Märzen is a bottom-fermented beer style originating from Germany and Austria. It was historically brewed between October and 23 April, with an average alcohol content of 5.8%.
How it is made
Märzen is brewed at temperatures below 10°C, typically 8-9°C. It requires more hops for preservation and is brewed with extra ingredients to ensure it lasts longer than other beer styles.
History
According to the Bavarian Beer Purity Law of 1516, brewing was only permitted from September 29 to April 23 due to fire hazards. Märzen was the last beer brewed before this seasonal break, stored in sealed containers to last through the year.
Types and styles
Märzen is typically a light-colored beer, though dark varieties exist in Franconia. In the United States, it is commonly known as 'Octoberfest'. Voll-Damm is one example of Märzen-style beer.
How it is served
Märzen should be stored in cold, dark places, ideally in deep rock cellars. In Bavaria, chestnut trees were planted above storage cellars to provide shade in summer, leading to the development of beer gardens. The Munich Oktoberfest begins in September to accommodate the beer's six-month storage period.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Мартовское пиво, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Well-known brands
- Voll-Damm (Spain)