Cottrell Brewing Company has released its first Oktoberfest.

The beer is also the brewery's first lager.

"It's not a huge batch, we decided to do one great seasonal so we can enter the fray and be part of the Oktoberfest fun," said Chris Kepple, Cottrell's director of sales and marketing.

Kepple said the mahogany-colored beer has a "distinctive and complex malty flavor and aroma" with a "sweetness and toastiness." He said their Oktoberfest, at 5 percent alcohol, is well-balanced, clean and smooth, with hints of caramel.

It's available at local beer bars or at the brewery in Pawcatuck where patrons can purchase a growler of Oktoberfest after a complimentary tour. Cottrell is not selling its Oktoberfest by the bottle.

The brewers decided to make their version of an Oktoberfest because the style has been growing in popularity each year, Kepple said.

"You can expect to see a seasonal from Cottrell from now on," Kepple said.

This winter, look for Cottrell's newest offering, Revenge.

Charlie Buffum, owner of the brewery, and Craig Harger found a wreck off Watch Hill that may be the schooner Revenge that was commanded in 1811 by renowned sea captain, Oliver Hazard Perry. The beer commemorates their discovery.

The recipe has not yet been finalized, but Kepple said it will be a dark, high-alcohol beer, possibly a Scotch Ale or a porter. Kepple expects that Oktoberfest will be available until mid-October.