Octoberfest Round 1 continues

Brooklyn Oktoberfest versus Otter Creek Oktoberfest

Coat of Arms: Otter Creek surprises with a defiant golden almost honey hue, while Brooklyn presents with a deep amber, more traditional look.


Pass 1: Otter Creek somewhat impresses with a slightly fruity yet bitter, perhaps some honey slipping into the taste as well. Brooklyn is notable only for its bitterness, yet it refuses to fall.


Passes 2 through 8: After numerous tastings, the bitterness of Brooklyn stays with me, and it is written off. Otter Creek waves in arrogant victory, but the fruitiness, the whatever flavor it has starts creating mud underfoot, and, out from the autumn darkness, Brooklyn reappears, invigorated by the crisp air, galloping upon its drier, grittier ground. A death blow is landed! Otter Creek is down!


WINNER: Brooklyn Oktoberfest!

Octoberfest Round 1

Samuel Adams versus Hacker Pschorr

Thought I'd use a little more jousting terminology since this is a beer jousting site.

Coat of Arms: The "Original Oktoberfest," Hacker, enters this contest with the greater, more ancient pedigree (the label says 1417). Both pour a medium bodied amber, but Hacker's somehow seems a little livelier, with hints of honey.

Pass 1: Sam Adams makes the first attempt, but falls a little short, with a flavor not all that much different from its other more traditional offerings. Nothing stands out particularly.

Pass 2: Hacker's livelier appearance translates into taste as well, with a nice malty finish as it goes down, taking Sam Adams down with it. No additional passes needed.

WINNER: Hacker-Pschorr

Octoberfest 2007: Round 1

Harpoon versus Paper City Brewery Summit House Oktoberfest

Coat of Arms: There was not a huge difference in appearance here. Both were amber, with the Harpoon slightly more on the brown side, Paper City with more reddish/orange hues. I give the edge to Paper City here, as the brownish tint of the Harpoon did not appeal to me as much.

First Pass: There is no question here: Paper City is hands down the better beer. The Harpoon started with a vague hint of nuttiness. Any additional flavor was overwhelmed by its carbonation as it went down. I was left with a faint, bitter after taste.

On the other hand, Summit City's beer was smoother without the overwhelming carbonation of the Harpoon. The malts were much more apparent and enjoyable, with a nice, smooth caramel feel to it. A very smooth, enjoyable beer. Harpoon is wrenched from his horse!

WINNER: SUMMIT CITY BREWERY