Ayinger Brewery
Aying, Bavaria
Imported by: Merchant du Vin
Tukwila, WA
Available: nationwide
Ayinger is located in the Bavarian village of Aying. Established in 1878, it is still family owned and operated. Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen is made via a decoction mash.
ABV: 5.6
ABW: 4.46
Color: 8
Bitterness: 21
Original gravity: 1054
If you’re not into bitter beers and would prefer one with gently layered caramelized sweetness, all in a quaffable package, grab one of these. Golden amber and soft on the palate, with biscuit and teasing spice to accompany the caramel, Demerara sugar and kiss of honey. Delicate roasted grain peppers the finish. Very drinkable. (Thanks for putting it in a half liter bottle!) Makes me yearn for a big soft pretzel and some spicy mustard.
About Oktoberfestbiers, I know this: they’re slightly stronger than the average lager with a deep gold color and mainly malty character. Which in a very minimalist fashion describes this flavor-filled beer to a tee. Add a rich, honey-ish aroma; softly sweet, almost nectar-like start balanced body with light notes of candied nuts and toffee and a slight hop bitterness to dry out the finish and you’ll have painted a more complete picture. Much more characterful, I think, than anything you’ll find on die Wies’n in Munich come Oktoberfest time.
John Hansell is an equal-opportunity drinker. He writes about beer, wine and spirits. He is the creator, publisher and editor of Malt Advocate, a magazine for the whisky enthusiast.
Once described as “beerdom's Brillat-Savarin,” Stephen Beaumont is the author of five books and countless articles on beer, spirits, food, travel, and how it all goes together.
