Clawhammer
Highland Brewing


Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Highland Brewing
- North Carolina, United States
- Style:
- Lager - Märzen
Ranked #252 - ABV:
- 5%
- Score:
- 82
Ranked #25,583 - Avg:
- 3.64 | pDev: 12.36%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Sep 26, 2021
- Added:
- Sep 30, 2008
- Wants:
- 15
- Gots:
- 60
SCORE
82
Good
82
Good


Notes:
Bavarian-inspired. Asheville-made. This Märzen lager is smooth and well-rounded with toasty malt character.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.43 by markallmon from Tennessee on Sep 26, 2021
3.88/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by jeffdr123 from Florida
On tap at the Universal Joint in Clayton
This might be one of the prettiest beers ever. A cross between honey and a new penny. Plenty of malt but enough astringent taste to keep it interesting. A good beer to have on hand for friends who don't usually drink craft beer
Sep 26, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by jeffdr123 from Florida
On tap at the Universal Joint in Clayton
This might be one of the prettiest beers ever. A cross between honey and a new penny. Plenty of malt but enough astringent taste to keep it interesting. A good beer to have on hand for friends who don't usually drink craft beer
Sep 26, 2021
3.75/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by arizcards from North Carolina
Picked up a sixer from the Fresh Market in Hendersonville 8-13-21 for $8.49. Filled 7-8-21; consumed the first bottle 8-22-21.
Beer poured a deep copper with a beautiful white head that has some very good hang time.
Nose has hints of toast and white bread.
Tasted is a classic toasted malt base leading to a mixed grain bread base. Finishes well balanced with use of Nobel hops.
Mouthfeel has a very nice lager creaminess, is light to medium bodied.
Overall glad i picked this up as it is scratching the marten itch!
Aug 22, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by arizcards from North Carolina
Picked up a sixer from the Fresh Market in Hendersonville 8-13-21 for $8.49. Filled 7-8-21; consumed the first bottle 8-22-21.
Beer poured a deep copper with a beautiful white head that has some very good hang time.
Nose has hints of toast and white bread.
Tasted is a classic toasted malt base leading to a mixed grain bread base. Finishes well balanced with use of Nobel hops.
Mouthfeel has a very nice lager creaminess, is light to medium bodied.
Overall glad i picked this up as it is scratching the marten itch!
Aug 22, 2021
4.2 by TheWindProf from Oklahoma on Aug 14, 2021
4.25 by lagrluvr on Jul 30, 2021
3.5 by Chipwells from Georgia on Feb 02, 2021
3.24/5 rDev -11%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25
by jjamadorphd from Florida
A decent oktoberfest...
A visually stunning beer, the perfect burnt orange color I have ever laid my eyes upon with a frothy head to boot. The mouthfeel was full-bodied, very crisp, and slightly astringent, but nothing overly distracting. The rest of it, well, was okay. Even so, this is a decent marzen that represents the style solid enough.
Oct 30, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25
by jjamadorphd from Florida
A decent oktoberfest...
A visually stunning beer, the perfect burnt orange color I have ever laid my eyes upon with a frothy head to boot. The mouthfeel was full-bodied, very crisp, and slightly astringent, but nothing overly distracting. The rest of it, well, was okay. Even so, this is a decent marzen that represents the style solid enough.
Oct 30, 2020
3.62 by Jcarriglio from Florida on Oct 11, 2020
4.02 by khargro2 from Tennessee on Oct 04, 2020
3.31/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by Nass from Florida
The pour is similar to a clean & new copper penny in the dimple mug with a moderate flow of carbonation. The taste is pecans, brown bread crust, & faint hops. The flavor notes in the beer are a little on the mild side & need to come out more. Cheers! B-
Oct 04, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by Nass from Florida
The pour is similar to a clean & new copper penny in the dimple mug with a moderate flow of carbonation. The taste is pecans, brown bread crust, & faint hops. The flavor notes in the beer are a little on the mild side & need to come out more. Cheers! B-
Oct 04, 2020
3.92 by Curt3 from New Jersey on Sep 30, 2020
3.64 by Aquatherm_SE from Alabama on Sep 25, 2020
3.98/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4
by k1001001 from Tennessee
Just drank this beer in my quest to find as many Oktoberfest / marzen lagers as possible. This one has been the most unique so far. There's a bit of a umami tasting note in there, rather than the very sweet stereotypical marzen taste. Definitely would try again. I tend to like the German breweries in this class but this is a good American one.
Sep 11, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4
by k1001001 from Tennessee
Just drank this beer in my quest to find as many Oktoberfest / marzen lagers as possible. This one has been the most unique so far. There's a bit of a umami tasting note in there, rather than the very sweet stereotypical marzen taste. Definitely would try again. I tend to like the German breweries in this class but this is a good American one.
