German-Style Maerzen – European Origin Lager Styles

German-Style Maerzen Style

  • Color: Pale to reddish-brown
  • Clarity: Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Bready or biscuity malt aroma and flavor should be present. Sweet maltiness is medium-low to medium and leads to a muted clean hop bitterness. Malt flavors should be of light toast rather than strong caramel. Low level caramel character is acceptable.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Low with attributes typical of noble hop varieties
  • Perceived Bitterness: Medium-low to medium
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters and diacetyl should not be present
  • Body: Medium

German-Style Maerzen 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) 18-25
  • 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 – European Origin Lager Styles – German-Style Maerzen