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| Producer | Lawson's Finest Liquids |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Vermont |
| Style | Lager |
| Sku | 24010 |
| Size | 4 pack 16oz cans |
| ABV | 8.00% |
Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a Vermont-based brewery renowned for its fresh, small-batch beers, has built its reputation on meticulous brewing methods and a devotion to classic styles interpreted with New England purity. Best known for hop-forward creations like Sip of Sunshine, the brewery also shows remarkable finesse in traditional lagers, as exemplified by its Festbier Lager. This seasonal release pays homage to the iconic beers of Oktoberfest, combining Bavarian tradition with Lawson’s characteristic precision and clean, mountain-influenced brewing environment.
The style itself, Festbier, is a lighter, golden-hued evolution of the classic Märzen, brewed for Munich’s Oktoberfest since the 1970s. Lawson’s interpretation stays true to that balance of drinkability and depth. Brewed with a carefully selected combination of German malts, it offers a smooth backbone of lightly toasted bread, biscuit, and a subtle honeyed sweetness. Noble hops add gentle floral and herbal tones, keeping the profile crisp and balanced without overpowering the malt. True to lager tradition, the beer undergoes a long, cold fermentation and conditioning period, which lends it remarkable clarity, a soft mouthfeel, and a clean, snappy finish.
In the glass, Lawson’s Festbier shines a bright golden amber, crowned with a fluffy white head that laces elegantly as it recedes. The aroma is inviting, a blend of fresh baked bread, hay, and meadow flowers with a faint touch of caramel. On the palate, the beer is medium-bodied yet highly drinkable, its malt sweetness harmonizing with a gentle hop bitterness that leaves the mouth refreshed and ready for another sip. The finish is clean, lingering just long enough to showcase its balance before disappearing smoothly.
This lager is designed for celebration, pairing beautifully with bratwurst, roast chicken, pretzels, and other hearty Bavarian staples, though its versatility also makes it a fine match for grilled vegetables or sharp cheeses. Best served at 6–8°C (43–46°F) in a dimpled stein or a classic pint glass, it captures the convivial spirit of Oktoberfest in a distinctly Vermont setting. Lawson’s Festbier is seasonal by nature, meant to be enjoyed fresh during autumn festivities, though its polished craftsmanship ensures it stands tall alongside its German inspirations.

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