What is a Märzenbier?

Fall is right around the corner and if you haven’t heard of Märzenbier, now is the perfect time to try one! Although the word “Märzenbier” is German for “March beer”, this style of beer was typically enjoyed in the fall. In the mid 19^th century when this beer style was named, there was no refrigeration and brewing used to end in the Spring before it got too warm. These March-brewed beers were then stowed in cold caves until they were drunk in late summer and fall. Thankfully, our modern-day brewing equipment allows us to brew all year long! 

Märzenbier is an amber-colored lager that traces its roots back to Bavaria. Today, it remains one of the most popular beer styles in Austria and makes up the majority of the country’s beer production. Although a typical German Märzen is full-bodied, amber, and malty, Austria’s version is lighter colored, milder in malt, and lower in alcohol.  

The brewers at Buoy took inspiration from Austria’s Märzen style for this year’s latest release. 

“The inspiration for this beer was from a certain lager in the Salzburg area of Austria,” says Head Brewer Matt Jones. “It has a great floral and honey aroma complemented by a good mid-palette body and a crisp finish. We tried to do the same using a blend of Vienna and Pilsner malts and a blend of noble hops.” 

The result is a light-colored, medium-bodied Märzen with a toasty, slightly sweet malt character and a balanced, subtle bitterness that pairs well with anything from wiener schnitzel to goulash to frankfurters, and more. 

Märzenbiers vs. Festbiers 

While both of these beer styles hail from Germany and are popular choices once the weather cools down, there are a few slight differences.  

Märzenbiers are golden or amber in color, medium-bodied, with a maltier profile and mild to moderately bitter. Festbiers are lighter in color than Märzens and tend to have a slightly hoppier, more floral flavor and less malty sweetness. 

Where Can I find Buoy’s Märzenbier? 

Buoy’s Märzenbier is available in 12oz cans and on draft throughout our distribution area wherever they carry our Rotating Lager Series. Tag us when you share yourself enjoying this crisp classic!