Background – From Neshaminy Creek themselves “It’s Creekfest time! This is our traditional German-style Festbier brewed once a year to celebrate the beginning of fall and all of the Oktoberfest merriment that the season brings. Best enjoyed while donning your favorite pair of lederhosen, Creekfestbier Lager is brewed with Pilsner and Munich malts for a medium body and toasty backbone. Herkules and Hallertauer hops balance the bready character with a touch of bitterness. The crisp, dry finish will leave you wanting another liter…or two. Prost!”

Appearance – The can design is everything I expect out of Neshaminy Creek. Alot of details and something funny, you have a coocoo clock with two Germans saying cheers with the nice blue and white checker design on the back of the can. Once poured it looks like most Marzens. A foamy head with a ton of lacing and that traditional burnt amber color.

Aroma – This aroma for this one is quite strong. You have big notes of caramel and with toasted grains and malts as the foundation. If you let this one warm a bit I can also notice some pretzel which is fitting for an Oktoberfest

Taste: The flavor is all about the caramel and malts with a slight toasted grain finish. There is a hint of spice but I can’t tell if its the hops or something else. Either way I really like what I am getting out of this one.

Drinkability – As one of the lowest ABVs for a Marzen (5.2%) this really helps in how easy it is to go through a few cans of these bad boys. You will notice a medium body with a hop and sweet finish. The surprise here is how it feels heavy for such a light brew.

Overall – I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this one. That’s not a knock on Neshaminy Creek because I enjoy all their beers, but for a non German brewer to make such a tasty Marzen I was impressed. This is a definite must try for you Oktoberfest beer enthusiasts.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Northgard. In a world of RTS’ that get overlooked this is one you should really try. It may be smaller in scale compared to other games but the various Viking Clans all offer something fun and unique. So grab a 6 pack and enjoy your time.

Background – From Tröegs themselves “Our take on this timeless German style starts with a traditional brewing technique called decoction, creating a bright, dry maltiness. A kettle addition of Hallertau Tradition hops adds subtle floral and herbal undercurrents to this toasty sweet Fest Lager. Eins, zwei, g’suffa!”

Appearance – The bottle design is everything you would want out of an Oktoberfest brew. With the dominant color of it being blue with nice touches of gold. The center piece of the bottle a nice stein of beer which is what this is about, the beer. I love the way Tröegs handles the information on the side as well with a nice little paragraph of information. Once poured you have that classic burnt amber color with alot of foamy head and a ton of lacing. Great looking brew here.

Aroma – This aroma at first reminds me of most Marzens. The malt, and toasted bread notes are heavy but I also notice a pretzel smell which is not normal for this style.

Taste: The flavor is heavy in toasted grains, almost like cereal, with a caramel finish. I also get something close to a dark brown bread, maybe with sweet butter. I like that that sweet and toasted notes are perfectly balanced.

Drinkability – The initial sip will be smooth with a little bit of a bite. This is a medium body brew with a crisp finish and a sweet sugar film left on the lips.

Overall – Tröegs has never disappointed me when it comes to their products and this is another great example. I love that this beer has all the standard notes you would expect from a Mazen, but I also find that there are some new flavors being presented. I would highly recommend this one.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader. This is a great Star Wars game in the catalog of other great Star Wars games and it is commonly over looked. If you wanna feel like you are in control of a legit X Wing in a really fun game then grab a 6 pack and enjoy yourself.

Background – From Spoetzl Brewery themselves “Just like the world’s largest beer festival, our little brewrey has Bavarian roots and a long tradition of honoring tradition. Which is why we made this märzen-style with German-grown Hallertau tradition. If that doesn’t make you polka dance for joy, we don’t know what will..”

Appearance – The bottle has a predominantly orange palate that really stands out. There are nice accents of blue and white but it would be easy to mistake this for a pumpkin beer from afar. Once poured you have the burnt amber color with a heavy foamy head and alot of lacing, very traditionally looking Marzen here.

Aroma – This beer holds up the standard expectation of a Marzen. You have heavy notes of malt and biscuits. Both cold and warm I could detect alot from Shiner.

Taste: Just like the aroma the taste here is all what you would expect. A healthy dose of malt with a slight caramel finish. As the beer warms you will get some toasted notes and a minimal amount of hops. I like what they are doing with this one, its a solid beer.

Drinkability – The initial sip will be smooth with minimal carbonation and you will notice the sweetness of the malts. But as it sits you will have a dry almost stale aftertaste which is the biggest negative I could detect from this one.

Overall – The Shiner Märzen-Style Oktoberfest may not deviate too much from a standard Marzen, which is fine with me. Its the finish of the beer that stops it from being better. I would recommend trying it, especially if this is an introduction to Marzens.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Power Move Wrestling. Listen I know there are plenty of better wrestling game’s out there but this is an interesting choice that doesn’t do much wrong, yet its not perfect either. These two deserve each other.

