San Diego is quickly becoming a leader in the game of craft beers. San Diego breweries are changing the face of the industry, and one in particular has grabbed my attention. It’s called Ballast Point Brewing Company, and their SoCal spin on traditional beers is rallying a following that’s impressed by its variety, and excellent craftsmanship.

The beer I’m featuring is called Dead Ringer (Oktoberfest). With Oktoberfest just ending a few weeks ago, I thought it would be fitting to feature Ballast Point’s seasonal treasure to highlight this year’s festivities.

The first thing that attracted me to the beer is the design, a simple 22 oz. brown bottle with a really cool lable of a skeleton in a lederhosen, donning a pretzel and a stein. But as I pour the beer into my cold glass the first thing I notice is the reddish brown liquid seeping down the side of the cup. As the aromas drift into to my nose, I smell a bitter sweet scent that I can’t wait to taste. The beer is a little sweeter than I expected but remarkably smooth. It has malty thick taste with a tart aftertaste that awakens my tongue, and drinking this beer cold is quite crisp and refreshing.

Dead Ringer is inspired by Bavaria’s world famous beer festival. Ballast Point states this beer is “A fresh take on a traditional festival beer” and that is exactly what this beer is. This is a beer for those who are looking to enjoy the taste of Oktoberfest leisurely, or are eagerly anticipating next year's Oktoberfest celebration. Dead Ringer is a seasonal beer, so you can only attain this beauty during the fall months.

This beer is officially labeled by Ballast Point Brewing Co. as a Traditional Marzen Lager that comes in at 6% ABV. I highly recommend this beer. All in all, this a prime beer to drink during the fall season. Have a happy November everyone, so go drink some quality beer, stuff your faces with some turkey, and for you gentleman, hope your beards are coming in quite lush.

- Tuck