A beer rich in malt with a balance of clean, hop bitterness, similar to the Vienna lager. Toasted bread or biscuit-like malt aroma and flavor is to be expected. Originating in Germany, this style was traditionally brewed in the spring (“Marzen” meaning “March”) and aged, or lagered, throughout the summer. A stronger version was served at early Oktoberfest celebrations and became known as Oktoberfest. Today, the festival’s version of an Oktoberfest is quite a bit lighter than what American craft brewers consider an Oktoberfest.
German-Style Marzen / Oktoberfest
Category: Dark Lagers
Food Pairings
- Kielbasa
- Jalapeno Jack
- Coconut Flan
Commercial Examples
- Rhinofest, Lost Rhino Brewing Co.
- Shiner Oktoberfest, Spoetzl Brewery
- Festbier, Victory Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Pale to Reddish Brown
Clarity
Brilliant
Carbonation (Visual)
Medium Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Mild
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are very low to low. Hop bitterness is medium low to medium
Malt
Toast
Esters
Not common to style
Phenols
Not common to style
Sensations
Body
Soft
Carbonation
Medium
Finish Length
Short to Medium
Attenuation
Medium
Ingredients
Hops
German Noble
Malt
Pilsner, Vienna, Munich
Water
Varies
Yeast
Lager
