Metropolitan Afterburner 6Pk

Metropolitan Afterburner 6Pk is a German-style Märzen lager from Metropolitan Brewing in Schiller Park, Illinois, at 6.1% ABV in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Earning an 88 on BeerAdvocate and over 10,500 ratings on Untappd, Afterburner has quietly built a dedicated following among lager-focused drinkers who value restraint and balance over spectacle.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.1%  |  Origin: Schiller Park, Illinois  |  Style: Märzen Lager  |  Brewery: Metropolitan Brewing

Production & Heritage

Metropolitan Brewing is one of a handful of American craft breweries dedicated almost exclusively to German-style lagers — a deliberate, patience-driven approach in an industry dominated by ales. Afterburner is built on a backbone of biscuit malt, which delivers body and a toasted-grain character without tipping into cloying sweetness. The beer is hopped with noble Hallertauer Mittelfrueh, a classic Bavarian variety prized for its mild, slightly spicy aromatics. True to the Märzen tradition, the result finishes elegant and dry, distinguishing Afterburner from many American-brewed Märzens that tend to lean heavier on residual sweetness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet malt lifts off the pour first, followed by caramel and toasted biscuit. As the beer warms, a gentle whisper of noble hop spice emerges alongside a faint nuttiness.

Taste: The entry is smooth and malt-forward, with caramel and fresh bread dominating the early palate. Mid-palate, roasted nut and a subtle fruit quality develop before a mild hop grain character brings structure. The balance leans malty but never sugary — biscuit malt gives an impression of fullness while staying remarkably clean.

Finish: Crisp and dry with lingering notes of toasted grain and a light, almost smoky undercurrent. The finish is moderate in length and refreshingly clean, inviting the next sip without heaviness.

How to Drink Afterburner

Serve cold — around 45–50°F — in a traditional Märzen mug or a tulip glass to concentrate the malt aromatics. Afterburner is fundamentally a drinking lager, so it excels straight from the glass without fuss. For a Radler, the biscuit malt pairs well with fresh lemon juice for a low-ABV warm-weather drink. In a Shandy, mix half-and-half with ginger ale to amplify the beer's mild spice. For a Bierbowle (German beer punch), Afterburner's dry finish and caramel malt create a balanced base alongside seasonal stone fruits and a splash of brandy.

Best For

• Oktoberfest gatherings and autumn cookouts where an authentic Märzen sets the tone
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates traditional German lager styles
• Weeknight dinners with roasted meats, where a dry, malty lager complements rather than competes
• Introducing hop-averse friends to well-made craft beer through a malt-driven style

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Afterburner taste like? Afterburner delivers caramel and toasted biscuit malt up front, supported by roasted nut and light bread notes, finishing dry and crisp with a subtle hop spice that keeps the beer balanced rather than sweet.

How does Afterburner compare to Sam Adams Oktoberfest? Both are American-brewed Märzen-style lagers, but Afterburner finishes noticeably drier and lighter on residual sweetness, reflecting Metropolitan's commitment to traditional German lager discipline. Sam Adams Oktoberfest tends toward a fuller, sweeter malt profile with more pronounced caramel character.

Is Afterburner good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its dry finish and moderate 6.1% ABV make it a sessionable, food-friendly lager that holds up well on its own without fatigue or heaviness.

Where is Afterburner made? Afterburner is brewed by Metropolitan Brewing in Schiller Park, Illinois, a suburb just northwest of Chicago. Metropolitan is one of America's few all-lager craft breweries.

What foods pair well with Afterburner? Roasted pork or bratwurst complements the caramel malt beautifully. Soft pretzels with mustard mirror the beer's bready character. Aged Gouda echoes the nutty, toasted notes. Roasted root vegetables highlight the dry finish. Smoked chicken works with the beer's faint smoky undercurrent.

What sizes does Afterburner come in? Afterburner is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles.

Is Afterburner worth the price? Afterburner positions as a craft-priced lager — modest in cost compared to specialty ales or barrel-aged releases, but justified by Metropolitan's lager-focused expertise and the time-intensive cold-conditioning process that defines the style.

Why Afterburner?

In a crowded market of Märzen-style beers that often default to sweetness, Afterburner earns distinction through its dry, elegant finish — a direct result of Metropolitan's use of biscuit malt for body without residual sugar. The exclusive use of Hallertauer Mittelfrueh hops, rather than cheaper American substitutes, anchors the beer firmly in Bavarian tradition. An 88 score on BeerAdvocate reflects consistent quality recognized by a critical community. For anyone who believes lager brewing is craft brewing at its most disciplined, Afterburner is a quiet but compelling case study.