Marzen Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Marzen, also known as Marzenbier, is a medium to full-bodied lager that originated in Bavaria, Germany. It is typically brewed in March and ranges in colour from pale to dark brown. Marzen was the official beer of Oktoberfest until the late '80s or early '90s when it was replaced by the lighter-coloured Festbier style. However, Marzen remains widely available and popular in the US, especially during the autumn months. Those looking to purchase Marzen beer can find it at local breweries, beer shops, and online retailers.

Online beer retailers

Marzen, also known as Marzenbier (German for March beer), is a German lager with a medium to full body and a colour that ranges from pale to dark brown. It is often associated with Oktoberfest, and the original Marzen was served at the first-ever Oktoberfest celebration in Munich.

If you're looking to buy Marzen beer online, there are several retailers that can help you out:

• Beer Sniffers: This online beer shop offers a range of craft beers, including Marzen. They provide detailed descriptions of the beer's characteristics, such as colour, flavour, and malt depth, helping you make an informed choice.
• Total Wine & More: With a wide selection of Marzen/Oktoberfest beers available, you can find options like Spaten Oktoberfest Ur Marzen, Paulaner Oktoberfest, and Samuel Adams OctoberFest. Check product availability based on your location and whether you prefer pick-up or delivery.
• GotoLiquorStore: Specialising in German-style Marzen/Oktoberfest beers, they require your location details to show you product pricing and availability in your area.

These online retailers provide convenient options for purchasing Marzen beer, allowing you to explore and enjoy this traditional German brew.

Local breweries

If you're looking to buy Marzen beer, local breweries are a great option. Marzen, also known as Marzenbier, is a German beer style that is typically brewed in March and associated with the autumn season and celebrations like Oktoberfest. Here are some tips on finding Marzen beer at local breweries:

• Seasonality: Marzen is typically a seasonal beer, released around late summer to early autumn. So, you're most likely to find it at local breweries during this time of year. Keep an eye out for brewery announcements or seasonal menus featuring their autumn beer selections.
• Style and Availability: Marzen is often associated with Oktoberfest celebrations, so look for breweries that offer Oktoberfest or seasonal beers. While some breweries may offer Marzen year-round, it's more common to find it during the autumn months. Check brewery websites or social media pages for their current tap lists or seasonal offerings.
• Location: Depending on your location, you may have more or less luck finding Marzen at local breweries. If you're in an area with a strong craft beer culture, you're likely to find a wider variety of beer styles, including seasonal offerings like Marzen. Don't be afraid to call or email the brewery to inquire about their Marzen offerings.
• Try Local Variants: Local breweries often put their unique twist on classic beer styles. When trying to find Marzen, be open to trying local variants that may have slight differences in flavour, colour, or ABV. These variations can make the beer-tasting experience more exciting and showcase the creativity of the local brewers.
• Ask for Recommendations: If you're a regular at your local brewery, don't hesitate to ask the brewers or staff for recommendations. They may have a Marzen-style beer in the works or can point you in the direction of another local brewery that specializes in Marzen or seasonal beers.
• Check Brewery Specials: Keep an eye out for brewery specials, flight nights, or tasting events. These occasions often showcase a variety of beer styles, including seasonal offerings. It's a great way to discover new beers and learn more about the brewing process.

• Flying Dog (Frederick, MD)
• Avery (Boulder, CO)
• Alpine Brewing Company (Oroville, WA)
• Two Roads (Connecticut)
• Great Lakes (Ohio)

Remember, local breweries are a fantastic way to explore and support craft beer culture while discovering unique takes on traditional beer styles like Marzen. Cheers!

Beer speciality shops

If you're looking to buy Marzen beer, beer speciality shops are a great place to start. These stores typically stock a wide range of craft beers, including Marzen, which is a style that originated in Bavaria, Germany.

When visiting a beer speciality shop, you can expect to find Marzen beers in a variety of colours, from pale to amber to dark brown. This is because the term "Marzen" refers to a class of beers, rather than just one style. However, despite the colour variations, you can be sure that any Marzen beer you choose will be a lager, which is the defining characteristic of this beer style.

Speciality beer shops often carry Marzen beers from both large and small breweries, so you can explore different options. Some popular choices include the Paulaner brewery's "Oktoberfest Bier", which is a traditional Marzen from Munich, and the "Egger Marzen" from Austria. If you're in the United States, you might also come across the "Two Roads Ok2berfest" from Connecticut, which is noted for its smooth and drinkable taste.

When shopping for Marzen beer, it's worth keeping in mind that this style is typically associated with autumn and is often served at Oktoberfest celebrations. So, if you're looking to buy Marzen outside of this season, you may find that some speciality beer shops have a more limited selection. However, with the growing popularity of Marzen beers, especially in America, you're likely to find some options available year-round.

Oktoberfest celebrations

Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Germany, during late September and early October. It is the world's largest beer and folk festival, attracting more than six million people annually. The original Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the future King Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the celebration, which included a large feast and horse races. The following year, the horse races were repeated, and so the tradition of an annual October gathering was born.

Over time, the event evolved to include an agricultural fair and a carnival, making it more attractive to families. While the horse races were eventually discontinued, the festival continued to grow, and its association with beer became stronger. Today, the only beer served at the event comes from the original six breweries in Munich, and the celebration is kicked off by the mayor tapping the keg.

Oktoberfest is a celebration of German culture, food, and beer. In addition to a huge selection of beer, visitors can enjoy various attractions such as games, amusement rides, traditional food, and music. The festival is also known for its traditional Bavarian outfits, open-air performances, parades, vendor tents, and carnival rides. The two-week fair typically ends with a boisterous brass band and a gun salute.

The success of the original Oktoberfest in Munich has inspired similar events around the world, particularly in places with large German immigrant populations. Outside of Germany, some of the largest Oktoberfest events are held in Blumenau, Brazil; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; and Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. These events attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and feature a mix of German traditions, food, and beer with local culture.

In the United States, there are several cities that host notable Oktoberfest celebrations. These include Helen, Georgia, a charming town in the Blue Ridge Mountains that resembles a traditional Alpine village; Leavenworth, Washington, a Bavarian village nestled in the Cascades; and Frankenmuth, Michigan, which offers one of the most authentic Oktoberfest experiences in the country. Other cities, such as San Francisco, California, and Chicago, Illinois, also host Oktoberfest celebrations, bringing a taste of German culture and tradition to their local communities.

American vs German Märzen

Märzen, or Märzenbier, is a pale lager that originated in Bavaria. The name, which is German for "March beer", comes from the fact that it was traditionally brewed in March and stored in caves before summer, when brewing lagers became nearly impossible. The original Märzen was brewed dark and strong, using roasted Vienna and/or caramelised Munich malt to prevent flavour changes over the summer.

The style has historically been associated with the change of seasons, the onset of autumn, and the celebrations that take place at that time. It was the beer served at what became the first Oktoberfest—the wedding reception for Bavarian King Ludwig I and Maria Theresa.

During the 18th century, Munich and Vienna embraced the Märzen concept for their provisional beers. However, Vienna brewed ales, while Munich produced bottom-fermented lagerbiers. German Märzen beers vary in colour from pale (Helles Märzen) to amber to dark brown (Dunkles Märzen). The Austrian style is generally lighter in colour, body, and flavour.

Other common names for Märzen include Märzenbier, Wiener Märzen, Festbier, and Oktoberfest bier.

While Märzen may not be as popular in the US as it is in Europe, many American craft brewers are doing interesting things with the style. They are often marketed as Oktoberfest brews in the US.

Frequently asked questions