3 Point Beer Review: Pedal Haus Oktoberfest Märzen

I struggle with Oktoberfest Märzen. I really want to like the American versions. Generally, I don't care for them. They seem to be too malty, too carmel forward, way too much Caramel & Munich malts. Overall I prefer the lighter Festbier, which can be just as malt forward (or even more) and elegant as the Märzen.

For me there are a few Gold Standard European Märzen Beers:

• Hacker-Pschorr OktoberfestBier - Dry and snappy, delightful bitter finish

• Spaten Oktoberfest Ur-Märzen - Smooth and polished, hard to find lately

• Ayinger Oktoberfest Märzen - More sweet and Malt-forward likely due to their house yeast

So I went in with a positive attitude, knowing how well these guys make their lagers at Pedal Haus. I have to say, this year's version from Pedal Haus is right there in the arena with the big boys. It had a lovely malt character, like pumpernickel bread, and the noble hops were present both in the aroma and flavor. It has a decent minerality for the style and it was very refreshing. This could easily be enjoyed by the liter! I wonder what the terminal gravity is?

I am hoping to do a blind taste test this year to see if we can pick out the different breweries and rank them:

• Hacker-Pschorr OktoberfestBier

• Ayinger Oktoberfest Märzen

• Pedal Haus Märzen

• Hundred Mile Oktoberfest Bier

More updates coming soon....