26 Aug Saint Arnold Oktoberfest by Hannah

Saint Arnold Oktoberfest

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Houston

Festbier

ABV: 6.6%

IBUs: 14

Packaging: Draft, 32 oz Crowler, 6 pack 12 ounce bottles, 6 pack 12 ounce cans, Growler

Like many of you, I’m raging like it’s 2001, waiting for this monstrosity of a storm to literally blow over. Hurricane Harvey might have killed my apartment’s power, but he sure as hell can’t kill my will to drink!

Hurricane Hannah is a category 5 alcoholic with no signs of slowing down.

In a valiant attempt to cherish and enjoy all the beers in my fridge that are now ominously awaiting their demise (RIP electricity), I’m taking it upon myself to chronicle a select few. I’m beginning with the tried and true, Saint Arnold Oktoberfest, because it’s light, smooth, and easy to drink. Yes it’s basic, but I’m not breaking out the crowler of Brash Abide just yet, but trust me, I’ll get there.

Side notes: #1 Apologies for the brevity of this review, but my laptop’s power is dwindling by the minute. At this rate, I won’t be able to monitor the much-awaited McGregor versus Mayweather fight (although we all know Conor is dead meat). #2 Yes, some of these photos were taken in the middle of last night before my power went out, as I desperately attempted to finish doing laundry in my $hitty coin-operated apartment’s laundry facility.

Saint Arnold Oktoberfest is a fall staple, so maybe it’s not new to you, but I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to sip the malty nectar of the god…err, Saint.

Like it’s can, Saint Arnold Oktoberfest is colored like real fall foliage, with bright, beautiful hues of amber and golden brown. It’s tan head has medium retention.

The scent is really where it ropes you in. Heavy wiffs of dried fruit, toasted bread and malt invite you to imagine a world where it isn’t 90 degrees with 70% humidity. The mouthfeel, I will hesitantly describe as near perfect- lightly carbonated with just enough viscosity to make it’s presence known without being too thick and cloying.

The flavors blend amazingly well with the scent. Expect sweet notes of light spice, orange, caramel, and toasted bread. While undoubtedly veering toward malt on the balance, a very soft hop bitterness manages to find it’s way to the middle of the palate.

If you’re above water, or have a floatation device, you can find Saint Arnold Oktoberfest literally everywhere around town. As they like to say, “turn around and don’t drown”, but really make haste to your nearest liquor or grocery store before ol’ Harvey intensifies so you can grab a six pack of Oktoberfest or other local fall favorites.