Karl Strauss has poured an Oktoberfest every fall since 1989, which makes this one of the longest-running seasonal traditions in San Diego beer. It is also one of the most old-school beers the brewery makes: a German-style Marzen built on Vienna and Munich malts, with no modern hop tricks and no gimmicks.

The basics

• Brewery: Karl Strauss Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)
• Style: Marzen/Oktoberfest
• ABV: 5.0%
• IBU: 20

What to expect

Oktoberfest pours a deep golden-amber with a creamy white head. The aroma and flavor are all malt: toasted bread crust, a nutty undertone, and a touch of caramel sweetness, all kept in check by Hallertau Perle hops that give the finish a gentle spicy edge. It is rich without being heavy, which is the whole point of the style.

The body is medium and smooth, with a crisp, clean finish that invites another stein. This is a beer built for a long table and a plate of sausages, not for sipping and analyzing. It does exactly what a Marzen should do, and it does it without showing off.

Our rating

7.25/10

Rated by Alex (7) and Nick (7.5). Alex and Nick are close on this one, with Nick a little warmer at 7.5. The shared verdict is that this is a dependable, true-to-style seasonal: not the most exciting beer Karl Strauss makes, but one of the most satisfying to actually drink. If you want a fall lager that tastes like fall, this is an easy pick.