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BJCP 2021 / 6A

Märzen

A smooth, toasty amber lager with deep bread flavors and a clean finish.

  • Drink fresh
  • standard strength
  • amber color
  • bottom fermented
  • lagered

Serve: 42 to 46F, Half-liter mug

OG1.120
1.054 to 1.060
FG1.030
1.010 to 1.014
IBU120
18 to 24
SRM40
8 to 17
ABV14%
5.6 to 6.3%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Rich toasted bread crust and light caramel
  • Faint spicy or floral hop
  • Clean lager character
Vague
Malty
Better
Toasty malt with a bit of caramel
Best
Moderate-high toasted bread crust and light caramel aroma, very low spicy hop, clean lager yeast

Appearance

3 pts
  • Deep gold to dark amber
  • Brilliant clarity
  • Off-white, lasting head
Vague
Amber
Better
Amber, clear, creamy head
Best
Deep amber with copper highlights, brilliant, off-white head with good retention

Flavor

20 pts
  • Toasted bread and light caramel malt
  • Smooth malt sweetness that never becomes sticky
  • Hop bitterness provides a gentle balance
Vague
Malty
Better
Rich toast and caramel
Best
Moderate-high toasted bread crust and light caramel malt, low spicy hop, moderate bitterness, medium-dry finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Medium body
  • Medium carbonation
  • Smooth and creamy
Vague
Smooth
Better
Medium body and creamy
Best
Medium body, smooth and slightly creamy, medium carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Depth of malt
  • Smoothness

Drops it

  • Cloying sweetness
  • Burnt notes
  • Diacetyl

Writing tip

Describe the toast in terms of bread. Example: 'Bread crust and light caramel, smooth finish with a gentle hop. Clean lagering.'

Pour these

  • Oktoberfest-MärzenAyingerToasty and smooth, a classic example
  • Oktoberfest MärzenHacker-PschorrRounder and slightly sweeter
  • OktoberfestGreat Lakes BrewingA US take with clear toasted malt

Often confused with

Fine here

  • DMS: A trace is tolerated

Ruinous here

  • Diacetyl: Butter in a lager that should be clean
  • Oxidized: Papery and dull
  • Astringent: Harsh husk or roast tannin

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.