Märzen

Since first opening in Palo Alto in 1988, Gordon Biersch has grown into an international brewing powerhouse. Despite the growth, Gordon Biersch has remained committed to crafting exemplary German-style beers and maintaining an unwavering devotion to quality. Brewed in the true Oktoberfest tradition, Gordon Biersch Märzen boasts an aroma of intricately woven threads of warm toast, sweet caramel, and spicy Hallertau hops. Rick enjoyed the concentrated caramel and sugar aromas, likening them to “a warm, fresh glazed donut,” yet felt the hops fall prey to the nose’s powerful maltiness. Lee, however, thought the spicy hop notes of nutmeg and allspice “tamed the malt sweetness” and the overall aroma reminded him of a “warm village bakery.” Glowing a rich, scintillating copper color, this brilliantly clear beer mounts a creamy, mousse-like head that simply refuses to surrender. Flavors of savory caramel and lightly toasted bread lead off, followed by soft hop bitterness and surprisingly dry finish. Tim lauded the beer’s deft balance of hop bitterness and deep malt sweetness, thoroughly enjoying the “silky viscosity of the sweet malt backbone.” Tucked beneath the upfront maltiness, Tim found some tantalizing hop flavors of lavender and fresh white pepper. Brewed year round, Gordon Biersch Märzen is a satisfying beer, equally comfortable at a family picnic or in the company of a gourmet dinner.