Märs Zen
Barrier Brewing Company

From the pint can, it pours a clear amber color with a nice off-white head that lasts a bit. Nose is bready with notes of roasted malts and caramel. Taste follows nose with a malty brew with caramel notes.

 

A: Extremely clear, med-dark amber, bright brick amber. Light tan head, subpar retention.

S: Toasted malt, light cereal grain, dried cherry, stone-milled muesli. Galli honey cookie. Sweetness is floral if not fruity while most of the malt is Vienna in character.

M: Med body with heavier feel rather than creamy lush. Finishes with strong carbonation and slight crispness.

T: Deep toasted quality almost like a burnt pretzel with some char, bitter medicinal herb, and pith. Takes time for sweeter malt complexity to develop, but when it melds the with the toast, herbal and pith the combination is outstanding; but, it's not always the case. A good if uneven beer.

 

Reviewed from notes and totally forgetting where I had this on tap.

Pours a clear copper and amber color. A moderate head retains well and yields a ring of lace.

Clean aroma overall, with an emphasis on toasty malts. Later, there are hints of fruity and floral hops.

Easy drinking with notes of toasted amber malts, a touch of caramel, yielding a hint of sweetness, nevertheless, clean overall. Well balanced with spicy and earthy hops, providing a zesty but smooth bitterness. There are also touches of fruity and floral hops.

Medium bodied with a moderate but easy going carbonation. Crisp mouthfeel and crisp dry finish.

Although it’s November, this Oktoberfest still tastes good on a crisp fall day. Hits all the right notes of the style. Understated but deftly crafted.