Congrats to the folks at Lake Superior Brewing Company for taking a Gold medal at the 2009 World Beer Championships with their Oktoberfest. The beer earned a score of 92 in the Vienna Märzen.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the effort and the craftsmanship we put into this year’s recipe,” explained Dale Kleinschmidt, head brewer and part-owner at Lake Superior.  “We made some minor adjustments to last year’s version to improve its balance and mouth feel.  We’re extremely grateful to the judges for recognizing the exceptional beer that resulted.”

Tasting notes from the competition:

“Pure copper color. Fruity caramel yogurt and raisin toast aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with sweet roasted grain and toasted pastry notes in fine balance. Finishes with a long, citrusy, earthy, grassy hop accented fade. A delicious version of Oktoberfest that will work great on the holiday table.”

The Oktoberfest Gold Medal is the second that Lake Superior Brewing has won at the World Beer Championships.  The brewery’s Sir Duluth Oatmeal Stout won gold at the 2002 competition.  Other medal-winning beers in Lake Superior’s line-up include its Special Ale, Kayak Kolsch and Mesabi Red – each of which earned silver medals in 2002.