I had begun to despair that I was not going to be able to get my hands on Jack's Abby Fest of Both Worlds, a collaboration with Germany's Warsteiner brewery. Actually, this is the second (at least) iteration of this beer, as they did one prior with Weihenstephan. I never did find that one, but determined not to miss out twice, I kept lurking at Half Time Beverage until I finally saw the beer there. A few days later it arrived, and when it did, I drank it that night.
Jack's Abby calls this a "Maifest Lager", really a modern Oktoberfest Festbier but released in spring. Fest of Both Worlds really is the best of both worlds, featuring two great breweries from the old world and the new.
Jack's Abby Fest of Both Worlds has an alcohol content of 5.9% by volume and my can is stamped 03/02/26.
About Jack's Abby Brewery
Jack's Abby brewery opened in 2011 in a 6,000 square foot warehouse on the south side of Framingham; the first lager-only craft brewery in the country. The brewery expanded to a larger facility in 2016. Today, they are the leading craft lager producer in Massachusetts, distribute beers across the country, and host over 150,000 guests in their Beer Hall annually.
Jack's Abby Shipping Out of Boston Amber Lager in a Jack's Abby Brewing Glass
Tasting Notes
Jack's Abby Fest of Both Worlds pours to a pale golden color with a thick fluffy white head and a nose of soft bready malt. Taking a sip the beer is super fresh bready like a thick slice off a freshly baked loaf with the crusts on. It's hearty with a very light hint of caramel and toasted nuts and finishes dry but not overly bitter.
Value & Verdict
I paid $4.99 for a pint can from Half Time. Total Wine lists it for $11.99 a 4-pack in Jacksonville, Florida, but they are currently out of stock.
A very tasty Festbier for spring indeed, but just who will Jack's Abby partner with next year? We will be on the lookout to see who that is.
