Round 1, Bout 18 of Master of Marzen sees Freetail Brewing Co. (Texas) take on Dynasty Brewing Company (Virginia).
This is Freetail’s third time entering the tournament in as many years, but this will be my first time experiencing Dynasty Brewing as first time entrants. This one is shaping up to be excellent, let’s get it rolling.
Packaging Design
Two very classy cans with different inspirations. Let’s see how it goes.
Freetail’s Oktoberfiesta is a classic mix of South Texas ancestry, marrying Día de Los Muertos imagery with traditional Oktoberfest garb. The use of bright orange for the background with yellow papel picado featuring pretzels is a nice touch.
Dynasty have opted for a clean and minimal can that marries the traditional Bavarian blue and white check with black design elements. It’s. A very crisp looking can.
While I find Dynasty’s can to be very sleek, the extra depth of Freetail’s can is well applied and pushes them over the edge here. Running total: Freetail 1-0 Dynasty.
Aroma
Oktoberfiesta is a reasonably strong smelling brew, that favors malt and is quite warm. The warmth lingers on the nostril.
Dynasty Fest offers a bright, malty and slightly floral aroma. The floral warmth persists beyond the sniff, tickling the nostril.
This one has to go to Dynasty as they offer a deeper and more compelling aroma. Running total: Freetail 1-1 Dynasty.
Flavor
Oktoberfiesta is a consistently tasty brew with a vibrant malt backbone, a slight sweetness and a reasonably bitter backend. A crisp aftertaste of sweet earthy notes persists but does not build.
Dynasty Fest opens with a bright, light and floral flavor. The backend sees a pop of bitterness that holds on the aftertaste.
This one has to go to Freetail. While Dynasty Fest has its merits, the balanced flavors of Oktoberfiesta play in symphony, creating an excellent experience. Running Total: Freetail 2-1 Dynasty
Body
Oktoberfiesta is a light-bodied and crisp brew with a medium carbonation. It’s mouthfeel strikes a fine balance of refreshing and substantial.
Dynasty Fest is a medium-bodied brew with a low carbonation point. It’s smooth and generously coats the mouth.
As you can see above, the brews are of reasonably similar color, though Oktoberfiesta may be a touch darker. Both beers retained head and laced quite well.
With so many similarities, the difference here is a subjective mouthfeel. I’m giving the slight edge to Dynasty here. Their brew is heavier, but it’s remarkably smooth and drinkable. Running total: Freetail 2-2 Dynasty.
People’s Choice
A very close bout comes down to the People’s Choice. Let’s see how this ends up.
Freetail took this one quite handily, receiving 70% of the vote.
Results
A tight back and forth affair came down to the final criteria. Freetail emerges the victor and moves on to round 2 where they’ll meet Devil’s Canyon.
Be asure to check back regularly for updated results, and to follow @sargentsuds on Instagram so you can vote on all polls throughout the tournament.
Sgt. Suds 