It might be a little out of season but the weather sure feels like fall here in New England. Its warm-ish outside but the nights are still quite cool. I figured this one still tastes fresh so why not, right? 

From the Surly site:

"A traditional Oktoberfest bier from Surly? Nein! If you want one of those, grab your passport and head over to Munchen (bring us back some pretzels.) Our Fest inspired beer is brewed with imported malted barley, rye, and a German lager yeast strain. We hop this beer with a single variety... and then we dry hop it. A single hop, dry hopped, rye lager bier? Ja!"

Here we go...

Pour - gold to dark golden in color. Head is about an inch of tight whiteness. Looks very nice in a big glass, all 16 oz. of it!

Aroma - malty sweetness, some grainy smells, corn syrup, caramel and a little earthy/dirty hops. 

Taste - sweet like honey and caramel combined followed by a very sharp crispness that I'd imagine is the slap of spiciness that is asserted by the rye in the grain bill. Very balanced and the crispness that this beer has is so refreshing. Very, very tasty. I could go for a few more of these that is for sure! 

Overall - I really dig the battle between sweet and spiciness. This is definitely different than most of the beers associated with Oktoberfest. Personally, I think it has more character and I really dig that rye.

Note - Surly hosts "Surly Fest" each September. Your paid entry gets you four Surly beers, a .5L SurlyFest stein and lots of live music and fun at the brewery. Man, I wish I lived a LOT closer...