Marzen
Asheville Brewing Company

First offering sampled from this brewery on a recent visit to Asheville. Upon the first sip, the flavors were noticably less caramelly-malty than most versions, along with a pale-er color and lighter body. The bartender proceeded to explain that this was because their recipe was based on very early Marzen versions of the style; not the ones that were revised, altered, and sent to America. Though I had heard this story before, I think this is the first one of these versions that I have drank. The beer has a noticable maltiness, but more akin to a rich German Pilsner than a melanoidin based caramelized brew. The malts are met with an assertive raw grain quality, that was as much a hinder as a benifit. Ligher body, but very easy to drink. Low on esters and alcohol throughout. Very clean brew that speaks a lot about the brewery. Nevertheless, an enjoyable, session-ale beer.