When I went to Friar Tuck to find more pumpkin beers and Oktoberfests, I managed to find this one. I assume that since it was out this time of year, and is simply called “Fest Seasonal Beer,” that it is an Oktoberfest beer. As you can tell, I’m starting to struggle to find beers that qualify for my Oktoberfest Challenge, so if anyone here in town sees anything that would qualify, please let me know. The bottle says this one is 5.6% ABV.
It has a slightly hazy orange color and no head. However, it appears to have plenty of carbonation in it. The aroma was a little strange, as it is sort of a stale smell with a little bit of sweet maltiness.
It was very light bodied, and it was crisp from the carbonation in it. There was a fruity and slightly earthy/English hop bitterness up front, with a little bit fruity and citrusy flavors coming through in the middle. There was a little bit of a dry finish with a hint of English style hop bitterness.
I would pair this with a pork tenderloin, as I think the fruity, earthy, and citrusy flavors would add to the light complexity of a seasoned tenderloin. Both the meat and the beer are light enough that they would easily go well together.
I was surprised by the lightness, fruitiness, and hoppiness of this Oktoberfest beer. I was expecting something a little more malt forward, and instead this was a bit more hop character. Overall, I thought this was a very drinkable beer that was a nice change from the standard Oktoberfest marzens.
My Rating: 
Reader Ratings[five-star-rating]
November 1, 2010
Thanks for the review of our Fest but ironically this was a Summer release for us! This was our 10th anniversary beer and it is based on German “Festival” beer. And as I found out when I went to Octoberfest this is the style of beer served as opposed to the firery Marzen I love. But they were great beers and they inspired us to brew this beer. We also make a very nice “standard” Octoberfest which if you would like to include in your Octoberfest challenge let me know.
Kirby Nelson
Brewmaster
Capital Brewery Co., Inc.
November 1, 2010
Kirby, I never expected to get a response from a brewmaster! Thanks for the response! Unfortunately, my Oktoberfest Challenge was just during the month of October, but I did end up missing 2 days during the month. So if there is any way I could get my hands on one of your standard Octoberfest beers, I’ll review it to include as a “make up” beer for one of the days I missed.
Thanks again for taking the time to read my review and respond!!!
December 14, 2010
Hello Drinker Admin
No we have not forgot about you, please send us your address and we will send you 6 bottles of Oktoberfest and Autunmal Fire (our Oktoberfest in Doppelbock form) for your review and tasting pleasure.