SanTan Oktoberfest

SanTang Brewing – SanTan Oktoberfest 12 oz. can poured into a pilsner glass – 5.5% abv.

Commercial description: A German Style Lager that celebrates tradition with a toasty, strong, caramel malt profile offering a clean, crisp lager flavor made for Autumn enjoyment.

I sampled this as a 12oz can (Packaged on 8/8/16) full pour into a specialty pilsner flute. This one is deep copper colored with healthy, then dwindling tan foam. A thin layer of bubbles remain. The aroma on this one starts out nicely with rich dark bread, sweet dough and pumpernickel. Dark strawberry and dates come through as it warms.

The flavor initially is richer and slightly oily with red fruits like baked strawberry and stewed red cherry. Mid-palate brings a solid malt base with dark bread crust and sweet tea. Especially for the 5.5% ABV, the body is fuller and rich with slight oiliness in the finale. The beer is well put together and would appeal to a variety of palates, especially those who usually go for malt-forward, lightly bitter brown ales and dark lagers. You may even convert Newcastle lovers with this one.

Overall, I found SanTan to pretty much hit all the marks for this style at an impressively low 5.5% ABV.