Appearance:   “Medium amber color with a good, one-inch ivory or off-white head.”

Aroma:   “Seems fruity and spicy.”

Taste:   “Much of the traditional malt flavor of a Märzen-style beer when you first taste it, but the hops kick in about halfway through contributing a counterpoint to the smooth maltiness. Maybe you could call this a hybrid. I think it might be a good introduction to more sophisticated styles for those beer drinkers whose experience may have been limited to big, California-style IPAs.”

Food Affinity:   “German food, especially somewhat heartier German food as would be appropriate for fall. Bratwurst with sauerkraut or red cabbage, or those big soft pretzels mit senf.”

         --Guest Reviewer Heidi Dannfelser is a food server and bartender in San Diego