Two Brothers Brewing Company’s Atom Smasher, a 7.7% Oktoberfest style lager aged in French oak foudres
On October 17, 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. A celebration took place on the fields in front of the gates to Munich, named Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s meadow”) in honor of the Crown Princess.
The festival became a celebration for the whole of Bavaria, and the close of the event was marked by horse races. They decided to repeat the horse races each year, beginning the tradition of the Oktoberfest.
The only beers that can be served at Oktoberfest are those conforming to the Reinheitsgebot. They are approximately 6% alcohol by volume and must also be brewed within the city limits of Munich. These beers are designated Oktoberfest Beer, and are made by Augustiner-Bräu, Hacker-Pschorr-Bräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner-Bräu, Spatenbräu, and Staatliches Hofbräu-München.
Today, many American craft breweries have put their own creative spin on the Oktoberfest style, including Two Brothers Brewing Company, who describe their Oktoberfest as “A hefty, full-bodied lager like the Märzens of old, but aged in our oak foudres for complexity unmatched by the imported Oktoberfest beers of today. Just add Lederhosen.”
Atom Smasher, first released in 2010, is named after the largest particle accelerator laboratory in the US, Fermilab, which is located right next to their brewery. This beer is part of the Artisan Beer Series, a set of unique beers. The unique quality of this beer, of course, is that it has been aged in French oak casks.
Appearance
Clear, copper; off white head.
Aroma
Toasty, sweet caramel.
Taste
Malty and bready; touch of the oak; finishes sweet, but doesn’t linger.
Mouthfeel
Creamy feel; warming alcohol.
Overall
I love the lineup of beers that Two Brothers has to offer. I enjoy their twist on the Oktoberfest style, as this is my absolute favorite time of year. Dirndls, pretzels, polkas, and Märzens!
Check out… this article from Men’s Journal about American Oktoberfest beers, including Atom Smasher.
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