfeel: Medium body, with a creamy texture and medium carbonation. Smooth. Fully fermented, without a cloying finish.


Overall Impression: Smooth, clean, and rather rich, with a depth of malt character. This is one of the classic malty styles, with a maltiness that is often described as soft, complex, and elegant but never cloying.


Comments: Domestic German versions tend to be golden, like a strong Helles. Export German versions are typically orange-amber in color, and have a distinctive toasty malt character. German beer tax law limits the OG of the style at 14°P since it is a vollbier, although American versions can be stronger. "Fest" type beers are special occasion beers that are usually stronger than their everyday counterparts.


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