The Oktoberfest Ur-Marzen from Spaten-Franziskaner-Brau in Munich, Germany pours out a brownish copper in color with good clarity and a one finger, dense, off-white head that sticks around. On the nose aromas of lightly roasted grains, mild spicy hops and a little dark fruit. In the mouth flavors of dark dried fruit that are slightly sweet, husky grain, roasted malt and a drying, spicy hop flavor. Light side of medium bodied. Decent lacing. Moderate carbonation. Mouthfeel is somewhat slippery. The finish is fairly short and had a little more sweetness towards the end.

12 ounce bottle, 5.90% ABV

The Keelhauler Scottish Ale Brewmaster Reserve 2009 from Full Sail Brewing in Hood River, Oregon pours out a deep chocolate brown in color with some light getting through, nice clarity and a one finger, very light tan head that hangs on briefly. Roast coffee, chocolate, smoke and a discernible earthiness come through on the nose. In the mouth flavors of coffee, smoke but more astringent than sweet (the nose was the opposite) with some spice and a very light hop bite. Medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Some lacing. Pretty clean mouthfeel with a little cream. The finish is on the bitter side and dry. A good Scottish Ale that may tickle your fancy but left me a little underwelmed.

22 ounce bomber, 6.80% ABV

The Bam Noire Dark Farmhouse Ale (Batch 358) from Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in Dexter, Michigan pours out a rich, deep brown in color with a touch of cloud and a thick, light tan head that sticks around. On the nose there is a good deal of earthiness with dark fruit, chocolate and sourness. In the mouth this is quite tart but does not make you pucker. Flavors of unripe plum mixed with some yeastiness and a hint of coffee. Medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Nice lacing. Clean mouthfeel. The extended finish packs a good dose of sourness like it should. An exceptional dark farmhouse ale.

750ml bottle, 4.30% ABV

Hoptober from New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colorado pours out a deep gold in color with good clarity and just over a finger of white head that sticks around a bit. The nose has lovely floral and citrus hops with a little caramel in the back. The citrus hop are quite pronounced in the taste but with enough malt sweetness that this is not overly hoppy and almost to the point where the maltiness is more strident. Light side of medium bodied. Good lacing. Nice carbonation. Slick mouthfeel. The sweetness asserts itself on the finish more than the hop. A very balanced, enjoyable golden ale that is a treat to drink.

12 ounce bottle, 6.00% ABV, 40 IBU

The Samuel Adams Octoberfest from Boston Beer Company in Boston, Massachusetts pours out a rich copper in color with good clarity and a thin, light tan head. On the nose aromas of toast, warm spice, caramel sweetness and faint hops. In the mouth this has a lot of caramel malt but is not overly sweet. Warm spice tingles the tongue as do a touch of hoppy bitterness. Medium bodied. Nice carbonation. Decent lacing. Slight creaminess to the mouthfeel. Good malt through an extended finish. I expected this to be good as Sam Adams makes good beers but it exceeded my expectations. Pick up some and try it.

12 ounce bottle, 5.70% ABV