Are you ready to embark on a brewing adventure that'll transport you straight to Munich? Let's dive into the art of crafting your very own Oktoberfest beer, a classic Märzen that'll have your mates raising their steins in delight!
The Rich History Behind Your Brew
Picture this: it's 1810, and Bavaria's throwing the party of the century to celebrate a royal wedding. Little did they know, they were kicking off a tradition that would span centuries - the Oktoberfest! Fast forward to 1872, and the amber lager we now know as Märzen takes centre stage, reigning supreme until 1990 when its golden cousin, the Festbier, stepped into the spotlight.
Cracking the Märzen Code: Ingredients Matter
Want to nail that authentic Oktoberfest flavour? It's all about top-notch ingredients. If you can get your hands on genuine German malts, you're already halfway there. Here's what you'll need:
- Malt:
- Pilsner malt: Your foundation
- Munich malt: For that irresistible bready character
- Vienna malt: Adding a touch of toasty goodness
- Hops:
- Tettnanger
- Hersbrucker
- Hallertauer Mittelfrueh
These German varieties will give your brew that classic, subtle hop profile.
- Yeast Beast Choose a Bavarian lager yeast like Mangrove Jack's M76. It's the secret weapon for that crisp, clean finish.
The Brewing Blueprint: Patience is a Virtue
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here's your step-by-step guide to Märzen mastery:
- Mash: Aim for 67°C (152°F) and hold steady for 60 minutes. Feeling adventurous? Try a decoction mash for ultimate authenticity!
- Fermentation:
- Chill your wort to a cool 7°C (45°F)
- Pitch your yeast and let it work its magic for 10-14 days
- Drop the temperature to a chilly 4°C (38°F)
- Now, exercise that patience! Let it lager for 6 weeks
The Ultimate Oktoberfest Recipe 23L
Fermentables:
- 3.7 kg Pilsner
- 1.5 kg Light Crystal
- 1.0 kg German Munich
- 0.15 kg CaraVienne
- 0.1 kg Acidulated Malt
Hops:
- 15g Magnum @ 60 mins
- 10g Hallertauer Hersbrucker @ 10 mins
- 10g Hallertauer Hersbrucker @ 0 mins
Target Specs: OG: 1.065 | FG: 1.016 | ABV: 6.37% | IBU: 26.20 | SRM: 10.34
Are you feeling like a Bavarian brewmaster yet? With this recipe and a heap of patience, you'll craft an Oktoberfest beer that'll rival the best that Munich has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your lederhosen, fire up that brewing kettle, and create your own liquid gold!
Prost to your brewing success!
MYO Drinks
Helping you to make your own Great Batch from Scratch.