Spaten Oktoberfestbier Ur-Märzen - Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu

Falstaff1642

North Carolina

3.4/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I have to admit, though I'm a hugh Brau fan, Spatan Isn't my favorite brand. It has very good availabilty in my area so I find myself drinking it fairly often. Also, I've had their Oktoberfest at least the last 12 years in a row. All thigs considered I feel it's a better beer than most of the reviews indicate, especially for people new to BA's focus on beer. I can't say I get psyced up to fnd it but I due look forward to seeing it on the shelf every Sept. Think this one is worth trying, again especially if one enjoys the style or is new to it. At least you can find it.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2011 20:03:56 | More by Falstaff1642

Schneidermeister

5/5  rDev +40.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I am well aware I have given this brew the highest ratings I can. If it were possible, I would rate it better than perfect. This authentically styled German Marzenbier is perfect in every way to me. It is one of the select few brews served at the authentic Oktoberfest in Munich, Bavaria, in which the beer served is regulated by location. Only a select few breweries in the city limits of Munich are allowed to serve beer there, and the brews must conform to the age old standard of Reinheitsgebot, or Bavarian Purity Law; very regimented brewing standards set in Bavaria back in the 16th century to conserve wheat and rye for food. This is also a festive seasonal beer, unique in type and in everything else. Marzen is traditionally served only in the fall. Marzen is German for "March," which is when this beer is brewed, and you can tell that this brew is done slow, and done right. The brew is left to ferment and age over the entire summer, and is to be served only during Oktoberfest, when the farmer's toil in the fields is finally paying off, and food is in abundance.

Let's get to the brew. To begin, it is best served ice cold, in a big glass. You want this glass clear as so that your eyes may feast upon the beautiful ruby-bronze hue of this crystal clear brew. The head is a pleasing off-white creamy color, and the lacing is rather sparse, but sticky. Already there's evidence of lots of caramel hops, and just a hint of sugar. The head is thick and creamy and when poured properly, leaves a nice little dome on the rim of your glass. The aroma is absolutely divine. Fresh baked, yeasty bread, and loads of malt, with just the slightest hint of campfire, and a subtle floral note to boot. The hops scent is almost nonexistent, but it will become prevalent with the taste. Oh, the taste. This beer tastes like a properly made, refreshing and satisfying lager. You can almost taste the crisp, early spring air rushing through the Bavarian countryside. The snow is melting, the trees are budding, and life has come back to the home of the world's best beers. It's going to be a good year. The brew ages and ferments very slowly in cool, dark cellars and gains all sorts of flavors. Autumn leaves are a subtle one I taste, along with a slight hint of molasses and toasted marshmallow. The finish is nice and crisp, slightly bitter and tart, but not too hoppy. The hops takes a back seat to all the other flavors found only in Marzen, and is well balanced. Spaten makes a damn good year-round Pilsner Lager, and they love their hops like nothing else. But here, they allow the humble drinker across the Atlantic here in Central Illinois to taste the Bavarian Autumn and its festivities at their fullest, not just Bavaria's prized hops. The craftsmanship blows me away every time. Overall mouthfeel is delectable as well, as this beer is just a tad more filling than most lagers, but hey, it's Oktoberfest! Indulge!

I recommend Spaten Oktoberfestbier Ur-Marzen to anyone who loves a satisfying, decadent beer, but isn't looking for something that's just good on its own. This is beer to be had with a feast, and with friends. Loud, boisterous laughter and hijinks will make this beer all the better. It tastes like a special occasion, so have a festival in your mouth with Oktoberfestbier, and you can bet it'll be a time with good friends you'll talk about for the rest of your life.

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2012 10:23:05 | More by Schneidermeister

MichaelB_in_CO

4.89/5  rDev +37.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

To me, this is *the* beer of my youth. I lived in Bamberg Germany, from 87 to 90, and this beer brings me back to sitting at a bistro on a Saturday afternoon, or swinging and swaying with the locals down in Munchen during OktoberFest.

I'm glad this beer is sold year 'round!!!

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2013 01:46:03 | More by MichaelB_in_CO

medicineman25

Ohio

4/5  rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Very good drinkability and flavor.Good color although not as dark as I remember on tap. First tried at Epcot Center German pavilion. Found here locally. One of my 10 favorites. Slightly malty, more fruity and lively in taste and aroma. One of the better octoberfest beers that I have had although thats not to many.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2006 05:34:50 | More by medicineman25

ttrrooyy19

South Carolina

3.73/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured a copper like, reddish orange with a decent head that quickly dissipated, then simply disappeared to a ring around the glass. Nose is sweet caramel malt with just a little resiny hoppiness
lingering about.

Flavor comes sweet right away, caramel, malty hits at the front, with a fair amount of hoppy astringency, that hangs around on the back of the tongue.

This isn't the best Marzen I've ever had, but it is the first one I buy every year, then measure the rest against it. Would love to try it before it made the trip over.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2009 00:10:52 | More by ttrrooyy19

macx420

New Jersey

3.1/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

This is a great beer if you can get your hands on a fresh stock. The more it sits in a fridge the lower quality of taste and freshness. The golden brown color has that crispy taste that goes down rough. It does have a skunkyness to it, that many others have talked about. I have had this on-tap in Munich and that's where you probably want to drink it. Once it's bottled the taste and freshness get totally ruined.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2010 20:18:44 | More by macx420