Probably the most exciting time, for my beer drinking year, is Oktoberfest! The Märzen style has emerged as a personal favorite due to its easy drinkability, smooth flavors, and lovely copper color. It was designed to be enjoyed in great quantity with good food and friends, and having been in Germany during this fantastic time, I can personally attest to this! Needless to say, I was very excited to see what kind of goodness would flow from the MB keg after this simple recipe.
OktoBier Fest - brewed on 6/8/2010 - 1 can MBs Octoberfest Vienna Lager - 20 oz. of Bavarian Wheat DME - 1/4 oz of Hallertau pellet hops
The DME was brought up to a boil in 4-5 cups of water, and the the OVL and Hallertau hops were added at flameout. The wort was cooled in an ice bath in the sink, and a regular pack of MB yeast was pitched right around 70*. Using the "blue ice and cooler" method, I was able to keep the fermentation temps pretty steady between 70-72*.
bottled on: 6/25/2010 carbed through 7/9/2010 and then put 6 bottles in the fridge
1st tester on: 7/23/2010 - this one is shaping up nicely! It is still a little on the green side, so...must...be...patient...
***update 8/4/2010 - I snuck another bottle a few days ago, and it still seemed to need juuust a bit more time. That time...was today! OktoBier Fest is a resounding success! The wheat DME (thank you to Otto's Oktoberfest on MB's website for this inspiration) added a nice creamy body, and the Hallertau hops give this beer a subtle aroma and fresh taste. Its copper color and half-finger of head (that it retained the whole way down BTW) looks quite nice in the glass too. OVL produces yet another good beer! ~Next Recipe~