Sep 11, 2020
3.55/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by jkblr from Indiana
12oz bottle FILLED 07/28/20 ( about a month old) poured into a mug at fridge temp 5% ABV. The beer pours bright light copper in color with khaki head. The head recedes to a thin cap. The aroma is mild with caramel malt. The taste is surprisingly light for the color. A little malt up front and only in the aftertaste does the toasted, and to a lesser extent, the caramel come through. Minimal bitterness. The mouthfeel is thin to medium bodied with average carbonation and a mostly dry finish. Overall, great amber lager & good festbeer in the since that it's very drinkable. Not as complex with the malts as one may hope, but tasty, clean and nicely dry.
Aug 25, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by jkblr from Indiana
12oz bottle FILLED 07/28/20 ( about a month old) poured into a mug at fridge temp 5% ABV. The beer pours bright light copper in color with khaki head. The head recedes to a thin cap. The aroma is mild with caramel malt. The taste is surprisingly light for the color. A little malt up front and only in the aftertaste does the toasted, and to a lesser extent, the caramel come through. Minimal bitterness. The mouthfeel is thin to medium bodied with average carbonation and a mostly dry finish. Overall, great amber lager & good festbeer in the since that it's very drinkable. Not as complex with the malts as one may hope, but tasty, clean and nicely dry.
Aug 25, 2020
3.46 by BeardedWalrus from North Carolina on Aug 12, 2020
3.85 by Hefsbeercaps from Ohio on Dec 24, 2019
3.6/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Buckeye55 from North Carolina
Pours a clear dark gold color with full off-white head. Aroma is a mix of spice, hops and a bready hint. Taste is spicy/sweet, with a mild bitter component. Just shy of medium mouthfeel and a slightly bitter aftertase. Above average, just a smidgen above halfway between average and outstanding
Nov 08, 2019
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Buckeye55 from North Carolina
Pours a clear dark gold color with full off-white head. Aroma is a mix of spice, hops and a bready hint. Taste is spicy/sweet, with a mild bitter component. Just shy of medium mouthfeel and a slightly bitter aftertase. Above average, just a smidgen above halfway between average and outstanding
Nov 08, 2019
4.14/5 rDev +13.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4
by ATL6245 from Georgia
Appearance: Clear, brilliant medium amber with off white head, excellent retention.
Aroma: Herbal/spicy, grainy
Flavor and aftertaste: Herbal, spicy, bready with restrained bitterness. Moderately sweet.
Palate: Medium body, soft, rounded medium length finish.
Overall: An excellent Marzen. Produces a perfect clear pour with creamy off white head exhibiting very good retention. Hallertau Mittlefrueh & Spalt select hops. Malt forward aromas of toast & graininess with herbal/spicy hops aroma. Starts a little sweet but finishes nice and dry. Traditional bready, toast flavors with nice herbal/spicy hops. Touch of bitterness start to finish for some balance. Definitely one of the better American made Marzens. Very close to style, except ABV is just below 5.8% to 6.3%. Rated versus category. Highly recommend.
Oct 04, 2019
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4
by ATL6245 from Georgia
Appearance: Clear, brilliant medium amber with off white head, excellent retention.
Aroma: Herbal/spicy, grainy
Flavor and aftertaste: Herbal, spicy, bready with restrained bitterness. Moderately sweet.
Palate: Medium body, soft, rounded medium length finish.
Overall: An excellent Marzen. Produces a perfect clear pour with creamy off white head exhibiting very good retention. Hallertau Mittlefrueh & Spalt select hops. Malt forward aromas of toast & graininess with herbal/spicy hops aroma. Starts a little sweet but finishes nice and dry. Traditional bready, toast flavors with nice herbal/spicy hops. Touch of bitterness start to finish for some balance. Definitely one of the better American made Marzens. Very close to style, except ABV is just below 5.8% to 6.3%. Rated versus category. Highly recommend.
Oct 04, 2019
3.67 by Kdouble from Tennessee on Sep 22, 2019
4.6/5 rDev +26.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Clemson_OB from South Carolina
One of the better Marzens I've had, definitely worth buying a few!
Sep 21, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Clemson_OB from South Carolina
One of the better Marzens I've had, definitely worth buying a few!
Sep 21, 2019
4.16/5 rDev +14.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
by Purpleazaleas from South Carolina
from a bottle, pours a clear golden red amber with a creamy persistent head, mildly hoppy fragrance, first taste is slightly sweet and malty with a final clean finish of light hops, nicely balanced, a very lovely Oktoberfest
Sep 14, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
by Purpleazaleas from South Carolina
from a bottle, pours a clear golden red amber with a creamy persistent head, mildly hoppy fragrance, first taste is slightly sweet and malty with a final clean finish of light hops, nicely balanced, a very lovely Oktoberfest
Sep 14, 2019
3.85/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ArchimedesSox from Georgia
A: Clear copper color, 1/2 inch off white head, decent lacing
S: Caramel, earthy hops
T: Sweet malts, caramel, honey, bitter hop balance, earthy
M: Light to medium
O: Really good representation of the style.
May 22, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ArchimedesSox from Georgia
A: Clear copper color, 1/2 inch off white head, decent lacing
S: Caramel, earthy hops
T: Sweet malts, caramel, honey, bitter hop balance, earthy
M: Light to medium
O: Really good representation of the style.
