Hirter Märzen
Brauerei Hirt GmbH

 

Usually Austrian Märzen beers aren't bad and this one is no exception, it's a decent märzen. The only remark I might have is that it has this sudden dry bitter finish in the end that leaves a sticky aftertaste in your mouth, although not yet unpleasant. It is an okay märzen, had much worse before.

 

 

 

 

 

Found in a grocery store outside of Villach in southern Austria. The standard brown half-liter bottle features the features the brewery's trademark parchment colored label with a coat of arms above the name. No list of ingredients. Best before 5/23/09, I opened it on 3/7/09.

Pours a clear copper gold under a one finger snow white head that fades a bit too quickly to patchy film, but does leave a few spots of lace. Nice malty nose with a touch of caramel - very enticing. The mouth is medium-bodied and fairly prickly. Good smooth, slightly sweet and very malty opening with just the slightest hint of orange. The hops do not emerge until very late, after the malt has faded, but then they come on strong. Dry, with an espresso-bite, the bitterness starts very late and lingers long after the swallow. It's almost like two different drinks in one. Very nice rendition of the style. Hirter products are everywhere in Vienna, but they need to introduce this one - it's a winner.