Those of you still clinging on to the spirit of Oktoberfest you are in luck. Narragansett Brewing Company, founded in Cranston, Rhode Island in 1890, has what ails you. Fashionably late to the season, and coming out of a brief retirement, is Narragansett Fest.

ABV: 5.5% | IBU: 22

Released during the fall season, Narragansett Fest is a 5.5% ABV, 22 IBU Marzen. Packaged in its bright orange and yellow 16oz cans, it features an image of King Gambrinus, the patron saint of beer who also watches over the brewery in the form of a statue.

This Marzen pours a deep orange hue, with a khaki head, which leaves heavy lacing behind. Smells of sweet dough and caramel are followed by grass, bread crusts, and apple skins, but not in the way of acetaldehyde. There are no off-smells; the beer is clean. The taste follows with dough similar to King’s Hawaiian bread, straw, and cracker. The hops are most definately noble and come through as woodsy and earthy. Alcohol esters peek through flavors of pear and orange pith. Crisp, semi-dry and medium bodied, the mouth is left dry craving another sip. Balanced between a doughy pretzel sweetness and bright herbal hopping.

A beer brought out of retirement and my personal favorite of the style, it boasts a bridge between a sweeter Marzen and the more traditional golden-hued Festbier served in the festival tents in Germany. This showcase may seem late to the party but if you are still hanging on to the party or just love a great marzen any time, Narragansett Fest is the best of both worlds in the style.

Feature image courtesy of Narragansett Brewing Co.

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