456 MARZEN ~ NEUSTADT SPRINGS BREWERY

Sampled on draught this märzen poured a slightly hazy coppery- amber with an ample dense white head. The bubbles had good retention and a little left lacing as it receded into a cap and collar. The nose had lots of grainy malts, caramel and an earth sweetness, a hint of hops, subtle spice, a touch of citrus and ripe fruits. The taste too, was malt driven with hints of caramel, citrus, fruit and spice. The finish has a lovely balance of piny and grassy earthy hops, going a sweet and bitter aftertaste. The mouthfeel was smooth and medium bodied and the carbonation was average. This is a little happier than märzens usually are, making for a robust and tasty beverage.

5.8% from Neustadt, Ontario

SÄGEMEHL STADT ~ SAWDUST CITY

It is that time of year again, days get shorter, nights get colder and beers get darker. Sägemehl Stadt is Sawdust City’s marzen/festbeir. Sampled on draught, the beer poured a clear dark amber, with a moderate blanket of cream coloured foam. The head didn’t stick around but did leave nice lacing as it receded. The nose had some floral and herbal notes along with malts, caramel, and toasted bread. The flavour is light with notes of caramel, toasted grain, tree fruit, mild nuttiness and light earthiness hop bitterness. This one is a little sweeter than others I have had, I would have preferred more leafy hop bitterness. Mouthfeel was on the thin side and the carbonation was lazy. Pleasant enough, bit just didn’t hit the mark for me.
5% from Gravenhurst, Ontario 30 IBU

OAKTOBERFEST ~ BLACK OAK BREWING CO.

Oaktoberfest is a seasonal märzen and the only lager Black Oak makes. Sampled on draught the beer pours a slightly hazy rich copper topped with a generous frothy beige. As the head slowly receded it left lovely lacing before settling to a ring around the glass. The nose contained lots of lightly roasted malts, along with grains, cereal, orchard fruits, and caramel. More subtle notes of grass and nuts were also evident as the beer warmed. The taste was malt forward, with notes of caramel, with a spicy herbal grassy bitterness at the finish. The carbonation is medium, as is the body. This is a really nice example of the style. I look forward to having a few.
Märzen beers are made for Oktoberfest. The beer brewed for this occasion were traditionally lagers brewed in March and allowed to ferment slowly over the summer months.
5% from Etobicoke, Ontario

FARM TABLE MÄRZEN ~ BEAU’S

Beau’s Farm Table Märzen is another in their series of Farm Table beers.  The Farm Table Series are beers made with traditional recipes and work to stay true to their style. 

Sampled from a 600 ml bottle, the beer pours a clear coppery orange colour with a light beige head.  Bready malts, grain, subtle herbals and spice, and a distant caramel make up the aroma.  The taste is much like the nose.  Bready malts begin, followed by a very light caramel and a light  to medium hop bitterness with a soupçon of spice.  It has medium carbonation, a good depth of flavour and a clear, crisp finish.  Much enjoyed!

Märzen is a traditional Oktoberfest lager.  It takes it name from March, the month in which it was traditionally brewed.  A Bavarian Law from the 1500’s decreed that beer only be brewed between September 29^th and April 23^rd.    Märzen was brewed in March to be cellared until late summer, to last until new beer could be brewed.    The last of the bottles were served at Oktoberfest celebrations.

5.5% from Vankleek Hills, Ontario       IBU 30

 

Awards:

*Third Place, Lagers, as Night•Märzen (2014 National Organic Craft Beer Competition)

*3rd Overall, as Night•Märzen (2009 National Organic Brewing Challenge, California, USA)

Malts: Munich, Pilsner, Vienna, Caramunich, Carafoam (All Organic)

Hops: Organic Perle

Yeast: German lager