Vienna Märzen

The classic amber to red lager that was originally brewed in Austria in the 19th century has come to be known as the Vienna style. These are reddish-amber with a very malty, toasted character and a hint of sweetness. This style of beer was adapted by the Munich brewers and in their hands has a noted malty sweetness and toasted flavor with a touch more richness. The use of the term “Märzen”, which is German for March, implies that the beer was brewed in March and lagered for many months. On a label, the words “fest Märzen” or “Oktoberfest” generally imply the Vienna style. Oktoberfest beers have become popular as September seasonal brews among U.S. craft brewers, though they are not always classic examples of the German or Austrian style.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range	Quality Band
96-100 points	Platinum
90-95 points	Gold
85-90 points	Silver
80-84 points	Bronze
Less than 80	Not Recommended

Legend

= Brewpub
ABV = Alcohol by volume
Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

93 Volksfestbier, Privatbrauerei Hofmühl (Germany). 5.6% ABV (10/10)
Golden amber color. Integrated aromas of salty deviled egg, tortilla chip, and dried citrus with a seamlessly carbonation dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, honeyed apple and nut accented finish. A delicious, appetizing fest beer.

93 Hofbräu Oktoberfest, Hofbräuhaus München (Germany). 6.3% ABV (10/10)
Bright golden color. Rich aromas of omelet and fresh baguette with a round, chewy dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, sumptuous honeyed citrus and grass accented finish. A delicious, classic märzen.

92 Vienna, Theresianer (Italy). 5.3% ABV (10/10)
Deep amber color. Roasted whole corn and chestnuts, faint pork rind and chalky clay aromas with a round, supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a long, quenching edamame and hay accented finish. Super table friendly and quaffable; bring on the sausages!

92 Oktoberfest, Lake Superior Brewing (MN). 5.96% ABV (11/09)
Pure copper color. Fruity caramel yogurt and raisin toast aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with sweet roasted grain and toasted pastry notes in fine balance. Finishes with a long, citrusy, earthy, grassy hop accented fade. A delicious version of Oktoberfest that will work great on the holiday table.

92 Oktoberfest, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 5% ABV (10/10)
Pale amber color. Aromas of lemon bread, salted nuts, and orange jelly with a crisp, vibrant and frothy dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a nicely astringent nutskin, honey, and citrusy, earthy hop smack.

92 Oktoberfest Lager, Capital Brewery (WI). 5.5% ABV (11/09)
Rich amber color. Aromas of peach danish and orange marmalade on toast follow through on a round, crisp entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with custard notes. Finishes with a long, interplay of sweet citrus pastry and grassy earthy hop notes. Excellent style and drinkability.

92 Brooklyn Oktoberfest, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 5.5% ABV (10/10)
Deep copper color. Aromas and flavors of dark roasted chestnuts, light molasses and mocha with a round, supple dry-yet-fruity medium body and a honeyed pumpernickel toast, dried pear, and water chestnut accented finish. A sturdy, refreshing fest beer.

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