The best defense is a good offense. Or is it the other way around? Maybe both. For the Wild Heaven brewery of Avondale Estates, Georgia the best Defense would seem to be their Autumn Defense Festale, an ale modeled on the Oktoberfest-Marzen l of Germany.
Wild Heaven Autumn Defense has been around for a few years according to the brewery, though this is the first time I’ve come across it, and in cans at that. On the brewery website, Wild Heaven describes it as follows:
Autumn Defense is our fall seasonal– a crisp, malty beer reminiscent of German’s beloved Oktoberfest beers. Made with Munich and Vienna malts and both American and German hops, it’s the perfect beer for celebrating the return of cooler weather.
Why an Autumn Ale? Ales are easier to brew than lagers, and spend less time in the conditioning tanks. That frees up precious time to rotate more beers through. Wild Heaven Autumn Defense Festale has an alcohol content of 5.5% by volume and I paid $11.99 for a six-pack at Total Wine, a little high. My can was packaged on 08/16/16 and I drank it on October 20th.
Wild Heaven Autumn Defense Festale pours to a cloudy amber color with a thick fluffy head and a soft malt and apple fruity nose. Taking a sip, the beer has caramel malt and again apple fruit upfront reminiscent of a caramel apple. Its tart and a little sour too (I don’t think intentionally). A slightly different take on festbier being an ale. It’s very drinkable, but I’ll confess that it’s not my favorite beer from this brewery. I’m glad I got to try it, and even sent a can to a friend, but that said it’s not a beer I would pay $11.99 for again. 3.5 stars less a half star for the high price.
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