For an old time beer drinker like me, nothing says Rhode Island like Narragansett beer. Narragansett began operations in 1890 in Cranston, Rhode Island. They didn’t quite make it a century, closing their doors (sadly) in 1981. The brand continued, brewed by Falstaff in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but the local connection was gone and loyal drinkers claimed it just wasn’t the same.

I was 17 in 1981, and just beginning to enjoy beer, so missed actually experiencing the beers from the old brewery. More or less. My dad told me when I was about two or three he would give me a sip of Gansett, and apparently I liked it so much I came back for more. A second sip was not allowed, as my dad recounted, he told me I would get drunk. “Get frunk?” I replied, and sped off on my way to do whatever it is that two year olds do.

Never fear! Narragansett is, in a way, the zombie of beers, and it came back from the dead in 2005, revived with new ownership but using original recipes. Ironically, the beer’s local roots were touted at the same time as the beer was brewed in New York at Genesee. Still, Narragansett was clear the goal was to brew beer in Rhode Island again, and in 2017 the first Narragansett brewery since 1981 was opened in Pawtucket. Great place, Pawtucket. I was born there myself.

Narragansett beer is widely distributed once again, though most of it is still brewed in Rochester. One of the beers brewed there is Narragansett Fest Marzen Lager, which has somehow ever eluded me. Since last year, Narragansett has been sold in Georgia, though we usually only see a few varieties. When I saw on the Total Wine website that they had the Fest in stock, I skeedaddled down to the one location that had it in Atlanta. Good thing I did, as I scored one of the last two six-packs they had.

Narragansett says on the can label:

What better way to celebrate Oktoberfest than with a classic, German-style Marzen? Narragansett Fest blends a rich malt profile with a subtly crisp hoppiness for a taste that even Gambrinus, the Patron Saint of Beer, would find refreshing.

So we offer this beer as a tribute to him, which is fitting, as his statue toasted all arriving visitors and workers outside our original Cranston, RI brewery for decades.

Narragansett also says on their website that the beer is made with Weyermann Munich malt and Tettnang hops. It has an alcohol content of 5.5% by volume with 22 IBUs and I paid $10.99 for a six-pack of kinger cans at Total Wine.

Narragansett Fest Marzen Lager pours to a beautiful bright amber orange color with a thick fluffy head and an inviting soft malty nose. Taking a sip, the beer is delightful with toasty nutty malt up front and a bit of caramel. None of that overpowers, but none of it is lacking, either. Bitter oranges come to mind, and grassy herbal hops in the finish. It's not as good as a good German example (but then what Oktoberfest Marzen is), and I have had better domestics, but this is wonderfully flavorful and drinkable. 3 ½ stars with added bonus for the price and nostalgia.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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