Wiensfest
Wiens Brewing Company

Handsome light coppery orange brew with a modest cap of foam in the Ommegang chalice. As seems to be typical of Märzens, it doesn't smell like much to me. And If the carbonation was a little creamier it would be quite excellent. However, this is a well made and tasty malty brew.

Warm with roasted malt. I could be convinced it was brewed with a little pumpkin, it has that squashy flavor. Modest hop note and just a little bitter at the finish. A distinct touch of caramel and slightly sweet. The refreshing crisp edge makes for good drinkability. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Bottlecraft in San Diego.

2015 vintage. 4.8% ABV per the label.

Pours a clear dark orange with a foamy tan head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Foamy rings of lace line the glass on the drink down. Smell is of toasted malt, caramel, and nut aromas. Taste is much the same with toast, nut, and caramel flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of toast bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that smells nice, but the flavors are slightly better to me.

Serving type: bottle.

 

One of Wiens' seasonals tackles the traditional marzen style. Served on-tap at the brewery itself in a half-pint serving, on to the beer:

This is an amber colored beer with orange hues and decent head retention and solid lacing. The aroma is very light, but at least some pleasantness is achieved. Light toasted malts make much of the aroma.

This is a light marzen, which could easily be confused as an American amber lager. Although light on the palate with body and flavor (with notes of toasted malt, sweet potato, and a kiss of caramel). However, it's very refreshing and makes a good lighter alternative to the common marzen.