Judge’s Review: 85 Rating – Stiegl Goldbräu by Stiegl

Märzen | Year-Round | Austria

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 85
Aroma: 19
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 34
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 16

Stiegl Goldbräu by Stiegl​ is an Austrian vollbier (generic moderate alcohol beer) and is being evaluated as a Munich Helles (category 4A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines).  Munich Helles are golden lagers with a moderate pils malt character with a slight hop presence throughout. Per Stiegl’s website, Goldbräu is a “traditional Salzburg beer”.
Goldbräu pours golden in color, is crystal clear, and sports a big, fluffy white head.  The aroma is moderate toasty and grainy malt with a slightly lower level of spicy and herbal hops.  The flavor has a similar profile as the aroma with just a hint of sweetness.  The beer finishes moderately bitter with a lingering light toasty and grainy malt with a dry, crisp, and clean finish.
Goldbräu is a cleanly fermented lager that has a very refreshing character and a crisp, clean finish.  But, while Goldbräu has the traditional balance between malt and hops for a Munich Helles, the malt character lacks a little depth and the grainy character is slightly harsh.  Prost!