Background – From Hofbräu brewery themselves “The waitress is carrying ten liters and she still has a smile on her face. Celebrating, singing, swaying – Prost! The Hofbräu tent at the Oktoberfest is known for its lively atmosphere. Here is where the world comes to celebrate. Down Under in Lederhosen. Of course, the most popular folk festival in the world wouldn’t be complete without a very special beer: Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer is a full-bodied, bottom-fermented specialty beer. With its fine hoppy aroma, it’s perfect alongside a classic Oktoberfest roasted chicken. The Oktoberfest originated in 1810 in Munich, Germany, as a wedding celebration for the Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. This product was created especially for this event and is brewed usually for the Oktoberfest, now the largest beer festival in the world. Hofbräu München (HB) is one of a selected group of breweries granted the privileges of supplying the Oktoberfest with their products. Using the highest quality ingredients, HB’s Oktoberfest Specialty has its own distinctive and unique taste.”

Appearance – The bottle has the traditional Hofbräu style with a slight variation on the color to celebrate Oktoberfest. It looks good but it doesn’t stand out much in the crowd. Once poured you get the crystal clear golden straw color that you expect from festbiers with a heavy foamy head that leaves alot of lacing.

Aroma – Unfortunately most festbiers share the similar trait of a lack of aroma. Once this bad boy warms you will notice some lemon and grass with a hint of biscuit. But even after 1-2 I can barley notice much from the bottle or the pour.

Taste: The flavors are similar to the aroma, not very strong but there are hints of the lemon and grass. The finish is the biscuit flavor but not a great one.

Drinkability – For 6.3% this is on the stronger side of Oktoberfest beers and yet it goes down super smooth. There is alot of carbonation with a dry and crisp finish.

Overall –  I this is a solid option for a warm night and if you are not a fan of the dark Marzens then this isn’t bad to try out.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Mario Party 8. This is the type of beer you should be drinking with a group and while Mario Party 8 may not be the best of the bunch it is still a fun time. So grab a 6 pack and boot up the old Wii.

Background – From Funk Brewing Company themselves “This traditional lager that is brewed all German malt and hops. A slight toasted hazelnut flavor with a touch of caramel sweetness and a dry biscuity finish. This is the lager of your dreams. Funktoberfest is a Octoberfest style beer with a twist. Octoberfest is a traditional lager that is brewed at the end of spring and stored the whole summer until that autumn where is brought out to be consumed along with a traditional celebration. Funktoberfest is slightly different as it is brewed as an ale with no lagering period, cause hell, everyday your alive and breathing should be a celebration and who wants to wait to drink an awesome beer anyways. It has a medium level of bitterness with a wonderful malt complexity and a slight toasty/nutty flavor with a touch of sweetness and a dry finish.”

Appearance: Sometimes the classics are a classic for a reason. These tall boy cans stand out with their bright blue and white traditional checker design. Interesting choice on the oversized mustache, admittedly that’s not something I see very often. Once poured you get a very murky burnt amber color with a small head and a decent amount of lacing.

Aroma: The aroma throws me because it comes off almost more floral and hoppy versus malty and sweet. The notes I do get are faint and nothing that will grab you.

Taste: The taste is interesting because there is alot of bite in each sip. There is a slight toastiness with faint hints of something nutty. The flavor profile may be too subtle for its own good and in general this one doesn’t feel like an Oktoberfest Marzen.

Drinkability: Mouthfeel is heavy carbonation but very light. The finish is crisp with a surprising amount of dryness that manages to still have a sugar film leave over. Its an odd sensation, not necessarily bad but it does not feel like a Marzen.

Overall: I respect that Funk Brewing was trying something new, but this is one I will likely pass over in the future. Still its worth a try if you are looking for a Marzen that doesn’t follow the mold.

Game Pairing: Since this is not a typical beer for the style I wanted to go with a non traditional game. WindJammers 2. It may not be deep in its gameplay but it is fun with a buddy. So grab a 4 pack and and a buddy and enjoy yourself.

Background – From The Ayinger brewery themselves “Beer in Bavaria has had an exceptionally high value since time immemorial. It is not just the proverbial “liquid bread” alone, but rather also the social “cement” of our culture, in which values such as conviviality, community, honesty, reliability and solidarity with the homeland play a major role. The deep roots in our region, continuously deepened over generations, form the nutrient base of the Ayinger Brewery. The quality of our beer, consistently awarded numerous prizes for its excellence, is consequently not just based on the select ingredients of our region and the capacities of our brewing art. Equally important is the spirit, the mindset, the very values with which we have performed our craft for over 130 years.”

Appearance – Now this is what an Oktoberfest beer bottle should look like. A great depiction of people drinking from the steins and celebrating. I always appreciate more effort going into these labels. Once poured I was shocked because you get a clear burnt golden color and not the amber that you would expect from a Marzen

Aroma – This is one of the most robust aromas I have experienced when drinking any Marzen. It is filled to the brim with malts and caramel with heavy notes of sugar bread. I love this aroma and it may be my favorite one so far.

