With roots tracing back to Spaten ~ 1841, originally brewed in March and lagered in the cold caves during the summer months, this amber malty beer was the Oktoberfest standard from 1871 until the 1990s when the paler Festbier took over. Märzen is similar to Vienna Lager but is a bit bigger, less bitter and a bit fuller.
- ABV 5.6-6.3%
- IBU 18-24
- SRM 8-17
- Glassware Seidel
- Serving Temp 3-7°C
The beer pours amber to orange, clear, and has a persistent white head. Aroma here is malt, bread, bread crust, sometimes light toast. Don’t expect any caramel or roast though. You may find some fairly low floral or herbal hop aroma, but it is often absent. Medium body, smooth, and medium carbonation. At first it might taste sweet from the malt forward flavours, which are complex and bready, but supportive moderate hop bitterness, should to keep it from being overly sweet. Expect low to no hop flavour. The finish is dry with a lingering malty aftertaste.