We’re officially past the midway point of October, but Brian isn’t letting go of fall lager season just yet! For episode 85, he pops the top on a can live on the mic to revisit one of his favorite local autumn seasonals: Fest from First Line Brewing.
After picking up a mix-and-match six-pack of fall beers from Wegmans and running through a side-by-side tasting at home, this Orchard Park staple stood out as a clear top contender alongside Ellicottville's Fall Festival. Coming in at 5.6% ABV, Fest is an approachable, ultra-clean take on a traditional Märzen. It pairs a lightly sweet, bready, and toasted malt backbone with a crisp, subtle herbal hop finish, making it a crushable lager that won’t weigh you down. Head Brewer Russ continues to dial in their lager program, and alongside their Everyday Lager, Fest is easily one of the best brews First Line puts out all year.
Winter warmers might be right around the corner as we approach Thanksgiving, but there's still plenty of time to enjoy fresh fall lagers. You can grab Fest on draft and in cans to-go at the First Line taproom in Orchard Park while supplies last!
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