FestBier bears some similarities to Gordon Biersch’s flagship Märzen beer, as both are styles associated with German Oktoberfest. However, the FestBier is lighter in color, pouring a bright golden orange color with a low but dense head of white bubbles, and it is more focused on hop flavor and aroma than the Märzen. The aroma begins with a burst of toasty malt character highlighting the essence of bread crust, with the slightest hint of caramel malt, followed by a delicate but firm earthy hop bitterness. On the palate, biscuity toasted malts provide a subtle sweetness balanced by the bright, but not overwhelming, spicy and floral hop flavor and bitterness. The medium-light beer finishes crisp and dry with a pleasant lingering hop bite that is boosted by the relatively high carbonation. As the traditional beer of the modern Oktoberfest, the natural recommended pairings are bratwurst and fresh baked pretzels, both accompanied by sweet or spicy mustard of your choice.