Taste: The taste follows the aroma. You have huge malt and caramel notes with an overall sweetness. Not as balanced as other Marzens but I found that I enjoyed it, maybe I am getting tired of any bitterness.

Drinkability – This is a silky smooth brew with barley any bite. The beer itself is medium bodied and does not leave too much of a sugar laced film in your mouth. After one bottle it is surprising that it sits kind of heavy, but still its a hell of an experience.

Overall –  I really enjoyed this brew. The aroma and flavor are both excellent and this one goes down smooth as hell. It is a must try if you like Marzens.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Ogre Battle The March of the Black Queen on the SNES. This is an overlooked real time tactical role playing game. If you like this genre then grab a six back of beer and prepare for an epic quest.

Background – From The Devil’s Backbone brewing themselves “Inspired by modern German Oktoberfest bier, O’Fest will make you want to hoist a stein at your local bier hall and say “Prost!” We hear that means “cheers” in German. It’s medium-bodied, golden in color, and tastes smooth, malty & bready thanks to the contemporary blend of malts and hops. You’ll love it whether it’s October or Oktober”

Appearance – Now this is what an Oktoberfest beer bottle should look like. A great depiction of people drinking from the steins and celebrating. I always appreciate more effort going into these labels. Once poured I was shocked because you get a clear burnt golden color and not the amber that you would expect from a Marzen

Aroma – The aroma is bright and crisp, like a fresh wake up with notes of malt and apple. While it may not be heavy in the aroma the notes that you do get are all pleasant. 

Taste: The taste is crisp with notes of malts and bread but it is very light. It almost surprises me how much it doesnt feel like a marzen. This reminds me of the festbier style lager, but either way it tastes good.

Drinkability – The O’fest is an extremely easy beer to drink with a dry finish. It goes down smooth and at 5.9% it may be a bit too smooth. I love brews like this that are perfect for a warmer September day.

Overall –  I like what this beer is going for, even at 5.9% this feels lighter than most of the Oktoberfest beers I have tried so far. If it is available near you then I suggest grabbing a 6 pack. 

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Lego Jurassic World. Something about this beer made we want to go outside, and hell why not be outside with some dinosaurs. The lego games never disappoint and with this beer you will be able to enjoy yourself that much more.

Background – From Flying Fish themselves “We present this German style lager in celebration of the season. To be enjoyed with the fest fare and especially when paired with lederhosen. ”

Appearance – Standing out from most Oktoberfest beer this bottle sports predominantly red with the traditional blue and white checker style. Flying Fish even includes their fish logo with a nice little German style hat. Once poured you will notice a light brown amberish clear brew with little to no lacing and a tannish head.

Aroma – The aroma through me off at first because I had heavy notes of stale bread. As the beer warmed I noticed hints of caramel and toasted malts. It takes a minute to grow on you and once it does its quite nice.

Taste – The taste is just like the aroma where it starts one way and finishes in a different direction. The initial pop of sweetness takes you for a surprise but as the beer settles and warms you get that toast malt and bread flavor. There is also a noticeable amount of spice with this one so it doesn’t quite feel like a traditional Marzen.

Drinkability – The Oktoberfish has a medium to light body with a high amount of carbonation. The finish is mostly dry with hints of sweetness left on your lips.

Overall – The beer is nice because it maintains an overall subtle balance, however the spice makes it feel less like a Marzen than I am use to. It is still good and perfect for any fall day.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick bioshock Infinite. A solid game but similar to this beer it didn’t feel like a typical bioshock game. So pair these two outcasts and enjoy yourself.

Background – From Weihenstephaner themselves “Deep gold in color, this beer is luminous in the glass. From the very first sip, the full-bodied flavor is immediately perceptible – a balanced harmony of hop and malt aromas. The dense foam and the rich maltiness of this beer are especially impressive in a Maßkrug (liter mug).Festbier is delicious with simple dishes, roasted chicken and flavorful Alpine cheese.”

Appearance – I could only manage to find cans of this one. In an off tan can with the green it doesnt read as a festbier. I like all the gold accents and logos. The bold lettering that claims it is from the world’s oldest brewery is a nice touch as well. Once poured it is a clear golden color with a foamy head that leaves plenty of lacing.

Aroma – Very light in the aroma with notes of apple and lemon. The malts are there but are not overpowering.

Taste – The taste is very light. I notice a mild balance of malts, apples and then a hoppy and tart finish. The sweetness is evenly balanced with a tart finish, which I presume is from the hops.

Drinkability – This is even lighter than most Marzens. With a very light mouthfeel this beer finishes dry and with a bit of tartness. Its easy to drink but I don’t love the mouth feel. This could easily be a full day drinker.

