andersoni vaskne - märzen

Märzen is a classic beer style that evolved out of necessity. The Bavarian brewing regulations of 1539 prohibited brewing beer during the summer months. This law was enacted because brewing during the warmer half of the year significantly increased the risk of fire. Furthermore, the lack of refrigeration made it impossible to produce bottom-fermented beers in the summer. However, since beer tastes best when the weather is mild and evenings can be spent in beer gardens, a beer was devised that could be kept well into the summer. Märzen was brewed at the last possible time (in March) and, thanks to a higher original gravity, higher alcohol content, and more hops, could be stored for a long time without losing flavor or quality. Today, we no longer rely on natural refrigeration and can brew whenever we like, but Märzen beer has endured. And not only that, it has spread throughout the world and is brewed by breweries all over the globe.

From Anderson's, for example. The Estonian brewery has a fine Märzen in its range, called Andersoni Vaskne. The chestnut-brown brew has an alcohol content of 5.5% and delivers a wonderful balance of delicately melting caramel, candied fruit, and robustly roasted malt.