Greetings beer boys and gals!  Brandon Daniel, a.k.a Cryptogrind here, back from a long summer sabbatical from work, education and living life.  I bring to you a new series called the Saturday Night Sixer!  Unsure of what malty, hoppy beverage to grab for your weekend shindig?  Having trouble deciding on what brew would be enjoyed by everyone at your weekend fight-viewing party or poker night?  Well, allow yours truly to interject and give you some tasty suggestions that you can find at any of your local retail liquor establishments, or at one of our fine local microbreweries where you can top off that growler!

The days are getting shorter and the air is getting cooler.  If you know me, this means two things: one, hockey season is near! … Oh, wait, Gary Bettman is locking out the NHL.  Right. (Death to Bettman! — Stoutmeister) Anyway, the other would mean the plethora of delicious seasonal beers that are soon to be gracing the taps of our local watering holes across town.  The coming fall season brings on a rambunctious gathering of spices and deep, rich flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon and pumpkin that mesh perfectly with the tone of autumn.  This week, on a trip to a store to pick up a liquid treat for the evening, I decided to try a six pack of Left Hand Brewing Company’s latest Oktoberfest.  For those of you who know me, you know I am a champion of the Left Hand way of life (I could have Nitro Milk Stout running through my veins and die a happy man).  Based in Longmont, Colo., these folks have been cranking out some of the best concoctions you can find in the area.  If you haven’t had a chance to partake in one of their fine craft beers yet, then allow me to introduce you to this fine seasonal creation.

This was a delightful little treat that I was more than happy to pour in a glass.  A great looking brew, it possesses a toasted orange/amber color, with a fair amount of carbonation that seems appropriate for the style.  It welcomes you with a slight citrus and spice aroma that is well balanced, and stays so on the palate.  This brew boasts a light-to-medium body with slightly sweet, malty goodness that coats the mouth, with a good touch of spice from a choice hop blend.  The citrus and spice notes almost make this come off as a more hearty spring-type brew, but it is hearty and warming in the end.  Those same characteristics make this brew a very easy drinking choice, with a light (but not too light) mouth feel and slight tang and finish from the hops.  The mix of malts in this one is delicious and I’m quite amazed that this is so light for a fall seasonal.  Personally, this writer was hoping for a bit more spice, but beggars can’t be choosers.  Besides, with everything this beer is as a finished product, you should not be disappointed in this offering.

Left Hand is no slouch when it comes to cranking out quality brews, with some of their notable achievements including 400 Pound Monkey (this is coming from someone who isn’t a huge IPA fan, but that is a GREAT brew), the intimidating Wake Up Dead stout, Sawtooth Ale, and of course the aforementioned Nitro Milk Stout.  Left Hand Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest is just another excellent brew to add to the collection of delicious recipes.  It’s a shame this one is only around during the fall, as it is delicious enough to drink almost any other time of year.  Head out to your nearest liquor store and pick up a sixer!

Until the next pint …

— Cryptogrind