BJCP 6A · Amber Malty European Lager

Märzen

An elegant, malty German amber lager with toasted bread and bread crust, moderate bitterness and a clean, dry finish. The classic Oktoberfest beer.

Märzen by the numbers

Alcohol (ABV): 5.6 – 6.3%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
Bitterness: 18 – 24 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
Color: 8 – 17 SRM16–33 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
Original gravity: 1.054 – 1.060on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
Final gravity: 1.010 – 1.014on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040

From the palest to the darkest shade the style allows.

What Märzen is like

An amber lager with rich, elegant malt, toasted bread and crust flavors, and a clean, dry finish that invites another sip. The malt sweetness is balanced without needing assertive hops.

Appearance

Orange-amber to reddish copper, bright. Creamy, long-lasting off-white head.

Aroma

Munich and Vienna malt with toasted bread and bread crust, without strong caramel or dark roast. Low to no hops.

Flavor

Toasty, bready malt up front, moderate bitterness for balance and a dry finish with lingering malt flavor. It shouldn't be sweet or have noticeable caramel.

Mouthfeel

Medium body, creamy, and medium carbonation. Smooth.

Where Märzen comes from

Before refrigeration, Bavarian brewers made a slightly stronger beer in March and stored it in cold caves through the summer. Spaten developed the modern amber version in the 19th century, and it was the Oktoberfest beer until golden Festbier displaced it.

Ingredients

Munich and Vienna malts over a pilsner base, with little or no caramel malt. German noble hops and a clean German lager yeast. It's traditionally decoction mashed.

Brew it yourself

How to brew Märzen at home

The bread crust flavor comes from Munich and Vienna malt, not from caramel: use lots of Munich and almost no crystal. A single decoction adds complexity. Ferment at 9-11 °C (48-52 °F), do a diacetyl rest and lager cold for six to eight weeks; carbonate to about 2.5 volumes. The typical mistake is a sweet, cloying beer.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roast chicken, grilled sausages or pizza.

Glassware: beer mug (stein), big and with a handle, as in German and Czech beer halls.

Classic examples

Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen
Hacker-Pschorr Original Oktoberfest
Weltenburger Kloster Anno 1050

Frequently asked questions

How strong is Märzen?

Between 5.6% and 6.3% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.

How bitter is Märzen?

It has 18 to 24 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.

What color is Märzen?

Amber to light brown: 8 to 17 SRM (16 to 33 EBC).

What food pairs well with Märzen?

Pairs well with roast chicken, grilled sausages or pizza.

Which styles are similar?

If you like it, also try Festbier, Vienna Lager and International Amber Lager.

If you like Märzen, try these

BJCP 4B