May 22, 2019
3.1/5 rDev -14.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by bellce0 from Georgia
Quite drinkable, but in need of a little more look, taste, and smell (complexity).
Nov 25, 2018
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by bellce0 from Georgia
Quite drinkable, but in need of a little more look, taste, and smell (complexity).
Nov 25, 2018
3.75 by paulish from New York on Nov 23, 2018
3.73/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
Poured from 12oz bottle into glass. Bottling date is stamped as '08/22/2018'.
Clear, medium amber colored body. Skiff of head upon pouring hangs around as an interrupted island and ring. No lacing.
Aroma of toasted malts and very slightly sour grassy hops.
Taste of toasted malts and grassy/floral hops. Has a very slightly sour flavor at the end. No bitterness.
Medium mouth feel. Good carbonation.
This is certainly in the wheelhouse of fest Marzen beer, but it is a little more harsh/not as smooth as others of its style. I would drink one of these and then go on to another version/brand.
Oct 24, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
Poured from 12oz bottle into glass. Bottling date is stamped as '08/22/2018'.
Clear, medium amber colored body. Skiff of head upon pouring hangs around as an interrupted island and ring. No lacing.
Aroma of toasted malts and very slightly sour grassy hops.
Taste of toasted malts and grassy/floral hops. Has a very slightly sour flavor at the end. No bitterness.
Medium mouth feel. Good carbonation.
This is certainly in the wheelhouse of fest Marzen beer, but it is a little more harsh/not as smooth as others of its style. I would drink one of these and then go on to another version/brand.
Oct 24, 2018
3.84 by leprechaunandfatman from Ohio on Oct 13, 2018
3.75 by atlbravsrno1 from New Hampshire on Oct 12, 2018
3.69 by cnealc from North Carolina on Oct 07, 2018
4.35 by M3rk22 from Georgia on Sep 21, 2018
4.24/5 rDev +16.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by barreldregs from South Carolina
This beer was very pleasing overall. It was in the center of the scores that would make me suggest it to friends.
Aug 30, 2018
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by barreldregs from South Carolina
This beer was very pleasing overall. It was in the center of the scores that would make me suggest it to friends.
Aug 30, 2018
3.5 by 1971bernat from Virginia on Jan 01, 2018
3.57 by WillieThreebiers from Connecticut on Dec 24, 2017
3.34 by kcrumle18 from South Carolina on Nov 14, 2017
4.48/5 rDev +23.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by SmokySignals from North Carolina
12 oz. bottle, FILLED ON 7/13/19 - printed on bottle clearly - HOW IT'S DONE! Poured into a mug.
looks- Orange clear and beautiful, nice foamy tan head hang around long enough...
Smell - malts, and autumnal, straw, wood
TASTE - malty, almost balanced, lightly sweet
Like most beers, it gets more focused and crisp out of a bottle or can. Sometimes brewers intend it to be enjoyed that way.
Oct 17, 2017
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by SmokySignals from North Carolina
12 oz. bottle, FILLED ON 7/13/19 - printed on bottle clearly - HOW IT'S DONE! Poured into a mug.
looks- Orange clear and beautiful, nice foamy tan head hang around long enough...
Smell - malts, and autumnal, straw, wood
TASTE - malty, almost balanced, lightly sweet
Like most beers, it gets more focused and crisp out of a bottle or can. Sometimes brewers intend it to be enjoyed that way.
Oct 17, 2017
3.24 by Mojopin88 from Mississippi on Sep 17, 2017
3.74 by TheRock7755 from Georgia on Sep 16, 2017
3.93 by StoutAtTheDevil from Alabama on Sep 15, 2017
2.97/5 rDev -18.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
by CBlack85 from South Carolina
Poured from a bottle into a dimpled mug
The beer pours a slightly hazy, orange/amber color. A vigorous pour yielded a fluffy white head that dissipated quickly, leaving behind little to no lacing
The aroma is faint and fairly typical of the American versions of this style, mostly sweet maltiness with a generic hoppy undertone.
The flavor is bready, and overly sweet with a grassy hop bitterness. A bit light for the style and overly carbonated. Somewhat one dimensional, and underwhelming.
Overall, I am not terribly impressed with this beer. No where near as good as its German counterparts...
Aug 11, 2017
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
by CBlack85 from South Carolina
Poured from a bottle into a dimpled mug
The beer pours a slightly hazy, orange/amber color. A vigorous pour yielded a fluffy white head that dissipated quickly, leaving behind little to no lacing
The aroma is faint and fairly typical of the American versions of this style, mostly sweet maltiness with a generic hoppy undertone.
The flavor is bready, and overly sweet with a grassy hop bitterness. A bit light for the style and overly carbonated. Somewhat one dimensional, and underwhelming.
Overall, I am not terribly impressed with this beer. No where near as good as its German counterparts...
Aug 11, 2017
4.08 by anthony-s from New Jersey on Feb 05, 2017
3.79 by Jerid from Florida on Dec 31, 2016
Clawhammer from Highland Brewing
Beer rating:
82 out of
100 with
343 ratings