Märzen

Märzens are classic German beers characterized by a medium body and broad range of color. Oktoberfest beers are a subset of the style which range from golden to reddish brown. The flavor of both is dominated by a sweet maltiness, though there is a clean bitterness from hops. Malt character is typically light-toasted rather than strongly caramel. The aroma and flavor from malt is sometimes bread-like.

The North American style of this classic German beer is distinguished by a comparatively greater degree of character from hops, with some bitterness which is not aggressive or harsh.

Commercial examples include Spaten Ur-Märzen and Paulaner Oktoberfest. North American commercial examples include Staghorn Octoberfest and Widmer Brothers Oktoberfest.

Based on the industry definition published by the Association of Brewers.