Here in December, it’s unfortunately far enough away from the Fall to where my favorite fall beers are starting to disappear from shelves and taps.
That’s a shame, and I have long advocated for these beers to be year-round. I fear most breweries do not feel the same.
I’ve done more than a few martzens this year, but my other beloved fall beer I have not done nearly as much. So to my surprise, I noticed a six-pack of Festbier (Festbier, 5.8% ABV, 27 IBU) from my pals at Green Bench in St. Pete, and naturally had to get it.
In describing it, I must acquiesce to Green Bench’s incredibly apt description, and I quote, “akin to a heavy-bodied Helles with more hop flavor.”
I am want to agree. The color is very similar, with a bright golden hue. The aroma has beautiful biscuit notes with a soft indication of the Pilsner, Munich, and Vienna malts used.
The flavor, as was stated perfectly light and crisp. I’m a very enthusiastic fan of the Helles lager, and this is very similar. It’s without the lemony notes that a traditional Helles has, and combines a slight floral hop on top of a richer, more bready backbone.
It’s light, it’s crisp, it’s clean, it’s very flavorful, and it should be something enjoyed every month of the year. Alas, it is not. I shall continue my futile attempts at changing this, in the meantime I still have a few to get through.
At least before Christmas. Prost!
Drink Florida Craft,
Dave
@floridabeerblog
floridabeerblog@gmail.com
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