Samuel Adams – Octoberfest Cans & Bottles – Your First Look

A really cool package was awaiting me when I returned to mybeerbuzz headquarters today.  Inside were not only samples of Samuel Adams Octoberfest in the traditional bottles,  but also my first hands-on peek at the new 12oz Samuel Adams Octoberfest cans.  I can tell you from first impressions they both look great in person, and I’m also excited to say they will both be available nationwide very soon.  Look for Octoberfest to be available in six-packs (suggested retail $7.99-$9.99), 12-packs (bottles and cans–$14.99-$17.99) as well as draft.  Octoberfest will also be available as part of the Samuel Adams Harvest Collection Variety Pack ($14.99-$17.99).

As a real bonus, I was excited to find the 1-liter Samuel Adams “Raise The Stein” glass stein included with the Octoberfest samples.  This stein is part of the Samuel Adams Raise The Stein promotion (more below) and it is just the right size for drinking the Samuel Adams Octoberfest beer.

Of course to sample the 2013 Octoberfest release, I had to use the included mug.  I can tell you the beer looks gorgeous with a amber almost reddish color and a frothy head.  The aroma speaks of very malty notes complimented by a little caramel and toffee sweetness.  The first sip reveals the medium body and malty complexity, followed by a sweet  finish….making you want yet another sip.  Samuel Adams Octoberfest uses Tettnang Tettnanger & Hallertau Mittelfrueh noble hops to balance the sweet malt and at 5.3%ABV you’ll be able to drink more than a few of this rich and hearty fall brew.

I’ll admit up front before I include the official Samuel Adams “Raise The Stein” instructions below, that I would not do well in this competition unless I was allowed to use my legs and not arms.  With 1-liter of beer on board, the stein is hefty…especially since I really only wanted to drink it! 

Samuel Adams Octoberfest 2013 is a great example of what a traditional Marzen-style brew can be, and I have to say the Sam Cans look great carrying the Octoberfest colors.  Of course I sampled some off the can itself, and as I’ve said before, it really DOES enhance the way the beer pours, feels and drinks.  Be sure to grab this one for yourself when it hits shelves and start practicing your hoisting skills now.

From Samuel Adam:

Samuel Adams  Octoberfest is here, and along with it comes the granddaddy of all beer competitions – the annual Samuel Adams National Stein Hoisting Competition.  So bulk up your biceps and triceps & get your lederhosen or dirndl.  It’s a game.

Step One–Fill your stein to the brim with Samuel Adams Octoberfest”

-you’ll need:  Samuel Adams Octoberfest, a 1-liter glass stein, and hoards of friends cheering you on (lederhosen optional)

– As part of Samuel Adams’s National Stein Hoisting Competition being held at thousands of bars, eateries and festivals nationwide, you can battle against beer lovers from across the country for the top time, the glory and the grand prize.

– The two hoisters who hold up the longest – one male and one female winner – will be crowned the Samuel Adams National Stein Hoisting Champions and will receive  a trip for two to Oktoberfest 2014 in Munich, Germany.  Stein hoisting events will be hosted at Oktoberfest celebrations in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Miami, Nashville, Washington D.C., among others, as well as at pubs across the country from now through October 20.  Visit www.samueladams.com/events-and-promotions for full event listings.
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