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.