Name: Ayinger October Fest-Marzen

After a less than respectable rating for a Bavarian beer last week, I was torn between picking a redemption beer for the respected brewing region and a Thanksgiving beer that goes great with turkey. Thanks to the beer experts at John’s Grocery, I didn’t have to choose.

Smell: A strong floral aroma invites you to burry your nose deep into the glass and discover notes of bananas, spices, wheat, and possibly barley. 4.5/5

Look: The Oktober Fest-Marzen is a fantastic example of appropriately carbonated beer, not too much, not too little. A nice golden-copper colored body supports a thin head that daintily laces the glass. 4.5/5

Taste: Medium viscosity and a soft creamy touch on the tongue combine with citrus, banana, wheat, yeast, hops, and earthy flavors that are polished off with a mild spice after-bite. I love the flavor profile in this beer; astoundingly, it only gets better as the beer gets warmer. 4.7/5

If you’re looking for a beer to enjoy slowly while eating or digesting your Thanksgiving meal, Ayinger’s October Fest-Marzen is a perfect way to wash down the last days of the autumn season.

Overall: 13.7/15