Overall – Another good beer from the Germans. This is a beer that is lighter than a Marzen and a perfect bridge beer for light lager drinkers. I imagine the best place to have this is during a festival/party while chomping on pretzels. I would highly suggest it.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Rampage. This beer is meant to be consumed while with others and playing into the chaotic and over the top fun of Rampage you are sure to have a great time. You will easily go through many of these brews and quarters, but you will have a great time.

Be sure to check out all of the other Oktoberfest Beer reviews here.

Background – From Spaten themselves “Our Spaten Oktoberfest beer is brewed in spring for the world’s largest folk festival. Countless Oktoberfest visitors are enthusiastic about this beer every year. Because every sip with its unmistakably tasty taste is as special as the Wiesn itself.”

Appearance – The bottle design is simple with a nice color scheme, with blue and silver being the dominant tones. The green bottle does help it stand out and the font used looks great. When you pour this out you will get a very dark amber with a robust foamy head that leaves alot of lacing.

Aroma – Typical of most Marzens this boasts alot of toasted malts, with hints of caramel and some kind of hop that I can’t really define. It smells like tradition.

Taste – The taste is really well done. The malts are heavy upfront but not overpowering. Then you get the caramel sweetness with a touch of hops. I cannot recommend this enough, allow this one to warm up a bit while drinking. The notes really open up as it reaches room temperature.

Drinkability – This is beer drinks like you expect an Oktoberfest to drink. Smooth with a medium mouth feel, a slight hop and burn after the initial sip. Then you get a sugar film on your lips. Alot to enjoy with this one.

Overall – To the surprise of no one the Germans do Oktoberfest beers the best. This is subtle in all the right ways but delivers with the flavors you would want.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Gauntlet from the arcade. I wanted to go to a traditional game to match this legendary brew. While Gauntlet may not blow people away today it is undeniable that it is a solid experience that spawned an entire genre.

Be sure to check out all of the other Oktoberfest Beer reviews here.

Background – From New Trail Brewing themselves “Available exclusively in our Hoppy Variety 12pack, our Modern West Coast IPA brings all the hallmarks of West Coast clarity and drinkability, while adding Modern East Coast hop aroma and lowered bitterness.
No. 2 in the series is brewed with Talus and Citra hops for high stone fruit aroma, as well as Crystal and Chinook calling back to classic piney West Coast character.
This beer will constantly evolve as we experiment with the style. Check back in the Hoppy Variety Pack to journey along with us.”

Appearance – The can design is striking with the use of purple and hints of yellow/gold. Like most New Trail Brews the background has a more subtle approach. The can definitely stands out, although you can only get this one in a mixed variety pack. Once poured the beer fairly clear with a substantial amount of foamy head.

Aroma – The smell of pine is strong, with notes hops and a little bit of sweetness that I can’t quite put my finger on. In general it smells like most West Coast IPAs, which can be good or bad depending on how you look at it.

Taste – The flavor is primarily pine with some heavy resin as well. The backend of the flavor tastes of citrus, and a slight sugar apricot. The initial flavor may not knock you back but the beer grows on you as you continue to sip and allow it to warm up.

Drinkability – Personally West Coast IPAs are my least favorite and its due to the bitterness. The Modern West Coast Experimental IPA – No. 2 reminds me of most WC IPAs I have tried and after 1-2 I am done with it.

Overall – Overall there is alot to like here, but the ceiling is low on this style. It is one of the better West Coast IPAs so if you are still able to grab it I would suggest it.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Satisfactory available on Steam. This is a unique first person factory building game that allows you to explore with some limited combat. I love when publishers try something different, much like this beer so enjoy these two experiments together.

Background – From Guinness themselves “The best selling premium Irish import lager in the world today. This rich, golden pilsner style lager, with a smooth, refreshing hoppy taste, is brewed the Irish way, using only the finest barley and pure spring water from the Cooley Mountains of Dundalk, Ireland.”

Appearance – The bottle design is simple with a nice color scheme, with blue and silver being the dominant tones. Looking at this bottle nothing sticks out that this is a an Irish lager and I wish that Guinness would have made more of an effort. The beer itself pours a golden clear with a typical white foamy head. Lacing

Aroma – Like most pale lagers the aroma is quite weak. The only thing I notice is a bit of the malt and some caramel, but I cannot stress how faint it is.

Taste – The taste is similar to the aroma, not a lot here. Harp is more flavorful than Budweiser or Miller as the malts are a bit more present and you can notice a touch of the sugars leaves a nice flavor.

Drinkability – This is an Irishman’s dream when it comes to drinkability. You can drink this beer fast and in great quantities. When you let it settle there is a clean dry mouthfeel with a bit of sugar left on your lips. Next time you are having a party you should try playing some beer pong with Harp.

