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The title of this article contains the character ä. Where it is unavailable, the name may be represented as Maerzen.  Märzen or Märzenbier (German: March beer) is a style of Lager beer.
[edit] HistoryMärzen has its origins in Bavaria, probably before the 16th century. A Bavarian Brauordnung (brewing ordinance) decreed in 1539 that beer may be brewed only between the days of Saint Michael (Michaelmas, 29 September) and Saint George (23 April). The reason for this requirement was the increased danger of fire during the warm and dry summer months. Over the summer months, beer had to be stored in a Lager (storage), in caves or stone cellars, sometimes built into the sides of mountains or hills. Frequently these locations were chosen because there was a pond nearby. During the winter, when the pond had frozen, blocks of ice would be cut and put into the cave or cellar. This was usually possible until the month of March, when the beer was brewed to be stored there for months to come. The entrance to the cellar or cave would also be shielded from sunlight by planting Horse-chestnut or Conker trees in front of it, which have large leaves. Some of these cellars and caves are still in use, primarily in Franconia, as part of beer gardens which are often still shaded by the traditional chestnut trees.[1] The original Märzen was described as "dark brown, full-bodied". As intended, the beer was often kept in the cellar until late in the summer, and remaining bottles were served at the Oktoberfest.[2] In order to last so long, either the original gravity and alcohol were increased or the hopping was strengthened. [edit] DescriptionThe German style is most often characterized by a medium to full body, a malty flavour balance, a wide range of colours, and a clean dry finish, though wide variations are notable amongst German breweries marketing Märzen. Amongst these variations are colors ranging from pale to dark brown.[3] The North American style normally exhibits a stronger, though not aggressive, hop aroma and bitterness balance. The Austrian style closely resembles a Helles in color, body, and flavor balance, and is the most popular beer style in Austria.[4] Common names for Märzen include Märzenbier, Wiener Märzen, Festbier, and Oktoberfestbier. [edit] ProducersMärzen is an extremely popular style in many lager-producing countries, and is produced as a seasonal special (usually for the autumn) by a great many breweries around the world. [edit] Germany
[edit] Austria
[edit] United States
[edit] Other countries[edit] External links
[edit] References
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