N’oktoberfest from Rusty Rail Brewing Co. is a rye ale, not an Oktoberfest (hence the name) made with 100% blood orange juice and has an ABV of 5.3%. Available as a fall seasonal it’s the lager-like answer to the traditional pumpkin ale.

Pouring to a dark amber there’s a strong aroma of roasted malts with only a hint of citrus and a dense, slow dissolving khaki colored head. Malt forward, the 7 malt combination is apparent as it is quite sweet initially and all the way through. The high amounts of carbonation serve to cut through some of the sweetness and round out the tasting experience.

Brewed with Cascade and Hallertau hops, both of which have a low bitterness rating, this brew has only 15 IBUs. A fine rye ale, drinkers get the malt flavor and the full-bodied mouthfeel of a traditional Bavarian Marzen Oktoberfest brew, but with an added amount of carbonation providing a slightly crisper finish.