Devils Backbone O'Fest – A Solid, Sessionable Classic

As someone who lives for "Märzen Season," I take my Oktoberfest beers pretty seriously. I’ve spent many autumns chasing that perfect balance of toasted malt and crisp finish. While the Devils Backbone O’Fest might not take the crown as my all-time favorite, it is a consistently reliable brew that earned its spot in my fridge this year.

Score: 8.2

Location: Lexington, VA

The Pour and Aroma

When you pour O'Fest into a stein, it looks exactly like a celebration of fall. It has a beautiful, clear amber-copper hue with a frothy, off white head that lingers just long enough. On the nose, it’s subtle but classic expect notes of toasted bread crust and a very light, floral hop scent.

The Taste Profile

Devils Backbone stays true to the traditional German style here. This isn't a "pumpkin spice" beer; it’s a true Märzen lager.

• Malt Forward: You get a pleasant sweetness right upfront, reminiscent of biscuits or honeyed toast.

• Smooth Finish: It lacks the heavy syrupy texture that some American versions fall into, making it incredibly easy to drink.

• The Verdict: It’s a "good" beer rather than a "mind blowing" one. It hits all the right notes for the style without taking any major risks.

  
  

The "Big Beer" Elephant in the Room: The Buyout

If you've been following the craft scene for a while, you know the turning point for this brewery: in 2016, Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired Devils Backbone. For many purists, this was a "line in the sand" moment.

While the acquisition brought massive distribution making it way easier to find O'Fest at your local grocery store it also sparked a heated debate about quality. Many long-time fans (myself included) feel that the beers shifted once they moved under the Anheuser-Busch umbrella.

While the brewery maintains they use the same authentic DNA, there is often a noticeable "mass-market" polish to the current batches. It feels a bit more calculated and safe compared to the scrappy, award winning brews from their early days in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's still a well made lager, but that unique "craft" soul feels a little more diluted by the scale of corporate production.

Why It’s Still Worth a Try

Even if you have a different "gold standard" for Oktoberfest beers, this one is worth picking up for a few reasons:

1. Drinkability: At 5.9% ABV, it’s sessionable enough for a long afternoon of grilling.

2. Authenticity: It still uses a traditional blend of Vienna and Munich malts, avoiding the over hopped "Festbier" trend.

3. Food Pairing: This beer screams for a soft pretzel with spicy mustard or a grilled bratwurst.

Final Thought: While it might not replace the legendary imports from Munich in my heart, Devils Backbone O’Fest is a high quality, dependable choice for any domestic fan. It’s a solid B+ that never disappoints, even if it lacks some of its pre-buyout character.