Overall – While I feel that Harp is a better lager than most of the American macro lagers it still suffers from the same issues. There is not a ton of aroma or flavor but holy hell is it drinkable. I would recommend trying this next time you need a beer for a party.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the Xbox. This game may not compare to the original arcade game or Turtles in Time but it is a solid beat em up and is great for a quick pick up and play game. So grab a six pack (or a case) and kick some foot solider ass! Sláinte

Background – From Guinness themselves “In 300 years of triumph, adversity and above all, brewing, you learn a thing or two about ale. This, our original Red Ale, is a blend of mild hops, sweet malt and roasted barley. Like the castle at the heart of our Kilkenny home, it’s stood the test of time throughout Irish history, and earned its rightful place as Ireland’s most loved ale. Smithwick’s Red Ale is the ruby red session ale with a gentle hop bitterness, sweet malty notes and a refreshingly balanced taste.”

Appearance – The bottle design stands out with the distinct red label and the photo of the Castle from Kilkenny. This beer screams Ireland and still manages to keep it very simple. With a nice description on the label this is what a standard beer label should be. When you pour the beer into a glass you will notice a dark amber/ruby color that is clear but quite dark. The head produces a ton of lacing that sticks around the glass throughout the remainder of the drink.

Aroma – Unless you are an Irish Blood Hound you will not get much of a scent from this beer. What you will get tends to be strictly malts, I would love to be clever enough to keep describing this beer but to be honest there’s little here.

Taste – The flavor is a typical for Irish Red Ales, malt heavy that tends to be a bit bready and notes of the hops finish off your sips. It may not be the most flavorful beer but there is nothing I dislike while drinking.

Drinkability – The Smithwicks Red Ale goes down real easy but man does it have a bitter upfront bite to it. The mouthfeel is both dry and bitter but doesn’t last long. After 2-3 of these beers it may begin to wear on you but make no mistake this is a solid session beer that is great to drink throughout the day.

Overall – Overall this is one of Jim’s favorite beers but strictly for nostalgia. The Smithwicks red ale is one of the most well known Irish red ales and is typically consider the “other” Irish beer aside from the Guinness Stout. I would recommend trying it but do not expect to be blown away, this is a drinking mans beer.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Maximum Carnage on the Sega Genesis. I used to love this game as a kid, and like Jim’s nostalgia for this beer,  neither ages as good as we thought. Still the beer is solid and the game is fun, although hard as hell, so suit up as Spiderman and Venom grab a few of these Irish Red Ales and get fighting, Sláinte

Background – From Coors/George Killians themselves “The original George brewed the first batch of Enniscorthy Ruby Ale, the inspiration for George Killian’s Irish Red. He just wanted a better beer to share with his friends. He then founded Mill Park Brewery in Enniscorthy, Ireland, so he could share his ruby-colored ale with all of Ireland.

George Killian’s Irish Red is an authentic Irish lager based on an original family recipe that dates to 1864 in Enniscorthy, Ireland. Using only pure spring water and the finest caramel malts, roasted longer and slower, give the brew a rich red color and distinctive taste. The beer is well known for its rich amber color and thick, creamy head.”

Appearance – The bottle design definitely stands out with the blood red label and the horse head design. While it may be brewed by Coors today there is no doubt that this is a beer that represents an Irish recipe. The beer itself pours a clear amber brown with little head and almost no lacing, a very clean looking beer.

Aroma – Amber lagers, Amber ales they are similar in many ways, primarily in the fact that neither produces much of an aroma. The only thing you will notice are the bready malts, which get stronger as the beer warms.

Taste – The flavor is quite simple for this beer. Imagine a typical American lager but with a lot more malts and a little more of a bready flavor.

Drinkability – I love how easy this beer is to drink. There is almost no bitterness and a surprising creamy mouthfeel as you finish each sip. For such a low ABV beer it manages to sit quite heavy, so its not perfect.

Overall – Overall many people will hate on this beer because it is associated with Coors. The true origin of this beer may be from Ireland and the original family may still be involved but that doesn’t matter to beer snobs. The George Killian Irish Red is a great option if you are looking for a solid amber lager.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Resistance for the PS3. Commonly overlooked because it had some steep competition between Call of Duty and Halo, however this is a fun game. Game snobs may look down on this one, much like beer snobs looking down on Killian’s Irish Red. So pair these two underrated gems and enjoy yourself, Sláinte

Background – From Guinness themselves “Irish tradition meets American spirit in Guinness Blonde American lager. Complex and flavorful. Light, floral and alive with citrus. This beer is perfectly balanced with a lingering malt and biscuit finish. It’s the coming together of vibrant flavors, of character drawn from both sides of the pond. And it’s come a long way to get here. Ireland and America go way back. Ours are histories that have crossed paths countless times. Our cultures may be totally different but we’ve still got a lot in common. One thing we can definitely agree upon is what makes a good beer. Whether it’s stout or lager, we demand the same things: quality, distinctiveness, character.

The first fusion beer in the Guinness Discovery Series, Guinness Blonde combines the best European brewing techniques – as well as our famous strain of Guinness yeast – with the finest American hops and malts. A collaboration between the Guinness brewers in Dublin and their counterparts at the legendary Latrobe Brewery in Pennsylvania, the result is an American pale lager akin to that of the 1930s: a crisp, light beer that’s big on flavor.”

