30 Seconds to Marzen
Southern Swells Brewing Company

This beer. F’ing amazing marzen. Lower ABV than traditional marzen, which is way fine by me, but just as well hopped as a traditional marzen. This is no malty Octoberfest beer. Its the real deal. And fabulous.

I know these guys are celebrated (and well deserved) for their NeIPAs. But this lager. F’ing amazing. Stylistically better than the IPAs. Really. (bonus points, the Swells crew were great about being willing to do a slow pour of this beer, which makes a big difference).

Pours a copper color with an off white head that fades quickly leaving a trace of foam around the glass and a small amount of lacing.

Smell is caramel and biscuit malts with some white bread.

Taste is slightly sweet and malty with bread and caramel, just a hint of floral hop to ballance things out.

Medium mouthfeel with perfect carbonation.

Overall a really good rendition of an Octoberfest beer.

On-tap at the brewery. Happy to see they make a proper seasonal beer and can branch out from the hazy hoppy beers. Looks, smells, and tastes like a well-done Marzen! Body and feel are a bit thin. Overall, a tasty lager that I would gladly drink again.

I tried this beer at the brewery. It poured a clear amber with white head that left a spotty lace. The scent had hints of bread and sweet malt. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with caramel malt base and biscuit flare. The mouthfeel was lighterin body with good carbonation. Overall its a solid beer.

On tap at the brewery.
Look: Clear copper body with a fairly weak head.
Feel: Medium body and carbonation.
Flavor: Excellent flavor and aroma that are true to style.