Round 2, Bout 11 of Master of Marzen 2020 sees Lupulin Brewing (MN) take on Kros Strain Brewing (NE).
This is my first time trying a Lupulin brew, and I thoroughly enjoyed Kros Strain’s first round showing. I’m excited to get this one underway.
Packaging Design
Two very different designs that both bring in elements of the traditional Oktoberfest motif.
Lupulin has gone for the old school European crest setup, with a nice inclusion of the Oktoberfest check in the background. The use of lions and a crown around the crest borders are a nice touch.
Kros Strain’s Krostoberfest has gone for a modern, minimalist design that channels the traditional check with its logo and choice of blue and white tones.
As a point of personal preference, I am giving this point to Kros Strain. Running total: Lupulin 0-1 Kros Strain.
Aroma
Lupulin’s Oktoberfest offers a warm and malty aroma. It’s reasonably strong, and slightly sweet. It’s exactly what you’re looking for in a Marzen.
Krostoberfest is a powerhouse of aroma. It offers a mild maltiness, and a stronger barrel aged whisky note. It’s a tremendous smell, but a bit unusual for the season.
I’m giving a slight edge to Lupulin, because they’ve executed the fundamentals very well. Running total: Lupulin 1-1 Kros Strain.
Flavor
Lupulin’s Oktoberfest is a great example of the style. It’s light-bodied but offers a tremendously malty and slightly sweet brew. It doesn’t hold much in the aftertaste, but each mouthful is a tender example of the style at its best.
Contrast that flavor profile with the powerhouse that is Krostoberfest. It opens with a traditionally malty flavor, but quickly benefits from a rush of whiskey notes from its barrel aging. A mild buttery note retains in the aftertaste.
I give the edge to Krostoberfest here. It offers the traditional flavors up front, and supports them with tremendous BA flavors that compliment without overpowering. Running total: Lupulin 1-2 Kros Strain.
Body
Lupulin’s Oktoberfest is a light, smooth, and flavorful brew. It’s insanely easy to drink, but doesn’t sacrifice enjoyability to get there. A wonderful experience.
Krostoberfest is a little heavier, but almost as smooth and crushable. I’m very much impressed by how much flavor it maintains without becoming a bloating mess.
I find both to be tremendous brews, but I give a slight edge to Lupulin. Being a tad lighter and full of flavor is a great combo. Running total: Lupulin 2-2 Kros Strain.
People’s Choice
As in last year’s tournament, my Instagram followers have the opportunity to shape the decisions of each bout. In the 24 hours directly preceding each bout, a poll is placed on my Instagram story. Whoever has the most votes when the poll closes, takes this fifth criteria. So how did it shape up?
A fairly resounding people’s choice win for Kros Strain on this one. Running total: Lupulin 2-3 Kros Strain.
Results
Another tight bout sees Kros Strain edge out Lupulin. They now move on to round 3 where they will meet the winner of Dru Bru and 14th Star.
Be sure to check back regularly and to follow me on Instagram for your latest updates and opportunity to vote on each bout throughout the tournament. Until next time, cheers y’all!
Sgt. Suds 
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