There’s a such a good solid body to this beer as it sits in my glass the colour of sunshine with a lovely light cloudy head.
The smell is orchard fruits, lightly spiced and swimming in caramel.
But it’s taking a sip whee this beer really comes alive as the higher ABV gently cranks all the flavours up that little bit more, makes them all a little more intense.
The malt is a chewy slab of toffee with the merest trace of crystallised ginger at the edges that provides a lovely bite.
Burned sugar sweetness sits on top and is laced with peppercorns and a pumpernickel bran before the hops bring citrus and straw, mown lawns and crunchy dry leaves.
And then in the finish, as the alcohol warms you through, there’s a lovely soft digestive biscuit that pops up to say, “Glückliche Oktoberfest.”