American-Style Maerzen/Oktoberfest – North American Origin Lager Styles

American-Style Maerzen/Oktoberfest Style

  • Color: Pale to reddish brown
  • Clarity: Chill haze should not be present
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Sweet maltiness should be present, expressed as a light toasted character. Bready or biscuity malt aroma and flavor is acceptable. Low level caramel attributes are acceptable.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Low to medium-low exhibiting herbal, grass-like, spicy, floral or citrus attributes
  • Perceived Bitterness: Medium-low to medium
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters and diacetyl should not be present
  • Body: Medium
  • Additional notes: The American version of this classic German beer is distinguished by a more pronounced hop character.

American-Style Maerzen/Oktoberfest Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.050-1.060 (12.4-14.7 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.012-1.020 (3.1-5.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 4.0%-4.7% (5.1%-6.0%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 20-30
  • Color SRM (EBC) 4-15(8-30 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Lager Styles – North American Origin Lager Styles – American-Style Maerzen/Oktoberfest