The month of October, in the beer world, is best associated with the biggest beer festival in the world. Oktoberfest! To celebrate I’m setting myself the challenge to post a review everyday for the duration of the month. And to kick it off I am of course going for an Oktoberfest themed beer called ‘Oktoberwest’. Brewed by Westerham brewery in Kent it is a Marzen Lager created in collaboration with beer writer Melissa Cole. Westerham have actually made this traditional Bavarian style of beer gluten free, which is why they are one of my old mans favourite breweries.

Visually, pours an interesting amber colour, that you don’t typically seen in your standard lager styles. Those nose on the beer is rather subtle but it does contain slight floral and malty notes. The body is really malty with lots of caramel flavours and sweetness to it. There is also a little boozy kick as you gulp it down which is surprising yet pleasant.

A quick notes on the can art: A very simple design overall. The dragon on the front is the same as the one used on the Bavarian coat of arms, where the beer style originates from.

On the whole I’d say this was an incredibly interesting new lager experience for me. This Marzen style has a lot of character to it. The front end is all caramel and toffee but as you keep drinking there are fruity undertones that compliment it well. I am guilty, like I think many others are, at writing off lagers in this world of soft IPAs. However, lagers like this are why I keep coming back, because they simply are full of character! ‘Oktoberwest’ is tasty and easy drinking and a definite recommendation for the gluten intolerant looking for something a little different.

Score: 7.5/10

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Additional Information:

• Hops: Bavaria Mandarina, Hallertauer Blanc, Perle
• Malt: Light Munich, Extra Pale, Vienna, Caragold, Dark Munich, Dextrin
• IBU: 25
• ABV: 5.6%
• Gluten Free: Yes!
• Vegan: Yes!