Gordon Biersch Marzen: A great reproduction
Written: Jun 11 '01 (Updated Jun 18 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent German interpretation
Cons: Limited distribution
The Bottom Line: Excellent US-brewed German lager. Mixes sweet malty flavors without being too overwhelming. A must try for lager drinkers and brown ale fans.
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| andaryl's Full Review: Degroen's Marzen |
I was looking for something to watch the Laker game with yesterday. When I sit watching a sporting event like this, I usually get so involved that I can’t take the time to review the beer I’m drinking. So I decided to check out the grocery store in search of a special on Sam Adams or another favorite. My plan was quickly flawed when I saw tow six packs of Gordon Biersch at $4.99. Having previously been listed at $7.25, what choice did I have?
The first beer I will review is the Marzen, the second I will review a little later.
Who is Gordon Biersch?
The name is actually a collaboration of Dan Gordon and Dean Biersch. Despite the name of the latter, it is Dan Gordon who is the real beer expert having worked for Anheuser-Busch, then attending Weihenstephan-the most renowned brewing school in the world, before joining Spaten in Munich.
They got together in 1987, to establish their first brewpub in Palo Alto, south of San Francisco. There are currently 12 of these in the Western States, as well as Hawaii, and they have become known for their food as well as their commitment solely to German-style lagers.
All Gordon Biersch beers adhere to the Reinheitsgebot, Germany’s strictest of beer purity laws. They brew with only the finest ingredients, Hallertauer hops, two-row barley, and yeast imported from Weihenstephan.
Why Lager?
Lager’s brewed in the USA are something of a weak effort, and not viewed favorably. Also the cost of producing lagers has led most microbreweries to stick to traditional ale styles. Well with Gordon Biersch you won’t find pale ales, Hefeweizen, IPA, ESB, stout, or porter like you would at your typical brewpub. With a commitment to German lager, you won’t find the kind of stuff that is brewed en masse and promoted during major sporting events.
The Germans are known for some of the most characterful and complex lagers in the world. This is the inspiration for the Gordon Biersch brewery.
Märzen
Märzen is a lager of Bavarian origin, named after the month (March) in which it is traditionally brewed. It’s also referred to as Oktoberfest, as this is the beer traditionally consumed at the festival, or Vienna beer. The latter phrase is rarely used today.
Tasting Notes
This Märzen pours to a dark orangey amber color, what the brewers call auburn. It’s light in body, lightly carbonated with a small tan head formation. The nose is a little prune-like as part of a strong malty aroma. There’s also a subtle caramel aroma, with only a brief hint of hops.
The mouthfeel is fairly light, but smooth and almost creamy if a lager could reach that point, while the carbonation is only slight. The maltiness characterizes the beer throughout, toffeeish, a little buttery, a deep fruitiness and also a little nuttiness. This rounds out with a slightly hoppy finish, a little roasty and slightly spicy. The aftertaste leaves you pretty much thinking about the malt, but there is a nice subtle dry balance from the hop in the finish.
Verdict
This is an excellent beer, and although it’s a lager it does remind me of a Newcastle Brown, which is some compliment for its character and body. It’s not a beer I could drink every day though as it may become a little too sweet after a while. I certainly have a great newfound respect for this brewery, acquainting us with some of the more adventurous German lagers. This is an excellent variation beer for a lager drinker, and also refreshing for darker ale drinkers.
Availability
I did check out the website, which only makes reference to the Western USA. Also at $7+ for a six-pack it’s slightly expensive. Having tried it once already, I’ll probably only buy it at the ‘on-sale’ price in future.
Food
I enjoyed mine with a steak and baked potato but could also see this as a great gourmet pizza beer. I’ve heard a few good things about the food at their brewpubs, and if you have one in your neighborhood should go and check it out.
Recommended:
Yes
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andaryl
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