From March, to OctoberMay 31 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Marzen beers are usually sweeter and most are acceptable, but marzen is not among my favorite styles.
Marzen, a.k.a. Oktoberfest, is a style of beer that is most closely associated with the fall season. In German, the word Marzen means “March”. It was given this name because it was brewed in the month of March, then placed into storage until the fall. It wasn’t practical to brew beer in the summer, so the beer was brewed early and then stored for consumption in the fall. History of This Style: Marzen is a product of Germany. The original marzen beer, Spaten Ur-Marzen, was first brewed in 1871. At that time, most all the beer produced for consumption in Germany was dark and heavy and there wasn’t any demand for anything different. Still, some individuals in the brewing industry were curious about developing a lighter, more easily drinkable product. Josef Sedlmayr, owner of a large brewing operation in Germany, attempted to create a new type of beer, following the advice of his son, Gabriel Sedlmayr, who had learned about these lighter beers while studying in Vienna, Austria. Josef Sedlmayr brewed his new beer and gave some to his peers, who quickly accepted it. He named the new product marzen, because it was brewed during the month of March, and it was sold publicly for the first time in 1872. Characteristics of Marzen: This style of beer is made in the tradition of a lager, and it's usually copper in color, and malty- sweet, often with a toasted malt taste and a touch of caramel. The body is usually medium, and there is an average amount of hop bitterness. Marzen beer has a original gravity in the 1.050 to 1.060 range; a final gravity between 1.012 and 1.020; and an alcohol level between 5 and 6 percent, by volume. Of course, there will always be some exceptions to these levels, but the majority of marzen beer falls within these ranges. Good Examples of Marzen/Oktoberfest: If you’re looking for some beer to try, that’s representative of this style, I would recommend Spaten Ur- Marzen, Paulaner Oktoberfest, Pete’s Oktoberfest, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, and Sprecher Oktoberfest. The imports can take a little more effort to locate. You will likely have to visit a beverage specialty store to find them. The domestics are easier to get, but keep in mind that the majority of Marzen/Oktoberfest styles are only available in the fall season. You might be able to find some of the imports year round, but the domestics are usually brewed only as seasonal beers. What Food goes with Marzen?: Marzen beers are usually drank solo, but there are some foods that they complement. This style matches up nicely with chicken, spicy foods, barbecued meats, nacho chips and salsa, and smoked foods. Marzen isn’t as versatile as other styles of beer and it doesn’t pair that well with many flavors/varieties of food. Final Thoughts: I like most all varieties of beer. I like the light, the dark, the medium- bodied, and the full- bodied. But, if I had to name my favorite styles of beer, marzen would not be found on my list. I wouldn’t put this style at the very bottom of my taste- preference ranking, but it would be very close. Marzen beers are decent for the fall season and some of them are very interesting. I have tasted some very bad examples of this style over the years, and maybe these bad experiences are what are responsible for turning me off to this style. Would I turn down a bottle of marzen? Probably not. As a lover of malt beverage, I feel it’s a cardinal sin to turn down free beer. And most marzen/oktoberfest styles are made by reputable craft brewers, so they do have some redeeming qualities. When the fall season rolls around, try a glass of marzen/oktoberfest and see what you think. You might like it, and you might hate it. But whatever emotions you feel, remember that Josef Sedlmayr is smiling down on you!  |
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