Here’s a beer that I first enjoyed a little over a year ago on draft at Taco Mac: Highland Clawhammer Oktoberfest. Tonight, I’m enjoying a bottle of the same brew in the comforts of my own home. And you know, this really is a tasty Oktoberfest lager, though one would expect no less from Asheville, North Carolina’s Highland Brewing Company.

If you’re wondering about the name, “Clawhammer” is a bike trail running through North Carolina in the Pisgah Forest area. The trail passes over Clawhammer Mountain, hence the name. This is said to be a very difficult trail, so hold off on having a beer until you get back home: but when you do, Clawhammer Oktoberfest might be just the one to reach for.

From the label:

Clawhammer Oktoberfest is a lightly colored, but toasty, rich and full-bodied Marzen style lager, brewed with traditional German malt and the finest noble hops. A spicy hop finish and aroma balance out the abundance of malt flavor. Clawhammer means pure high-country enjoyment!

Some specs from the website:

Grain 2 Row, Munich, Vienna, Caramel & Pilsen

Hops Hallertau Mittlefrue & German Spalt Select

ABV 5%

IBU  25

Highland Clawhammer is a fall seasonal brew. I paid $5.00 for a draft mug a year ago at Taco Mac, which is about the same Highland beers run there today. A six-pack of bottles retails for around $8.99 here in the Atlanta metro area.

Highland Clawhammer Oktoberfest pours to a bright orange amber color with a medium head of creamy foam and a sweet nutty malty nose. Taking a sip, I get some decidedly genuine Oktoberfest Munich malt notes of toasted bread and dried nuts. There’s a hint of caramel, too, and it has a gentle caramel flavor as well, with some balancing but not assertive hops in the finish and just a hint of tartness.

Very delicious, an authentic Oktoberfest Marzen at reasonable price, and packed with fresh Munich malt flavors. Try it with wursts and kraut to get you into the Oktoberfest spirit. It certainly works that magic on me.

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