Overview for the Märzen

An elegant, malty German amber lager with a clean, rich, toasty and bready malt flavor, restrained bitterness, and a dry finish that encourages another drink. The overall malt impression is soft, elegant, and complex, with a rich aftertaste that is never cloying or heavy. Not as strong and rich as a Dunkles Bock. More malt depth and richness than a Festbier, with a heavier body and slightly less hops. Less hoppy and equally malty as a Czech Amber Lager.

Style Expectations

An elegant, malty German amber lager with a clean, rich, toasty and bready malt flavor, restrained bitterness, and a dry finish that encourages another drink. The overall malt impression is soft, elegant, and complex, with a rich aftertaste that is never cloying or heavy.

Appearance

Amber-orange to deep reddish-copper color; should not be golden. Bright clarity, with persistent, off-white foam stand.

Aroma

Moderate intensity aroma of German malt, typically rich, bready, somewhat toasty, with light bread crust notes. Clean lager fermentation character. No hop aroma. Caramel, dry-biscuity, or roasted malt aromas inappropriate. Very light alcohol might be detected, but should never be sharp. Clean, elegant malt richness should be the primary aroma.

Flavor

Initial malt flavor often suggests sweetness, but finish is moderately-dry to dry. Distinctive and complex maltiness often includes a bready, toasty aspect. Hop bitterness is moderate, and the hop flavor is low to none (German types: complex, floral, herbal, or spicy). Hops provide sufficient balance that the malty palate and finish do not seem sweet. The aftertaste is malty, with the same elegant, rich malt flavors lingering. Noticeable caramel, biscuit, or roasted flavors are inappropriate. Clean lager fermentation profile.

Mouthfeel

Medium body, with a smooth, creamy texture that often suggests a fuller mouthfeel. Medium carbonation. Fully attenuated, without a sweet or cloying impression. May be slightly warming, but the strength should be relatively hidden.

Reviews

Samuel Adams OctoberFest

Märzen  •  Boston Beer Company

Samuel Adams OctoberFest is a German-style Märzen by the Boston Beer Company that blends caramel, noble hops, and subtle roast. Read More

Festbier

Märzen  •  Victory Brewing Company

Festbier is a German-style Märzen Lager by Victory Brewing Co. that’s smooth and creamy with a taste of sweet caramel and black tea. Read More

Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier

Märzen  •  Hofbräu München

Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier is a German Märzen brewed by Hofbräu München that’s light, approachable, and easily quaffed — the classic Festbier! Read More

Dead Ringer Oktoberfest

Märzen  •  Ballast Point Brewing Company

Dead Ringer Oktoberfest Märzen Lager by Ballast Point Brewing Company delivers a nice taste of herbal hops and caramel malt. Read More

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest 2017

Märzen  •  Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.Brauhaus Miltenberger

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest 2017, a Märzen in the Festbier style by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Brauhaus Miltenberger is toasty and spicy in a wonderfully refreshing brew. Read More

Weihenstephaner Festbier

Märzen  •  Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan

Weihenstephaner Festbier is a German Märzen by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan that tastes of lightly toasted bread and floral hops. Read More

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