marzen

Märzen, also referred to as Märzenbier, is a traditional lager beer that originated in Bavaria, Germany. The name Märzen derives from the German word for March, reflecting its historical brewing season.

Historically, Märzen was brewed in March and stored in cool cellars or caves to age through the summer. This lagering method produced a beer that could be preserved and shipped before the warmer months, and it became associated with autumn festivals, notably Oktoberfest.

The style is characterized by a malt-forward profile. Märzen typically presents an amber to copper color, with flavors and aromas of toasty bread, biscuit, and caramel. Hops provide a modest bitterness that supports the malt character rather than overpowering it. The body is usually medium to full, and the alcohol content commonly ranges from about 5% to 6.5% ABV, though variants may vary.

In modern brewing, Märzen remains a traditional and widely produced style in Germany and abroad. Many breweries associate the Oktoberfest beer with the Märzen tradition, though contemporary interpretations can differ in color and malt emphasis. Some examples align with Vienna-style Märzen characteristics, while others offer darker or lighter renditions within the same general framework.

Märzen reflects the historical Bavarian brewing calendar and the practical considerations of Lager fermentation and maturation, serving as a bridge between late-winter brewing heritage and autumn festival culture.