A Märzen is a lager traditionally brewed in March (März) that was stored in cellars or cool caves during the summer, then served during autumn festivals, such as Oktoberfest. It is an amber-red adaptation of a Vienna-style lager credited to Josef Sedlmayr in 1871. As a beer brewed for special occasions, Märzen is typically higher in alcohol than everyday lager.
Russell’s Märzen is the second release in their new small-batch Brewmaster Series. It is a medium-bodied, lightly carbonated, clear copper brew with an off-white head. A moderate, toasted malt aroma underlies a dominant herbal hop character, which is also reflected in the flavour. An initial malty sweetness quickly fades into a sharp bitterness that finishes with lingering earthy dryness.
Normally Märzen is a malty style that is smooth and clean, but not strongly sweet or heavy, like a Salvator Doppelbock. As the Russell tends to the bitter side, I would pair it with fish & chips, meat pies, burgers, and English cheeses, such as cheddar and Derby.
Brewer: Russell Brewing Company
ABV: 5.5%
Category: European Amber Lager, Oktoberfest
Appearance: 3.5
Aroma: 3.5
Flavour: 3.5
Mouthfeel: 3.5
Overall: 3.5
Score: 17.5/25
Availability: limited quantity of 650ml bottles in better Vancouver private beer & wine stores, such as 16th Street Liquor Store, Brewery Creek, Darby’s, Firefly, and Viti. To Russell’s credit, they stamp the date of bottling to indicate freshness.
~ RG
