Round 2, Bout 9 of Master of Marzen 2020 sees Twisted Spike Brewery (OK) take on von Trapp Brewing (VT).
Twisted Spike is a first time entrant in this tournament and von Trapp made it deep into the 2019 Master of Marzen. This should be an awesome bout.
Packaging Design
Two different ways to take on the Oktoberfest motif here.
Twisted Spike sees a large wooden keg placed in front of a large-piece diagonal Oktoberfest check. I really appreciate this dedication to the traditions of the season.
Von Trapp have opted for a mountain range over a more muted blue-on-blue Oktoberfest check.
I do appreciate both breweries’ designs, but I’m giving this point to Twisted Spike. Running total: Twisted Spike 1-0 von Trapp.
Aroma
Spiketoberfest offers a deep, malty aroma with a nice sweetness about it. It’s fairly powerful, and sets up what should be an awesome flavor.
Von Trapp’s is also sweet and malty, but it is not quite as deep or powerful as its competitor. That said, it offers a bit of a hoppy bitter aroma which is a nice addition.
That extra complexity gives von Trapp a slight edge here. Running total: Twisted Spike 1-1 von Trapp.
Flavor
Spiketoberfest is a tremendously flavorful brew. It’s rather thin, but does not skimp on the flavor. It opens with a rush of malts, and doubles down on the backend with a twist of sweet and a slight hoppy bitterness. It’s a warm brew, and overall an excellent example of the style.
Von Trapp’s Oktoberfest is a milder brew overall. It opens with some malts, but really hits its stride on the backend. With the supporting sweetness and slightly earthy bitterness, it closes out tremendously. A mild bitterness retains into the aftertaste, but dissipates between mouthfuls.
This is a tough decision, because both beers are incredible takes on the style.
I think I give a slight edge to Twisted Spike for having a more consistent experience, though both were outstanding. Running total: Twisted Spike 2-1 von Trapp.
Body
So, neither beer retained much head, and both laced a little bit (see picture below) so this one will be decided on mouthfeel alone.
Spiketoberfest is light and smooth, offering a ton of flavor. It’s lightly carbonated. All things considered, this is a tremendously easy to drink and flavorful brew.
Von Trapp’s Oktoberfest is a noticeably lighter brew, but also offers a ton of flavor. It’s also mildly carbonated, making it tremendously crushable.
I think von Trapp takes a very slight edge in this criterion. Running total: Twisted Spike 2-2 von Trapp.
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?
It was a close battle, but Twisted Spike takes the victory on people’s choice. Running total: Twisted Spike 3-2 von Trapp.
Results
Well, another hard fought bout ends in a 3-2 decision. Twisted Spike progresses to round 3 where they will meet either Big Storm or Sun King.
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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