Appearance – I really enjoy to style of the bottle as well as the design on the label. Using the traditional Guinness Toucan with some beautiful gold accents this bottle is an eye catcher. The beer pours a clear golden color with minimal white head and virtually no lacing which leaves you with a clean glass.

Aroma – The aroma is surprisingly strong for an American Pale Lager. With the bready malts being the strongest scents I also noticed a bit of banana.

Taste – Similar to the aroma there is a decent amount of flavor. Once again I primarily notice the malts and get an aftertaste of banana. Somewhere in between I notice a bit of the hops.

Drinkability – This is an odd beer to drink because you get the clean smooth drinking of a pale lager and yet you walk away with a dry mouthfeel and a bit of bitterness. Somehow when I first take a sip it seems to be a creamy sensation and will lay quire heavy for a 5% beer. Similar to most Guinness beers this is an overall easy beer to drink.

Overall – Overall I enjoy this beer. The Guinness Blonde manages to create a better American Pale Lager than most American breweries. With the bready malts and a touch of banana there is a lot to like about this Irish/American fusion.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Rage a unique game that is quite underrated. Its like Doom in the world of Mad Max so it manages to combine the best from both racing and FPS’s. Similar to the Guinness Blonde these two together yield a complex product that is very enjoyable. So grab a couple bottles and get playing, Sláinte

Background – From Guinness themselves “A direct descendant of our archival recipes, Guinness Extra Stout is based on a beer first brewed in 1821, when Arthur Guinness II set down precise instructions for brewing his Superior Porter. This beer has since become the precursor to every Guinness innovation you’ve ever enjoyed. Brewed at our St. James’s Gate brewery in Dublin, Guinness Extra Stout is crafted from finest quality malt, hops and Irish barley. Sharp and crisp to the taste, it’s an entirely different experience from the smooth, creamy Guinness Draught and punchier Foreign Extra Stout, but the trademark Guinness flavors preside. We’ve come a long way since this beer was first dreamt up in the 1800s, but we’ve stuck to our values. We’re blessed with over 250 years of brewing experience, and, as Guinness moves forward, history accompanies us in the bottle still enjoyed by people all over the world.”

Appearance – Starting with the bottle I have to say I love the overall look, simple and retro looking the dark brown bottle mixed with the tan label is a classic. With the iconic Guinness harp it helps make the label stand out. Once poured you will see the distinctive black body with a tan head that produces a ton of lacing.

Aroma – The aroma is similar to the Draught Stout being fairly strong with roasted malts, coffee and a general smokiness. You can detect a faint hint of fruits by the end of the glass.

Taste – The flavor is evenly balanced between the roasted flavor and the malts. You will notice a decent amount of chocolate and coffee and as the beer warms you notice a small hint of dark fruits.

Drinkability – Compared to the draught the extra stout is much more bitter. It is still quite smooth overall but just has a dryer finish with less of a creamy mouthfeel.

Overall – Overall, this is quite different from the draught, but it is still damn good. If you have only had the draught in the past I would recommend giving the Extra stout a try. The additional alcohol and sharp bite adds a new dimension to the Irish Dry Stout, without sacrificing the flavors.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Bioshock. Something makes me feel that this would have been a popular beer in Rapture. An excellent game that manages to be both an inventive FPS with plenty of horror elements. Mix these two and keep an eye out for Big Daddy, Sláinte

Moving on with the Pumpkin Beer reviews I am trying out the Devil’s Backbone München on Pumpkin Lager. It tends to be less common to find pumpkin lagers versus ales, so I am always exited to try one when I see it out in the wild. You can see more on their website here. So lets see if this one is worth all the hype.

“It’s no secret we’ve always been inspired by the classic brews that originated in München (aka that’s Munich for our stateside friends.) The proof is in that sixer of Vienna Lager that’s probably in your fridge right now.  Well we’re bringing that traditional lager into the 21st century and customizing it for all those folks who have been impatiently waiting for fall.  No need to choose if you’ll celebrate Oktoberfest or pumpkin spice this year – grab a München on Pumpkin and enjoy the best of both worlds! “

Appearance: The label threw me off at first because of the flag background, which made me think of a Marzen style beer. But once I looked closer I liked what I saw. A tattooed brewer laying back in some pumpkins enjoying a brew. I also am a sucker for a label that has a custom cut.

Aroma: The aroma is much lighter than most ales. I notice a tasted bread with a slight hint of cinnamon which gets stronger as the beer warms.

Taste: The flavor is similar but lighter and semi crisp. There are hints of cinammon and a little bit of pumpkin but its very subtle.

