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Ultimate Oktoberfest

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Ultimate Oktoberfest is a strong version of the brewery's German-style Märzen, aged for nine months in bourbon barrels and released at 9.4 percent each autumn. The barrel lays notes of bourbon, vanilla and oak over the caramel and sweet bread of the malt, joined by warm baking spices. It is moderately sweet with a light bitterness, the body is fuller than in the regular Oktoberfest, and the finish carries a gentle alcohol warmth.

ABV
9.4%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
amber9
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
carameloakvanilla
caramel
oak
vanilla
spicy
malty
bready
Aroma
Bourbon barrel aging brings forward pronounced notes of vanilla, oak, and whiskey warmth that layer elegantly over the malt base.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Ultimate Oktoberfest

◎ Appearance

Deep amber to copper hue with excellent clarity and a refined, persistent head that adheres well to the glass walls. The carbonation is moderate, creating a steady stream of fine bubbles that sustains the foam structure throughout the drinking experience.

deep amberclearpersistent headmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

Bourbon barrel aging brings forward pronounced notes of vanilla, oak, and whiskey warmth that layer elegantly over the malt base. Beneath these wood influences lie caramel sweetness and the gentle spice of baking spices—cinnamon and subtle clove—creating a complex nose that balances richness with restraint.

bourbon oakvanillacaramelbaking spices

◐ Taste

The palate opens with sweet caramel and bread-forward malt character, followed by waves of bourbon barrel influence—oak, vanilla, and a warming alcohol presence. Bitterness remains light and measured at 22 IBU, allowing the malt sweetness and barrel complexity to dominate, though the finish carries enough dryness to prevent cloying.

caramel maltbourbon oak vanillasweet breadlight bitter finish

◑ Finish

A long, warming finish with lingering notes of oak, vanilla, and gentle alcohol heat that extends the drinking experience. The aftertaste remains slightly sweet with residual spice, never becoming hot or aggressive despite the 9.4% ABV.

warm alcohollingering oakextended finish
83
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
83
Appearance
82
Finish
82
Serve at 7–9°C

Serve at 7–9°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Stein

The sturdy German stein maintains temperature and keeps carbonation intact. Built for long, convivial drinking.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Ultimate Oktoberfest

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About Märzen

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Märzen?

Märzens are Bavarian lagers with 5.8–6.3% ABV. Rich toasty malt — bread, caramel, biscuit — with clean lager fermentation and low bitterness.

Finding a similar Märzen

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same caramel, sweet, oak character as Ultimate Oktoberfest will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Märzen beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →