I already can’t wait for the Fall! One week in to Summer and I’ve had enough! So in the spirit of getting ready for Fall I brewed up a nice Marzen today. It’ll be on the pale side for this style but in the past I didn’t enjoy those which had Crystal or Melanoidin malts. I thought about doing a decoction but didn’t think I’d have the time today.

June 26 Update:
Brew day went perfectly fine. The gravity ended up high at about 1.061. I guess we’ll see how it ends up! Going to pitch WLP830 from my previous small batch lager. I have more than enough for 10 gallons.
July 4, 2016 Update
Visible fermentation has stopped almost completely. The final gravity is currently around 1.017 which is a little high for style. It’s bitter enough though which holds up to it. After about a week I brought the temperature up closer to 65F for a few days. Going to leave it in the 50’s for a few more days before bringing it down to 40F. Hopefully it’ll dry out a tad more but either way it’ll be very drinkable. Has a nice herbal lemon hop thing going on to support the soft bready aromas you expect out of this beer.

July 25, 2016
This beer is really wonderful. A nice high carbonation gives the impression of dryness appropriate to this style. Bready, toasty with a nice rich maltiness that doesn’t hit sweet. It’s color is a little too golden for the oktoberfest style but who cares. Call it a festbier if you like! Will easily drink all 10 gallons. Will rebrew and add a decoction to gauge effects.