Experience: By far this is one of the easiest drinking pumpkin beers I have had. The mouthfeel is light with a dry finish. Almost no sweetness lingers. This would be a perfect session beer that isn’t a light lager.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Monster Party for the NES. This is a fun twist on horror with all the typical elements of a difficult 8 bit platformer. There are a ton of monsters and more specifically bosses to deal with so you are going to need a beer that doesnt sit too heavy. Grab a 6 pack, sit back and enjoy.

Background: When speaking with head brewer Hannah Godhe she described this as a first in a series of beers meant to replicate famous mixed drinks.

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3.5

Veteran

BeerBeer Review

Thank Frank IPA Review

Appearance: The can artwork is fun with what looks like a grumpy cat celebrating 11 years of Naked Brewing. The backdrop reminds me of a donut with sprinkles and they even made the bottom branding into the outline of a cat.

Aroma: The aroma will make you believe you are about to have a cocktail. The coconut, pineapple and orange take center stage. It is very strong, even for those of us with allergies. It smells delicious.

Taste: The taste is everything advertised. Coconut, pineapple, orange and milk sugar. It truly tastes like a Piña colada with just a bit of sourness at the end. I really enjoyed the flavors even though its not what I typically expect from a beer, and that’s a good thing.

Experience: The beer has a thin body with a semi tart finish. After 1 can the sugar is noticeable on the lips, but it is definitely not too sweet. Although the beer goes down easy after one you may only be able to drink another can or so, as the citrus and sour builds up.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Super Adventure Island (SNES). The island setting and the over the top fun graphics are a perfect pairing for such a unique beer. If you have never tried this game then you should give it a play.

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about the Naked Brewing Company you can click on their link here.

Background: From the can. “Frank is our fixer. Frank likes beer. We brewed a beer to Thank Frank. West Coast-style IPA hopped with Citra & Amarillo. Easy. Uncomplicated. Gets the Job Done.”

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3.5

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BeerBeer Review

Buck Naked Cream Ale Review

Appearance: The can is simple yet catchy. With the Local Union 420 hat in green off setting the zebra themed spiral pattern the art catch’s your eye. The pours semi-hazy with a golden yellow hue and a light off white semi foamy head. The lacing sticks around till the end of the glass.

Aroma: The aroma is typical of most West Coast IPAs. Hop heavy with a nice dose of citrus and pine.

Taste: The taste is hoppy, with a little bit of pine and has alot of grapefruit. If you have had alot of West Coast IPAs before then you will know what to expect.

Experience: Like most west coast IPAs you can expect a decent amount of bitterness, but the good news is this is not one of those beers that taste like you are licking straight pine. Thank Frank has a medium body with a drying aftertaste that goes down fairly easy. I like that the bitterness fades quickly which allows you to drink 2-3 in one sitting without any issue.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Dead Rising 2: Off the Record. The return of Frank West was needed as he is the original mass zombie horde killer. So what better way to say Thank Frank than by playing as one of the most iconic in video game history.

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about the Naked Brewing Company you can click on their link here.

Background: From the brewers site. “Easy drinking cream ale style beer. A little reminiscent of the old days but much better! “Nostalgic and simple. Crisp and clean. Approachable and always in style. This beer brings timeless classic to the modern masses with a thirst-quenching appeal. This is Buck Naked Cream Ale.

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4.1

Veteran

BeerBeer Review

Guinness Draught Stout Review

Appearance: The can art is very nice, with a deer on the front and an art deco style you will certainly notice this one from afar. The pours mostly clear with a hint of haze. The coloring is a is a light golden hue topped with a semi foamy white head.

Aroma: The aroma is very light on this beer, as you would expect from the style. The only thing I could pick up was a bit of mild malts.

Taste: The taste is beer…but there is a bit of extra sweetness here. Its not as sweet as the major adjunct light lagers but it stands out. The sweetness reminds me of a cold glass of apple juice, with nothing artificial in it.

Experience: Super thin and very drinkable this is a beer drinkers beer. I could easily pound through a six pack by myself. Even though this is 5.3% it drinks like a 4% session beer, which may be dangerous. Still this would be easy to drink at any time, although I would favor the summer months as a nice cold relief brew.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Deer Avenger 2: Deer in the City. Much like the Buck Naked Cream Ale this is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The idea of a deer getting its revenge on human in an over the top FPS is perfect for a beer like this. I may have been influenced by the can art but I think you will have a great time sitting back with a six-pack and this goofy shooter.

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about The Naked Brewing Company you can click on their link here.

Background: There is not a ton of background on the beer available other than the notes provided on the side of the can. “A double dose of dare. Drinking this brew is anything but a physical challenge! A mind boggling level of Citra Hops provides a perfect balance for a silky smooth body and a crisp finish. We double dare you to not enjoy this beer!s.”

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4.1

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BeerBeer Review

Guinness Draught Stout Review

Appearance: This can copies the Double Dare logo with the font, colors, and the splat. Its awesome and eye catching, I love it. Once poured you are treated to a hazy amber/copper tone and a foamy highly lacy head that lingers for a while, especially when fresh.

