As someone who really enjoys crisp and well-structured lagers, I was excited to try Lost and Grounded’s Festbier, a seasonal brew inspired by the traditional beers served during Oktoberfest in Germany. Known for their precision and love of European brewing traditions, Lost and Grounded rarely miss the mark. Their Keller Pils is one of my personal favorites, so I came into this tasting with high expectations. While Festbier offers its own charm and character, it didn’t quite hit the same high notes as Keller Pils—but it’s important to remember that these are two distinct styles, each with a different intention and audience.
The History of the Festbier
Lost and Grounded Brewers, based in Bristol, UK, have built their reputation on producing lagers and Belgian-style beers with exceptional attention to detail. Founded in 2016 by Alex Troncoso and Annie Clements, the brewery has become a standout in the UK craft beer scene, with a strong emphasis on clean, honest brewing. Festbier is their take on the traditional Märzen-style lager—a beer historically brewed in March and enjoyed in late summer and autumn during festival season. This version aims to be smooth, balanced, and malt-forward, a clear departure from the crisp bitterness of a pilsner.
The pour
On the pour, Lost and Grounded Festbier presents beautifully. The beer has a rich golden amber hue with crystal clarity and a creamy, off-white head that holds well before settling into a fine lace. Visually, it captures the festive spirit of Märzenbier, looking full-bodied and inviting. The carbonation is moderate, giving the beer a lively presence in the glass without being too effervescent.
The Aroma and Taste
Compared to Keller Pils, Festbier is much less assertive. Where Keller Pils is bright, zesty, and clean, Festbier is softer, maltier, and more laid-back. That’s not a knock against it—just a reflection of the style’s purpose. Märzen beers are designed to be smooth-drinking and celebratory, meant to be enjoyed by the litre in beer halls rather than dissected sip by sip. That said, I did find myself missing the crispness and bite that I loved in Keller Pils. Festbier felt a bit too tame in comparison, and while it was pleasant, it didn’t leave a strong impression on my palate.
The aroma is malty and gentle, with notes of fresh bread, light caramel, and a subtle floral hop presence. It’s not aggressively fragrant, but it’s warm and pleasant—very much in line with the restrained elegance of the style. On the palate, Festbier is smooth and mellow. The taste leans heavily into biscuity, slightly sweet malt flavours, with just enough bitterness to keep things from feeling cloying. There’s a soft herbal note in the background, likely from the use of noble hops, but it never takes centre stage. The mouthfeel is rounded and soft, with a slightly creamy finish.
My verdict: 3.75 out of 5.
Lost and Grounded Festbier is a solid, well-made beer that honours the traditions of German festbiers. It’s smooth, easy to drink, and stylistically accurate—but for me, it lacked the spark or standout quality that would elevate it further. Still, if you enjoy malt-forward lagers or are looking for a seasonal beer to sip during autumn evenings, Festbier is worth trying—especially if you appreciate a classic Märzen profile.
In the end, Festbier and Keller Pils serve very different roles within Lost and Grounded’s lineup. One is crisp and hop-driven, the other warm and malt-led. While Festbier didn’t quite win me over in the same way, it reinforced my appreciation for how versatile lager styles can be—and how Lost and Grounded continue to approach each one with thoughtfulness and care.
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