Review - Harpoon Brewery's 100 Barrel Series #16: Frankenfest Lager
"Frankenfest, brought to life by Harpoon brewer Mike Smith, was originally brewed exclusively for a beer festival held in Boston in 2004. The beer was greatly enjoyed by all who drank it - so much so that it has been resurrected as the latest offering in Harpoon's 100 Barrel Series.
Frankenfest is brewed in the tradition of classic German Oktoberfest lagers. In order to replicate the complex malt character of the original, a blend of 8 different malts was used. The combination yields a slightly darker color and a toastier malt flavor. Frankenfest is judiciously hopped with three different varieties of hops that lend just enough bitterness to balance out the rich malt flavors. It has a dry finish compliments of an authentic German lager yeast and a longer rest in our conditioning tanks. The lingering malt complexity and dry finish make Frankenfest a wonderful match with many types of food. Enjoy." -- Harpoon Brewery
I (Ian) went to the release of this beer at the brewery in Boston last night, and it would be fair to say that it was very well received. They had to change the keg over even before the brewer, Mike Smith, got up to talk about the beer just after 7pm. You can read my blog of the evening here. I brought a couple of bottles home, and Sean, Amber and I reviewed it. It pours medium to dark amber, a very rich color. A large, frothy light brown head perches on top of a clear body with some carbonation activity. Good lacing and a mostly lasting head. Aroma is of moderate grain malts with a roasted character, and a light nose of grassy hops, as well as a soapy yeast aroma. Initial taste is lightly sweet, ramping up to a moderately sweet finish, with an average duration on the palate. Light to medium on the mouth, it has a creamy texture that ends up leaving us dry. Lively carbonation on the mouth.
Reviewer's notes: "Holy party in your mouth! Warm, nutty malty flavor. Expands on your tongue. Complex. Bottled on 10/06/06."
Reviewed on October 10, 2006.
| Type: | Marzen |
| ABV: | 6.9% |
| Source: | Draft & 22 oz. Bottle |
| Score: | 20/30 |