Aroma: The one word I can say about the aroma is WOW. It is filled to the brim with lemon, pine, grass and citrus. Even Jim tried one who has a terrible sense of smell could get all the aroma that this has to offer. Its odd when an aroma outshines the taste, and this may be one of those cases.

Taste: The taste is very juicy with tons of citrusy fruits. Once again I got alot of orange and lemon upfront. As the beer warmed up I noticed more tropical fruits like papaya and pineapple.

Experience: Like most hazy beers the Super Duper Citra is very smooth and also has a creamy mouthfeel. This beer tricks you though, as I continued drinking the bitterness really kicked up for me. By the end the smoothness went away and gave way to the hoppy bitterness. Its still a good drink, but it is odd how much it changes throughout.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing how could I not chose Double Trouble for the NES. The only game licensed by he show you can relive your childhood fantasies of competing against your friends. Make sure you grab a friend or two and grab a four pack of these juice brews sit back and enjoy!

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about Thomas Hooker Brewery you can click on their link here.

Background: There is not a ton of background on the beer available other than the notes provided on the side of the can. “Tent Zipper is a Hazy IPA brewed with Germanic malts, wheat, and oats. Heavy handedly hopped with some of our old favorites Cascade, Centennial, and Crystal. Then hopped again with some of our new favorites Mosaic and Citra. Expect lush orange, deep piney resin, and a blend of your favorite tropical fruits.”

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BeerBeer Battle

Beer Battle #7 – New Trail Brewing IPA Battle

Appearance: A distinct dark green can with blue and black accents that cover a nice picture of a lake. The New Trail logo is a bit more subtle as compared to other beers this time, which I prefer. This beer pours super hazy with a khaki brown body and a light white head. I will say this is what I expect when I see a hazy poured and its a damn good looking beer, if you like hazys.

Aroma: The aroma was strong with pine, lemon and orange. After a few sips I was able to get some other tropical fruits, but the orange is the dominant scent throughout. I feel like this is one of the Tent Zippers best qualities, it smells pretty damn good.

Taste: The aroma give way to a very similar taste that is full of citrus, as you may expect from a Hazy IPA. I mostly notice grapefruit, papaya and oranges. There is a distinct sweetness that mixes well with the citrus that I cannot quite put my finger on. Its very tasty upfront, by the end of the glass the citrus may be a bit overpowering.

Experience: From the first sip to the last this beer goes down very smooth. The body feels creamy and light with a dry finish. Not too heavy or sweet and definitely not too bitter. This is definitely a well rounded pub beer. It may not stand out in the hazy crowd but it gets the job done.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Green Hell released for the Nintendo Switch and Windows. In the world of survival games this one is fun and disturbing at the same time. The tropical setting was the inspiration for the pairing. The citrus of the beer will help calm your nerves as you attempt to stay alive while also dealing with all of the psychological anxiety this game presents.

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about New Trail you can click on their link here.

Background: From Guinness themselves “Developed in 1959, this beer was our brewers’ celebration of Arthur Guinness signing his 9,000-year lease – a fitting way to mark 200 years of groundbreaking brewing. With a skillful pairing of nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide, the smooth, velvety texture was born. Distinguished by its legendary stormy surge upon pouring, Guinness Draught brewed up a storm all of its own. It established itself as the top-selling Guinness beer with lightning speed. Drinkers were instantly drawn to its complexity; its bold combination of flavors made a lasting impression. Guinness Draught was an unparalleled success.

Rich and creamy. Distinctively black. Velvety in its finish. This iconic beer is defined by harmony. Sip after sip, sweet counters bitter as the malt arrives on cue to compliment a base of roasted barley. Just as the unmistakable white head sits flush atop the dark beer, so do the flavors counter and combine perfectly. This is our greatest innovation. Truly unique. Perfectly balanced.”

Appearance: The bottle used in this review is a special commemorative design with a white dominant color scheme and the classic image of the Guinness Tucan taking center stage. I personally prefer the usual black can/bottle with the golden harp. For the purposes of this review I am using the classic can as my basis. The beer pours a dark black with a tan head that leaves the traditional lacing that anyone who has sipped this Irish classic knows well.

Aroma: The aroma is fairly strong with roasted malts and coffee being the strongest. It is an inviting smell that will always remind me of my time in Ireland.

Taste: The flavor is everything that you would expect from a Stout. Coffee, smokiness, chocolate, and roasted malts all blended in a very pleasing way.

Experience: It may be my personal bias but I find the Draught Stout to be one of the most drinkable stouts I have ever had. Of course if you have too many it will begin to sit heavy so you will be limited. During the time when you are enjoying this iconic brew you will notice a creamy mouthfeel with a dry finish that leaves you craving more.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Left 4 Dead 2. This is my favorite multiplayer game as well as one of my favorite games of all time. Naturally I had to chose one of my games to go with one of my favorite beers. Grab a few cans and some buddies and mow down some zombies, but avoid the witch, Sláinte